VINNIE FUCKING PAUL: THE METALSUCKS INTERVIEW
Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 at 3:00pm by Sammy O'Hagar
After the horrific murder of his brother, no one would have faulted Pantera/Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul for dropping off the face of the Earth. But instead, the man chose to soldier on, starting his own record company, Big Vin Records, and resuming his drumming duties for boozy groove metallers Hellyeah. The former has signed Type O Negative side project Seventh Void and released the successful Dimebag Darrell tribute DVD Dimevision; the latter’s toured the globe in support of their debut album, with plans to record and tour again in the near future. A relentlessly positive guy who sounds a little like the metal version of King of the Hill’s Boomhauer, Vinnie seems content with the past and satisfied with the present (upon hearing that I was conducting the interview from Massachusetts after I shut my tape recorder off, he gave his thoughts on the Boston Bruins’ then-upcoming playoff game with Montreal Canadiens and stated that his dream Superbowl would be between the Cowboys and the Patriots, if it were possible). In his inteview with MetalSucks, he gives his thoughts on the upcoming 20th anniversary of Cowboys from Hell, running a record label, and the future of Hellyeah.
Busy day so I imagine.
Oh yeah.
Got a lot of things going on. So, how’s life going?
Things are going really good, man. It’s been a little bit since I took a break from Hellyeah. Obviously right now the focus is putting Seventh Void out on my label. I’m in love with this band. I love the music, and I love the record. I think it’s going to be the record of the year, and then come around May 20th we start recording the new Hellyeah record. I’m going to be busy, busy, busy for the rest of the year.
Sounds like it, and the year isn’t even halfway over and you got all that lined up. I talked to Johnny Kelly of Seventh Void last week [Interview coming soon. - Ed.], and he spoke about Big Vin and had nothing but nice things to say about it. What’s the kind of criteria for a band that you sign to Big Vin Records? What makes you want to sign a band?
It’s got to be something that is totally unique, totally original, something that the guys in the band are really committed to. It has to stick out like a sore thumb, you know? That’s the thing about Seventh Void’s music, they don’t sound like the other bands that you hear on the radio right now. They have an old school feel but with a new sound.
Yeah. That sort of thing is important. What part do you think that the old school plays in the bands that you sign to Big Vin?
The main thing that I always like in the Led Zepplins and the Sabbaths and everything is I like the grooves to them. A lot of these new bands that are out today, they forget about that element. It’s probably the most important element of music – that and a good hook. It doesn’t matter how heavy the music is, you got to have that catch phrase or that line that people will remember and just to groove with. It’s so important. Those bands back in the day, that’s what it was all about: great songs and great grooves and everything. I think that’s kind of gotten lost in the mix a little.
It’s not as sort of straight up as it used to be in that respect.
Right.
What’s your opinion on the music climate that’s going on right now, especially being a record label owner just as much as being a musician at this point?
I think it’s very difficult for all of us in the music business, whether you’re an artist or a record company, because of the piracy problem that’s going on. When people talk about the economy suffering, shit, look what’s happened to the music business. Platinum records used to be a goal for people. Now you’re praying to get to 100,000 units for the record. It’s that far off from what it used to be. It’s very difficult, and I don’t know if it’s the fact that the fans are so used to getting their music for free that they don’t keep up with bands like they used to, or what it is. I’m sure that’s a huge part of it, but I remember back in the day when I was a kid, I couldn’t wait to get the new Kiss or Ted Nugent or whatever and hold the album and look at the cover inside and out, play the record, go to the concerts. I think that’s kind of a has-been thing. It doesn’t really happen like that anymore. With these kids, somebody tells them that something happened and then they got to go see it live. They can always go to that thing called the internet and download one or two songs and the band never sees a penny. It’s difficult.
Do you think that that is making music as a whole suffer? Not even financially, just music itself.
You have to look at it as a career. You have to be serious about playing music and that’s got to be something that you only want to do. At the same time, if you cannot financially support yourself while you’re doing it, at some point in time, you’re going to lose interest in it. It would be like being a basketball player or a football player, you love doing it, but if you’re not getting paid at the end of the day, you can’t really do it anymore.
Yeah, that kind of puts a kink in things.
It does. It fucks everything up.
Speaking of playing music, what can you tell us about the new Hellyeah record?
I think it’s going to be an extension of the last one. That was the good thing about that record, we never pigeonholed ourselves into that one certain corner or sound. It’s very diverse, very open. From us touring together and playing live and really see the fan reactions, we definitely molded into a real band. It really solidified everything being able to be on tour. Everyone is so super excited about getting back together and doing this thing again. Everyone is really focused. We nearly got a gold record last year. We sold over 400,000 units, and like I said earlier, that’s really tough to do in this day and age. We’re going to try to push it all the way to the next level this time around. Expect more of the same, a little more intense and a little more fun.
Do you think that with all of you guys having important big things going on outside of the band – you running Big Vin Records, and the other guys doing Mudvayne and Nothingface – is it tough to keep Hellyeah together?
