Vinnie Paul Abbott
HELLYEAH
Interview
By Rock N' Write
(SugarBuzz Las Vegas)
SugarBuzz Magazine
The stars aligned, the metal gods granted me a wish, and I hit the road to Vegas for one hell of an interview with Vinnie Paul Abbott of HELLYEAH. He is famously recognized as one of the founding members of Pantera and Damageplan along with his late brother Dimebag Darrell Abbott. A renowned drummer, Vinnie Paul is also known for his innovative and powerful drumming techniques which include his ingenious application of drags and triplet patterns to double bass. No surprise came when he was honored at Revolver’s first annual Golden God Awards in 2009, the metal world’s first awards ceremony based in Los Angeles.
With the technical drumming stuff aside, Vinnie Paul is truly a master of all trades. From the drum set to his column in Revolver Magazine to his own record label Big Vin Records to the kitchen (if there was an awards ceremony in the domestic realm, he’d win my vote for “Most Likely To Keep Me At The Kitchen Table 24/7”…watch my interview and you’ll understand why). It’s apparent that any project Vinnie Paul takes on, he does so with passion, drive and determination. His latest band HELLYEAH is a perfect case in point.
Formed in 2006, American heavy metal band HELLYEAH is comprised of Mudvayne vocalist Chad Gray and guitarist Greg Tribbett, Nothingface guitarist Tom Maxwell, Damageplan bassist Bob Zilla, and former Pantera, Rebel Meets Rebel and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott. Together, they released their debut self-titled album HELLYEAH in 2007. Described by Abbott as “a familiar groove with a new sound”, HELLYEAH continues to tour with the anticipation of their second album Stampede to be released July 13, 2010. Set on a two year tour, HELLYEAH has been taking Europe by storm, most recently at the 2010 Download Festival and this summer’s upcoming Uproar Festival. The U.S. can rest assured knowing that these southern rockers will be back in the States and kicking ass in a city near you, so be sure to checkout HELLYEAH’s tour schedule.
I had the opportunity to catch up with the very hospitable Vinnie Paul on a gorgeous day this past Memorial Day weekend and got to take a look at HELLYEAH’s hell raising video “Cowboy Way”. Check out my video interview as Vinnie Paul discusses his current tour with HELLYEAH, Big Vin Records, everything drumsticks and more!