Dimebag Darrell Abbott Inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk

by Staff.

On May 17, 2007, Dimebag Darrell Abott was inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk, the only sidewalk gallery dedicated to honoring those artists who have made a significant impact and lasting contribution to the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll. A bronze bust of Dime was unveiled during the ceremony and will later be installed directly adjacent to other equally accomplished musicians and innovators on the RockWalk such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Van Halen, Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and John Lee Hooker. Among the many on hand to honor Abbott at the ceremony were Ace Frehley, Zakk Wylde, Nick Catanese, Ian Scott, Rita Haney, Kerry King, and John 5 (see photos below).

One of metal’s finest guitar players, Dimebag Darrell Abbott was born on August 20, 1966, in Dallas, Texas, into a musical family (his father was a Country-Western songwriter and producer). Dimebag Darrell’s interest in hard rock and heavy metal began to grow after his discovery of KISS and their guitarist, Ace Frehley. Dime entered numerous guitar competitions in the Dallas area which resulted in him winning an instrument that he would eventually become closely associated with, the Dean ML.

In 1981, Dimebag Darrell along with his brother, drummer Vinnie Paul, formed what would turn out to be one of the most popular heavy metal bands of the 1990s, Pantera. Beginning with Cowboys from Hell, Pantera recorded a string of classic metal releases; Vulgar Display of Power followed and brought the band star status and domination in the hard rock/metal music community for a decade. The band received four GRAMMY nominations, platinum awards for The Great Southern Trendkill, Cowboys From Hell and Pantera’s Greatest Hits, and double platinum recognition for Vulgar Display of Power and Far Beyond Driven, which debuted at Number One on the Billboard album chart. Released in 2000, Reinventing the Steel was the final studio effort from the band.

Darrell and brother Vinnie went on to form Damageplan, releasing New Found Power in 2003. During a Damageplan performance in Columbus, Ohio, on December 8, 2004, Dimebag was fatally shot at the age of 38. Dimebag Darrell Abbott will always be remembered as one of the most influential guitarists in modern metal music.

Hollywood's RockWalk is located at 7425 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California, in front of the Guitar Center's Hollywood store.

Photo Gallery from the May 17, 2007 Dimebag Darrell Abbot Hollywood's RockWalk Induction

Related Links
Hollywood's RockWalk
Damageplan
Photographer Robert M. Knight

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