No. It’s easy, man. This time that we’ve had apart from each other has made us even closer because we want to do this thing again so bad. We don’t really have an opportunity to get sick of each other [laughs]. It’s been a really cool situation. We went into it from day one deciding that it was not going to be a side project. We wanted it to be a real band and something that we all plan until the end of the day. At the same time we all realize that we have other commitments and so it was going to have to find its time and place with everybody’s schedule. So far we’ve been able to make all of it work, and like I said, come May 15 I’m ready to get my ass back in the studio, man.
I’m taking it that you’re pretty psyched for that?
Oh man, I’m basically had a year off while Chad and Greg have been touring with Mudvayne. Tom has had a year off as well. Even though we’ve had all these things that have kept us very busy, it’s not like being on the road.
You probably miss it after awhile I assume.
Oh yeah man. The way that I kind of replace being on tour is that I bought myself a house out in Vegas, so I spend a lot of time between Dallas and Vegas. Whenever I feel like I need to get on the road, I go to Vegas because there’s something to do every fucking night, whether it’s gambling, strip bars, concerts or shows. It’s a happening town, man.
It sounds fun. Next year Cowboys From Hell will be 20 years old. How do you feel about that?
Well it will definitely put it in the quote/unquote “classic rock” category. It’s amazing to look back at it. Usually fifteen years is what they deem classic. It was a milestone, and it was definitely a stepping point for us as a band. At the time when the Seattle sound was kind of ruling, we came along and created some chaos. I think we’re going to do a special remastered version of it that includes some demos and maybe a song or two that nobody ever heard. We’re definitely going to take advantage of the occasion and really try to do something special for the fans.
That’s awesome. How do you think the record holds up? If there is anyone who knows that record inside and out it’s the people that made it. Do you think it still holds up after twenty years?
Oh yeah, without a doubt. I think Cowboys From Hell and Vulgar Display of Power both are records that people put on in the studio when they’re making their own record. They definitely stand up to the test of time. The songs are timeless, the power, the energy and the aggression that we had at that time were just pretty much unmatched, and I think, to this day as far as something being extremely heavy but still maintaining a bit of a melody. I think we accomplished that pretty well back then.
You can kind of hear a lot of metal bands changed their approach after that. How do you feel about Pantera’s legacy in metal after all that?
I think we were the biggest underground band ever. When I say “underground,” I mean that we weren’t on the radio, we weren’t on MTV, we didn’t get the luxuries and the things that Metallica was able to do. As far as that goes, I think we definitely left our mark and have one hell of a legacy, and it’s something that a lot of bands definitely modeled themselves after.
How do you feel about those bands that modeled themselves after you guys?
Well, like they say, “imitation is the highest form of praise.” There is only one real deal, and everyone knows that. It’s nice to be able to say that I can detect a little bit of Pantera in a band or a little bit of this in it. We had our roots. We were heavily rooted in Van Halen, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath and that shit. I’m sure that you can hear that in Pantera at times too.
I was listening to Pantera – I’ve been listening since I was fourteen – and was listening to Van Halen, and I noticed that you and Alex Van Halen are kind of similar stylistically, where in Pantera you had Phil and your brother who were two very charismatic guys who were out front. In Van Halen you had David Lee Roth and Eddie, and they were very charismatic and out front. Alex was doing a lot of stuff underneath that that kind of got lost in the fray but was still really good.
And don’t forget Jimmie Plant and Robert Page. That’s where the Van Halens got it from, and it just came down onto us, and from us it’s gone on to some other band. It’s a chain. It’s a great format for a band – one lead singer, one guitar player, one bass player, one drummer. Everybody has an opportunity to play freely. You don’t have to worry about someone playing a minor chord over a major chord or anything like that. Everyone really has the freedom to cut loose and tear that shit up.
Also released on Big Vin Records was Dimevision Volume 1, which went gold in Canada.
Platinum in Canada, gold in the United States and is about to be platinum [in the U.S.].
That’s awesome. When is Dimevision Volume 2 coming out?
It’s actually being worked on right now as we speak. It’s a process. Basically Dime’s girlfriend, Rita, and Bobby Tongs, who was Dime’s personal assistant, go through all of the tapes. Dime was the guy who put all the Pantera videos together. It’s his trademark, and they really try to capture the essence of what he would have wanted done. They’re working on it and hopefully will have it done by the end of the year either by the first quarter or late this year.
That sounds good. You worked on a book with your dad called He Came to Rock about him as well.
Yeah, it was definitely inspired by my dad. He really wanted to find a way to kind of put his personal touch on Dime’s legacy, and he felt like a book was the right way to do it. It’s a very honest book that is a real look at Dime – not just as a guitar player from Pantera, but the person from day one. It’s a beautiful tribute to him. I know for a fact that anyone that has ever seen it has really loved it and appreciated it. It’s just one more thing that makes Dime larger than life, and his legacy will live on forever.
