December 8th and why it is symbolic to me.

December 8th is known as the day after Pearl Harbor, but its also a day of mourning, remembering, and cherishing 3 great musicians.  Two of which died by similar circumstances *that being murder by gunfire*
and the birthday one influential musician.  So let us start with the first on our list.

1.  John Lennon - Now I'm not a huge Beatles fan, but John Lennon was indeed a humongous figure in the history and evolution of Rock and roll and later Metal.  John Lennon was an influential songwriter in a band whom was loved dearly by the world.  In December 8th 1980 he was tragically shot 5 times by Schizoid self proclaimed Beatles fan Mark David Chapman.  Whom had a grudge on him for almost half of his life.  John Lennon was greatly mourned by Beatle fans worldwide.

2. Jim Morrison - Jim was known to have an outstanding performance in the Doors and as well like the Beatles had an impact in the music world.  I do not know much about the Doors, and i'm sorry for Doors fans around the world.  At least he is remembered.

And finally we go to the one musician who I celebrate the most, and whose death was a horiffic tragedy.  Just as bad as Lennons.

3.  Darrell Lance *Dimebag Darrell, Diamond Darrell* Abbott - Dimebag is known to be the guitar player for the Metal band Pantera.  He is regarded in my words as one of the greatest guitarists of the 1990s, to the early 2000s.  Dimebag was known to have played the guitar very differently, and as well uniquely.  He did tricks on a Guitar that was in uncharted territories, and no one had ever herd from a guitar.  He was like a Guitar Wizard, and Guitar Demigod, and a legend.  But to those who were close to him, was known to be a nice, kind, and loving individual who wanted to make sure he, his bandmates, and those dearest to him, were having a good time.  He was also the life to the party as well being the MVP of Pantera.  Even after the breakup of Pantera, and forming Damageplan, Dime never gave up on what he loved best........writing, and playing the music he loved and cherished.  And to have a halluva good time as well.

But one night on Dec 8th 2004, in a small Bar in Columbus Ohio, Dime was onstage with Damageplan shredding as he always did.  Unbeknownst to him Nathan Gale a former Marine and supposed self proclaimed Pantera fan *much like Mark David Chapman* was about to impact yet again another tragedy.  Like Chapman he was Schizophrenic, and believed that Pantera broke up stealing music believed to be Gales, but in truth was Panteras work.  He pulled out a gun, and shot the beloved Guitarist  5 times.  It is very ironic because John Lennon was shot 5 times.  Gales rampage did not end there.  He killed several other people before having 35 rounds of ammunition in him killing the killer.

Again, the music world lost a man who was both talented, and beloved by millions of metalheads across the world.

These musicians have impacted the world over the last century, but I believe that they still live through their music, and millions continue to share and cherish their work.

And before I end this posting, I would like to say happy birthday to the Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor who is thankfully alive.  I'm still a Slipknot fan, and I love them just as much as Pantera.

Alright, I think I said enough.