'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott (46)

'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott
1966-2004
Pantera guitarist
Cause of Death: Shot dead by fan

Dropping the Dime: Largely unknown in the mainstream during his lifetime, death made Abbott suddenly world famous--when he became the first musician ever murdered onstage, shot repeatedly by deranged gunman Nathan Gale in Columbus, Ohio.
Live and Dangerous: As guitarist in Pantera, Abbott was part of one of the most successful hard-rock band of the '90s: The band's 1994 release, Far Beyond Driven, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts and was nearly as instrumental in the demise of hair metal as the advent of grunge.
The Memory Remains: Pantera split in 2001, and Abbott's next band, the somewhat less influential Damageplan, released just one album and dissolved the instant he died. Those wishing to remember Abbott in model form can purchase a commemorative action figure--only 3,333 made at $99 apiece.
My Best Friend's Shredding: David Draiman of Disturbed described the day Abbott was killed as "the 9/11 of rock."