What do you think his legacy is at this point?
Not only was he an amazing guitar player, but he knew how to entertain people. He put a smile on people’s faces. That’s what got him off. It didn’t matter if it was him giving you a guitar pick, giving you a guitar lesson or a shot of whiskey, hanging out, partying on the bus or whatever, if it put a smile on your face it made him happy. I think that’s what really motivated him, and I think that’s what people remember about him the most.
Who do you like for drummers out there right now? Who do you consider contemporaries?
I love Joey Jordison from Slipknot. He’s an amazing player. There are really a lot of good ones out there: Chris Adler of Lamb of God is a motherfucker on the drums. Groove-wise, [I like] Scott Brannon, I still listen to John Bonham and Alex Van Halen. I’ve got to love Rush. Neil Pert is a motherfucker. Those are the kind of people I dig on drums.
Do you have a certain philosophy or approach to drumming?
Yeah. I’ve always wanted to approach the drums as a part of the song. A lot of the drummers get way too wrapped up in just playing drums for other drummers, and that’s too much and overkill. I always say play enough drums to keep drummers interested but don’t play so much that it goes over the top of the average listener. There are ways of doing that. There are things called “hooks” with the guitars, well you can do hooks with the drums. A lot of people don’t get that. There are parts where they repeat themselves and people can air drum to them and move to them. Of course I really try to keep the groove element in everything that I do. That’s my rule of thumb when I’m playing drums.
That sounds good. In the interest in full disclosure, you’ve been playing music for longer than I’ve been alive.
I bet.
And I’m almost 30.
[laughs]
How do you feel about what you’ve been doing in music so far?
It’s a beautiful thing. Music’s been my entire life. It’s all I really know. I’ve never done anything else, and nothing else has really interested me. I’m a huge sports fan, hockey and football are my two favorite sports, but I can’t picture myself doing that. I love going to the games, supporting them, writing songs for them, but music is my life. After the horrible event that happened to my brother, everybody thought that I would just quit and be done with it. My dad was like “Why do you want to keep doing this?” Why do the Rolling Stones keep doing it? It’s not because they need money or anything, it’s because they love making music and playing. That’s the beautiful thing about music, you can be timeless and the longer you are part of it, that makes you that much more legendary and much more respected by everyone that is out there.
Do you feel lucky that you have been able to play music for a living as long as you have?
It’s like asking a NASCAR driver if he feels lucky about fucking riding in the Indy 5000 or whatever. It’s a dream to be able to do it and make a living at it and do it for such a long period of time. So of course, very lucky.
Why did you guys wanna interview me if you think metal sucks?
[laughs] You and every other person I interview asks me that. Believe you me, we do not think it sucks.
I know, I just had to throw my little dig in there. I enjoyed it. It was a good interview.
-SO
fuck this moron. After “Diamond Darell” died, he’s the only living Patron Saint of white trash knuckle dragging jock metal.
And you read his interviews, so what does that say about you?
I had actually met Vinnie and he is probably one of the most down to earth performers,i had ever met.
Thats where your’e wrong, upinsmoke…. I most certainly did NOT read the interview.
Biff seems to really hate himself…I would to with a name like BIFF..I didn’t read the interview but soo bored and angry I will comment about it…hmmm…biff get a job buy a car put some gas in it and go for a cruise and chill the fuck out!!
The name is Biff Tanner. I shouldn’t have to explain the psuedonym…. have been been paying attention? Hello ??? , McFly ??!!
Sounds like someone was picked last in gym class.
that was a good one!
….but, nah…I was alwars somewhere in the middle between the HIndu kid and the midget, but not last
LOL!!!!! I have to agree with you, this band did influence horrible shit like Lamb Of God, Machine Head, Five Fingering My Asshole Punch, Shadows Mall, KIllswitch Engayge.
Thank you, Fong. Its reassuring to see another person on here with a lucid braing. Pantera’s fans are some of the worst things people associate with “metal”. I.E…… knuckle dragging cavemen, Nascar fans, IROC Cameros, Busch beer and BIll O’reilly and rebel flags. Pantera fans will literally attempt to beat a person who does not like Pantera. I halfway expect to hear them yell “o’Doyle Rules!!!!” after every sentence they utter out.
yes, I said “Braing” instead of Brain. Im aware of the crippling error.
I love reading these anti-Pantera comments. It makes me feel like at least a few people here know what they’re talking about.
Yeah, Pantera is horrible….. but their fans are MUCH worse then them. Vinnie Paul was ceraintly the biggest douch bag in the band though. 50 year old hick playing cowboy dress up.
TO THE FONG DORK. YOU SHOULD BE SHOT ! IF YOU WERE IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD, YOU PROBABLY WOULD BE. YOU IDIOTS ARE SO CRITICAL, IF YOU DONT LIKE THE FUKEN MUSIC THIN DONT LISTEN TO IT. ITS FUNNY HOW YOU NO THE NAMES OF ALL OF THESE BAND, ARE YOU SURE THERE NOT YOUR FAV.
