Today, December 8th, marks the 20th anniversary of the heartbreaking death of “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott, the legendary guitarist of PANTERA and DAMAGEPLAN. Abbott, revered as one of the most influential musicians in hard rock, was tragically shot onstage during a DAMAGEPLAN concert on this day in 2004 at the Alrosa Villa club in Columbus, Ohio.

The 25-year-old shooter, Nathan Gale, an ex-Marine with a history of mental illness, killed four people and wounded three others before being fatally shot by police officer James D. Niggemeyer, who arrived at the scene minutes after Gale began his rampage. Abbott was shot in the head while performing, and Gale continued his attack on those who tried to intervene.

Reports suggest that Gale specifically targeted Abbott, fueling speculation that the shooter might have harbored a grudge against Abbott and his brother, drummer Vincent “Vinnie Paul” Abbott, due to the breakup of PANTERA in 2002. Despite these theories, Columbus police closed their investigation in 2005 without establishing a clear motive for the shootings.

Gale had jumped a fence to gain access to the venue, entering the stage from behind a stack of amplifiers. He then pulled a handgun and shot Abbott before turning his weapon on others who attempted to stop him. The tragedy sent shockwaves through the rock and metal community, and “Dimebag” Darrell’s legacy continues to live on, remembered fondly by fans and fellow musicians alike.