Dimebag Darrell, August 20, 1966 – December 8, 2004

One of my favorite guitar players of all time is Dimebag Darrell.  He wrote the most amazing riffs and played with an intensity that both paid tribute to his influences and carved out his own style.

My first experiences with his playing were hearing Cowboys From Hell on the radio (back then, radio played some cool shit!).  I also remember seeing the video for "I'm Broken" in L.A. on MTV and was blown away.  I think it was 1996 when I saw Pantera play live in Hawaii.

Today is the anniversary of his death.  I remember going to pick up my son on this day in 2004 and seeing the news that he was shot and killed.  I pay tribute to him every day....  and though I think most people don't even know it, my red beard, Converse shoes and razor blade necklace are all borrowed from Dime.