ASS CLOWNS
AS FOR BIFF THE FAG. YOU SAY ITS REASSURING. REASSURING WHAT?? IM STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHY YOUR EVEN ON THIS PAGE.
HALF WITT
i would really loooove to hear you play better than any of these bands.FUCK YOU IN YER INSIDE-OUT ASSHOLE, FAGOT.
Okay so you named 2 bands that were influenced by them and 3 that weren’t. Good job.
I’m no fan of Pantera or really anything he’s done, far from it in fact, but this man does not deserve that kind of disrespect. His demeanor alone is worth praise.
Wow Biff, you really set yourself above “morons” like Vinnie Paul with comments like that. Go play in traffic you negative fuck.
they should have put an age limit on this sight, because the 2 idiots, biff, and ziltiod must be prehistoric. why there even on this sight to begin with is pretty fuken stupid. your both little fags, and wouldnt share your views in public. its to bad it wasnt you 2 morons killed on stage that night instead of dime, we would all be happier. why dont you to fags hook up and go play on a gay porn sight, and stay off of this one. its obvious this one is for real metal heads, not dick heads. it really sucks that people will hate on just about anything, but come on “pantera” are you guys serious. fuken idiots!!!
ps
im gonna kick back do some triples, and think about curbing a couple bitches!!
RIP
Dime
getcha
pull
Biff Tanner…….
I am wondering what the name of your band is?
What kind of music do you play?
How many times have you toured the world Biff?
Ya see, I believe you have never done anything to contribute to music besides your
wining and bitching like a little girl and disrespecting people you don’t know messages.
Do you really think anyone cares what you think?
Are you a respected music critique?….NO……
Just some dude sitting at home with mommy and daddy running his mouth about people
that actually go out there and do something instead of typing about it.
So in closing.
Bring it on dude!!!!!!
I can’t wait to play a show with you Biff.
HEY BIFF, WHERE DO YOU LIVE”SANFRANCISCO” FAAAAGGGGGGG
IM SORRY I HAVE TO USE THAT WORD SO MUCH, BUT ITS SUITABLE FOR YOU, BECAUSE YOUR A FAAAAAGGGGGG!!!!
Im from Chicago mesa. And no, Im certainly not a fag…… I tend to get queezy around openly flamboyant homosexuals……hense my aversion to Pantera and especially Vinny Paul.
dude, no matter what he is or where hes from , his brother got killed and hes man enough to stick to his music, and keep on going. now, i dont know what uyou mean by jock metal, but last time I checked, I never saw any southern, weed smokin, tattooed, long haired, athiest jocks. If you have, you better hid your lunch money, “Biff”.
Fuck you. Why are you reading his interviews then?
I like Pantera. It’s simple and it’s catchy. Not my favorite band, but I have a couple of their CD’s, and I’ve never felt the need to hate on this guy for doing what he does. Hellyeah ain’t my cup of tea, but hell, if this guy is still having fun making music, then more power to him. Darrel was a good guitar player, too.
I met Vinnie Paul also and he reminded me of an old and tired trucker. Great personality but without Dime…..who cares.
Old and tired?
He’s been very active in this business for a heck of a while and with his way of living,I understand the guy might be a bit tired sometimes,can’t be blamed for that.
I agree that Dime was the very soul of Pantera,but I’d still like to see Phil and this dude reconciliate and start a fucking band.Hellyeah was definitely upsetting to me,not that I expected Pantera to rise from the ashes under a new name,but holy hell it just totally blows.Good for those who like the band and I’m not bashing anyone here,but I just can’t get into it even if I tried.
Just sayin’,Phil also was the voice and the face of Pantera.He gets much less credit than he should.Thing is,I doubt Vin is going to end up understanding that people can change for the better.Dude still smokes loads of fucking weed but that doesn’t make him an idiot…
Vinnie Paul is rad. FUck you Biffy
He seems a really nice guy. And Pantera was an amazing band. So, good luck for him!
Man I miss Dimebag…
Thanks Sammy. Great interview.
I almost forgot this happened. About time, guys. Hahaha. Unfortunately, we stopped working on the Seventh Void record cause it just didn’t sell anything. It was just over 1000 units last I saw.
Awesome interview!
Good interview, he seems like a real down to earth guy that just loves playing.
Jimmie Plant, Robert Page, and the Indy 5000…I love it
HAHAHA! I loved that, too! “It’s like asking a NASCAR driver if he likes driving in the Indy 5000 or whatever…” That was too funny!
And Neil Pert
Pantera wasn’t on Mtv or Radio??? Hmm, I must have been living in an alternate universe back in the early 90’s.
I thought the same thing also.
MTV digs Pantera.
