Vinnie Paul, the drummer and founding member of the
metal band Pantera has died, the band announced on Facebook.
"Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away," the band said in a statement.
Paul, who was 54, was also known for his work as a drummer for the metal band Hellyeah.
No further details are available at this time.
"The family requests you please respect their privacy during this time," the band said.
Paul formed Pantera in the 1980s along with his brother guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. Their father was Jerry Abbott, a country and western songwriter and producer.
The band was nominated for Grammys in 1995 and 2001.
Pantera's third release, "Far Beyond Driven," debuted at No. 1 in 1994.
The band dissolved at the end of a tour in 2003 amid much speculation of a rift between band members. The two brothers, however, played down any bitterness during an interview with CNN in 2004.
"We had 13 years of really, really good success. And basically the singer wanted to move on, do some other things and really lost his focus," Paul said at the time.
Abbott was shot and killed in 2004 during a concert in Columbus, Ohio, with his new band Damageplan. A 25-year-old man stormed the stage killing him and three others.
Tributes pour inDave Mustaine of Megadeth tweeted, "I just woke up in Belgium to the news that my friend Vinnie Paul has passed away. Another metal hero taken too soon. Say hello to Daryl for me. Rest In Peace, my dear friend."
Paul Stanley, lead singer for the classic rock group KISS, tweeted about Paul's death.
"So sad to hear of the death of Vinnie Paul. Loved when Pantera did shows with us and in later years Vinnie was always front and center at all KISS shows. RIP and condolences to his family," he wrote.
California rock band Papa Roach reacted on Twitter upon learning of Paul's passing.
"Gutted to hear about the nicest guy in metal passing. Vinnie Paul showed us nothing but love. We'll miss you Vinnie," the band tweeted.