I’ve met Vinnie, and he is a genuinely cool dude
Vinne is awsome. I think his drumming is very underrated. The man was the one that kept the groove and things together im Pantera’s music, and today you can hear the pantera influence in a gazillion bands all around the world.
you’re right, you can hear their influence on a million bands around the world. Thats the bad part. “groove” sucks. Keep that shit in the mall .
groove rules when it’s done properly. Pantera were the kings of that stuff. One band that does groove sometimes and does it well is Lamb of God.
Biff is absolutely correct. Groove is an awful, horrible thing that’s done nothing but inspire crappy nu-metal and metalcore bands.
Must you infect every piece of this website?
Your can be easily likened to Aquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
Here’s a suggestion… next time you go to a metal concert, pick one of the numerous guys wearing a Pantera shirt, then go and tell that person how much you think they suck. You won’t have the balls – they reside in your mummy’s handbag.
Fuck I hate you Ziltoid! Go play in traffic.
If I wanted to talk to a Pantera fan, I’d have to only use small words, and that’s just not something I like doing. But they can’t understand anything else.
“Groove” and other dirty words like “hooks” and “melody” are an integral part of music. Not everything needs to be played an warp speed. You have the most one-dimensional viewpoint on music I’ve ever seen. Your music collection must be really myopic. I hope for your girlfriend’s sake you don’t fuck the same way.
Hooks and Melody are a great thing in Metal….thats why I love Maiden,Priest,Sabbath,Dio and all the other great song writting bands. Think of all the bands these legends have inspired. Many of them are great bands that we all know and love. Pantera has inspired nothing but nu-metal, ‘core’ shit, and everyy other abscess on the ass of metal.
Yes, because everything I listed on my own top 21 list was REALLY FAST STUFF, right? I hate crap that is pointlessly fast like Dragonforce or Malmsteen, and I can certainly enjoy some really slow drone like early Boris.
Groove is not a bad word, but when the “groove” is so utterly simplistic that it drags down the rest of the music to its level (i.e., the drums have to be simplified to a constant dull 4/4), then there is a problem. Just listen to a crappy song like “Walk.” That is clear proof as to what is bad with groove.
Hooks are absolutely fine. I had Kamelot and Mercenary in my top list! Of course I love a good hook, but it has to be well written, and not compromise the rest of the music. Listen to Into Eternity’s song “Diagnosis Terminal.” That chorus is shamelessly pop-ish and catchy, yet still really well written (yes, I’m quite a big Into Eternity fan ever since I saw them live awhile back). The guitar behind it is playing in 9/8 if I recall correctly, and the drum changes patterns a few times. Also, the hook doesn’t compromise the rest of the song, which completely jumps around a bunch of times. That’s an example of how a hook can be great. Not some childish “RE SPEK WOK” that requires the whole song to be dumbed down so it can fit in.
As for melody, if you claim that any music has no melody, then you don’t really know what melody is. All it is is a linear succession of notes that can be grouped together as a whole. So, the “Walk” riff can be a melody, or some basement black metal band’s fun little tremolo picking can be a melody.
It inspired Nu Metal but I can’t see ANY groove influence in metalcore. Sedish death metal, yes, but all of the “groove” influences that you’re talking about come from hardcore. they’re called breakdowns.
And Pantera were the shit.
And before you call me a poser, know that I saw yoru top 10 list, and yes, Devin Townsend is an incredible musician and I’ve been a Primordial fan for years and I listen to the absolute most high-minded prog metal as well as the most neanderthal grind that you can find and I’ve actually MET two of the guys from Primordial. I submitted an interview with the drummer of Moonsorrow to this site although it hasn’t been published so I’ll probably post it on blabbermouth. I’ve shaken hands with Peter Dolving. I had a cool conversation about Carcass with the members of Landmine Marathon. Oh, and I also got Trevor of BDM to play Miasma live. I’m more metal than you’ll ever be since you’re just an internet hero with no life. I at least have a life. I have friends, and I actually go to shows which keeps artists afloat.
Most elitists that I know only care about local grindcore bands and act like even new school basement black metal is crap, not to mention hiding behind their musical tastes since they’re so incredibly insecure about themselves. You start a band, then we’ll talk.
Jeez man. thats was pretty retarded. “im more metal than yououuuuouu nay nay nay nay nay nay nay”
Grindcore is also fucking horrible. Theres that word again, core.
I can just imagine you sitting there writting that rant, shaking and sweating all the wihile getting redder and redder and mumbling. Kinda like the pricipal from Beavis and Butthead.
Peter Dolving? Who the fuck cares? that guy is horrible. Did you blown his cock after you shook his hand? Did he at least buy you a beer for being a fan boy?
ziltiod should be call hemroid, because hes so stuck to biffs ass, they both smell like an over used outhouse at 3:00 in the afternoon. FAAAAGGGGGGGSSSS!!!!
1st of all, “GROOVE” Came from R & B, then Bohnam “Led Zeppelin” was known for using most of the “Grooves” in Rock N Roll, and Pantera’s use of “Groove” was pure genius. Apparently these 2 guys are not educated musically and are so closed minded that it doesn’t matter what they say. I don’t like a lot of bands out there because they aren’t of my taste and I listen to ALL genres.
But to act like it is only appealing to those of southern nature is pretty damn un-educated on your parts guys. Pantera has played to sold out shows in countries you probably didn’t know existsed, let alone could pronounce. If you are here to just get a rise out of people, congratulations, here is your fucking cookie.
I say just enjoy the music you enjoy becaus it is all art and there is no right or wrong way to play music or paint a picture, if you don’t like it go support the bands you love with positive energy instead of cluttering up someone elses positive with negative getures of pubescents!
NO BIFF YOU SUCK, AND SO DOES YOUR NAME. IM SORRY THAT YOU WERE MOLESTED AS A CHILD, OOOPS, I SLIP. SORRY! I GUESS YOU LL BE LEAVING NOW.
Dude, you’re a fucking retard and you obviously don’t know anything about music or metal. Go back and listen to some early thrash bands like Exodus, metallica, megadeth, and tell me they don’t have groove. Even Cannibal Corpse and Death had groove in there music. SYL, etc. I could go on.
FYI, it’s “Robert Plant and Jimmy Page”, not “Jimmie Plant and Robert Page”.
Nice catch. I didn’t even recognize he said that.
tisk
and thanks for not immediatly asking about dime. i hate when people do that, give him some spotlight, he deserves to be remembered more than as “the murdered guitarists brother”
I agree. I was hoping that this wasn’t going to be a conversation about Dime. I’m sure Vinnie was grateful, too.
One thing I can’t help but wonder about,is when anyone’s gonna ask him about Phil.I mean,years have gone by.The topic is being avoided as if it was almost some kind of bomb about to explode.Can’t help but wonder exactly when Phil is going to be given a chance.
Maybe I missed something.
I think that picture with dimebag is at The Clubhouse, the atm looks familiar.
Nice interview. Way to keep from the asking about the night Dime died like every other idiot who’s interviewed him since then.
Vinnie Paul is definately one of the guys in music I’d love to bullshit with. Seems like the fame hasn’t gotten to his head at all. My buddy who doesn’t even like metal or know who the fuck Pantera sat right next to Vinne Paul on a plane and asked him if he was in a band, based on his appearance. Vinnie said, “yeah, Pantera. Ever heard of them?”. My my friend had no idea who he was until he saw a Pantera album at my house. Still pisses me off to this day.
He seems like a nice guy and a total asshole at the same time. Quite a feat.
But I really wish that he/anyone else involved would stop milking Dimebag’s legacy/popularity for every damn dollar they can get. Really, it’s disgusting that they’re throwing his name all over everything. This is probably worse than Kurt Cobain syndrome.
And lol, Hellyeah. What a horrible piece of musical shit. Nothing but nu-metal.
And his drumming is quite mediocre, although I like the sound/production that they got on VDoP. Too bad the sound does nothing when the actual playing is boring.
I completely agree with the milking the dollars comment. Did you see that DVD they talked about? My old roommate bought it and it was a horrible piece of boring shit. It looks like they just took home movies and edited the thing with some shitty ass software. I think they used microsoft paint to do the intros to the segments. Seriously. And Hellyeah sucks.
ummm all pantera home videos were like that, thats why people like me like them, i’d rather see little crappy home video clips of the band fuckin around then see some highly funded fluff video.
Pantera has a legacy. Plenty of bands at that time started sounding a lot like them, so Vinnie should be proud of that. As for his brother, well, that’s how people are always going to remember Vinnie: Dime’s brother. Dime was the true personality of the band, and Vinnie was always more reserved. But they both have always been nothing but great to their fans. I’d seen them at more than one show here in Dallas, and Dime even bought me a beer at Trees during a Prong show. He was sitting at the bar on the lower level, and I went up to get a beer and noticed he was right there next to me. I introduced myself, shook his hand, etc., and when I turned to get a beer, I said to him, ‘You need one?’ He said, ‘Nah man, I’m good. I’ll get you one though. What do you want?’ Not a lot of famous musicians do things like that.
And I’m sure it’s been said before, but I’ll say it again anyway: That idiot who shot Dime should’ve gone to a Superjoint show and shot Phil instead.
yeah agreed a thousand times over. then instead of bein killed by the cops, he shoulda been locked in a holding cell with 50 350 pound shaven head, tatooed leather clad hardcore pantera fans and tortured for the rest of his life. just my 2 cents
This fuck should be put on some “where are they now” reality show. He’ll need to wear a shirt that says “Im Dimebags Brother” though, so maybe somebody will recognize him.
your a fag bitch, i mean biff!!
I’m a huge Robert Page / Jimmy Plant fan. LOLZ!
At the same time, if you cannot financially support yourself while you’re doing it, at some point in time, you’re going to lose interest in it…if you’re not getting paid at the end of the day, you can’t really do it anymore.
That’s absurd.
What don’t you understand about that simple statement?
glenn, it’s absurd. sorry.
Well to me that’s perfectly logical.
Depending on your situation,there is some work that you can do for free,but a the same time you’ve got to have a financial backup,since being broke is going to affect the amount of energy you invest in a project.
Eating being quite vital to health,I think his point is well made.
how is that absurd??? umm you do have to find a way to feed yourself, pay for a place to live, support your family, kinda hard to do if your whole life is dedicated to making music and you’re not making a cent for it. common sense man.
Vinnie Paul rules. He’s a kick-ass drummer, class act, and a member of one of the greatest metal bands of all time. Fuck all who oppose.
O’ DOYLE RULES !!!!! DEEERRRRR !!!!
O’BIFF YOUR A FAAAAGGGGGG!!!
Stop being an ingorant close-minded fuck.
Pantera’s kickassery can be attributed to Vinnie as much as it can to Dimebag or Phil. Just listen to By Demons Be Driven for example. Those few hits on the snare just before the ‘beckon the call’ bit kicks in – it’s so simple, yet adds so much.
I agree! People often overlook something because it is so simply…especially Metal heads…”IT MUST BE TECHNICAL TO BE GOOD”
This is nice and all, but why no mention of Jagermeister? Come on guys, where’s your street cred?
lol @ this washed up drummer, wanting a Cowboys/Patriots superbowl lol. Too bad that happened back in 2008 when the Giants beat them both.
Good interiew. You guys may not like Hell Yeah, but Pantera is the tits. Like a mondern Sabbath or something. You think your band’s breakdown is awsome? Prob. stole it from Pantera.
Pantera stole it from EXHORDER. This is WELL documented. After Diamond Darrel and the rest of the glam circus couldn’t make a buck, they switched up style after hearing the Lousiana Band named above.
you can’ts steal that kinda talent and aggression, The Great Southern Trendkill will fuckin’ melt your face off from second 1……. Why is it that Exhorder didn’t grab most by the testicles the way PANTERA did… simple…. ya can’t steal what others don’t got…. dimebonics bitches
Exhorder did grap people by the balls, lots of them….including the Pantera drag queens. PR money and marketing buddy, thats the difference between the two bands.
….Trendkill is without a doubt Pantera’s best album, although that isn’t saying much.
Pantera also stole “domination” from Iron Maiden. Check out the song “Sea of Madness” off Somewhere in Time…. pantera stole it hook line and sinker.
so I guess DIME stole the riffage in “FLOODS” and whatnot that sounds completely original, and completely PANTERA from Exhorder when he was 16??? is that what you are trying to tell me? As far as Maiden, I’m sure even they will tell you that “SEA OF MADNESS” riffage was inspired by something else much like PANTERA was inspired….thats what makes tunage happen, Broham. It’s a fucking knargly perpetual cycle of taking this idea and making it happen for you, through your own vessel, if Pantera perpetuated this cycle more so than Exorder, you don’t need to get butt-hurt.. embrace both of’em goddamnit… God knows there’s enough room on this Earth for more than one rippin’ band!
, the domination riff is mostly open fuckin string palm mute shit so…yeh, go talk to meshuggah about rippin off palm mutes..
knarley perpetual cycle of making it happen for you ??? Are you on DOPE, Mr. Spicoli ?
I don’t really like Exhorder either. But they are better than Pantera.
Yes, anyone who’s ever done anything similarly to or inspired by any other performer is a ripoff.
retard.
I hope that you’re comment, Jerry, is either A) a failed attempt at sarcasm or B) a hint to the fact that you aren’t a musician…… anyone and everyone will tell you they play music because they were inspired by someone else…well..maybe not EDDI VAN HALEN, but he’s the fuckin Chuck Norris of the Guitar Universe.
Just wanted to say two things: A: Biff Tanner is a complete fuck. B: I’ve met Vinnie on several occassions; he was a huge supporter of my brother-in-laws old band. He may not have a “legacy” like his brother’s, but he is definitely one of the nicest, down-to-earth people I have ever had the opportunity to share a beer with.
way to spell Neil Peart wrong… FAIL!
Keep on rockin’ Vinnie. i’m not sure i’d be able to step back on a stage after what happened to Dime, so you’ve got bigger balls than i do, which says i a lot because i have really huge balls. no penis, but huge huge balls.
WOW people are jumping on Vinnie aren’t they. Must be jealous that he actually makes a living doing this, not sitting in his mothers basement making “opinions” about stuff he doesn’t know about.
says bands need to be orgional to be on Big Vin Records, but hes in HELLYEAH?
Maybe the most un-orgional “metal band” on the market.
anyways, hell of a drummer, just needs to be in a better band.
Oh we all forgot! To be good music, is must be technical to play…fucking morons…You know, its all about the feeling…and everyone is entitled to their opinion. If you don’t like the music…awesome…to each his own, but don’t personally assault someone because you don’t like their music…your a fucking hypocrite. You say that Pantera fans will kill you if you don’t like their music and right before that your ripping on Vinnie because you don’t like Pantera…Personally, I’m actually glad you don’t like Pantera…makes Pantera fans more creditable!!!!!
amen
You guys were ripping on Hellyeah a few months ago, now you’re interested in hearing about what their next album will sound like?
No, but people who navigate to this site just for an interview with Vinnie Paul might.
Great interview…cant wait to see what comes out of the label, as far as for the other fucking morons that hide behind their comments, have some fuck RESPECT for one of THE baddest bands on earth, RIP Dime.
cya soon
J. Nobody
yeah people with names like biff trying to diss on a legendary guitar player like dimebag.you fucks are on the wrong page for that shit.go listen to your inbreed hillbilly music because its clear to me real music is to much for your asses to handle.
Anyone else notice he bitches about how it is hard to make a living in the music business and then later in the same interview he talks about his two houses and how he can party whenever he wants, every night. Yea, really sounds like he is hurting for cash.
I enjoy Pantera and Vinnie Paul, but this is just silly.
Why dont u haters fuckoff to ur bitch fucking rap ok? dont just go to forums and post ur lil useless opinnions cz u have no life and sit on the computer all day
i couldnt agree more. these assclowns have probably never even been to a show. there to afraid to come out of there house, and rightfully so. its pretty self evident there prissy little bitches that hide behind there computer screen. i still cant believe anybody would think pantera sucks, in less there real fucken jealous
oh biff, your still a fag, and will always be a fag for the rest of your sorry useless life
Mesa- you think I’ve never ‘been to a show’ ? How old are you? Im guessing by your limited vocabulary and mental skills that you are in your late teens at best. Im 27, and have been listening to metal since I was 12, thanks to a neighbor who introduced me to it. I have been to hundreds of shows over the years. Hundreds. All types of metal. I’ve even had the displeasure of seeing Pantera live (which Im sure you are much to young to have witnessed ) because they happened to be playing with Morbid Angel as an opener. I went to see Morbid Angel of course, but Pantera was the worst thing I’ve ever witness in a live show. Fucking douchebag rednecks is all that they are. And don’t even get me started on their fans. I will say this though: The guy who shot Diamond Darrel was the perfect example of what a Pantera fan is , and what’s wrong with them.
So, how old are you Mesa? I am 100% positive that I was well into metal while you were still, quite literally singing along to Barney the dinosaur.
Pantera fans enjoy the more racist things in life. Rebel Flags, Fox News, Bill O’Reily(See Fox). I remember, I watched Neurosis open for Pantera in 1996, and was completly blown away by their performance. Thats of course they destroyed Pantera and blew Biohazard away into the next orbit. Watching 2000 rednecks with a sheer weird look on their face after Neurosis destroyed their favorite band was classic.
i saw that show too, and neurosis was fuckin terrible. it was a half hour of useless noise, couldnt tell when one song ended and the next began, even a useless shitty band like biohazard was 10 times as entertaining as neurosis, and i wasnt alone in that opinion , the whole building was completely uninterested while neurosis played, it was pathetic, then pantera came out and tore the fuckin roof off of that place.
Dude you fucking rock!!!! Thats why i named my son Vinnie Paul. Kick ass man!!!
is biff tanner retarted? i love pantera and i live 10 minutes from nyc…does that make me a moronic, drunken pantera fan? this dude is really pathetic…
Cool interview with Vinnie Paul. One of the coolest drummers ever.
Hahahaha
What I think is so funny is that all of these haters keep trying to win an endless battle. I think the Pantera fans outnumber the haters here.
Really… if your going to talk shit, say it once. Cause once you realize no one gives a fuck about you, just go away. You’ve made your point, you don’t like Pantera, no one cares, go bitch somewhere else. I mean really… your at a VINNIE PAUL INTERVIEW… Why are you here? We don’t give a shit that you don’t like Pantera and or Hellyeah.
And Mesa… I know you like Pantera and all, but really, just tell them to fuck off and just leave it. Don’t try to fight them, they don’t like Pantera or Hellyeah, that’s their fault. Who gives a shit what they think?
14 years old… and more mature than half of these people on here… Pathetic
“I speak my mind I talk about some shit, I fuckin’ tell it like it is. I don’t know if you ever heard about how the philosophy of Pantera goes. We don’t give a flyin’ fuck about the others, all we care about is our own.” (Philosophy Of Pantera) – Phil Anselmo, Official Live : 101 Proof.
RIP DIME
Later Fuckin’ Haters.
Vinnie and brother had some great times playing music for their fans and had some great times partying with them too.
Their music was pretty good. Worth buying the CDs.
Hating them or even dissing them is pretty lame.
Dime is gone and Vin has avoided depression and has a good life. What the hell is wrong with that?