Dimebag Darrell lost his life at the age of 38 after being shot by a fan during a concert in 2004. While his brother, Vinnie Paul, with whom he made music for years, kept on working in the rock scene in the decade following his death, he also passed away at the age of 54 in 2018. The two brothers left behind a fortune when they died, but who inherited all that money?
The Two’s Career Started Together
Darrell and Paul started their music careers together, forming a band that would eventually be known as Pantera. They released three albums in the early ’80s, but their rise to fame began in the ’90s with the album ‘Cowboys From Hell,’ which marked a shift to a heavier sound with Phil Anselmo. Despite their success, internal issues, particularly between Darrell and Anselmo, led to Pantera’s breakup in 2003. The Abbott brothers then formed a new band, Damageplan.
Dimebag Darrell’s Death Ended Damageplan
Damageplan, featuring the Abbott brothers, Bob Zilla and Pat Lachman, released ‘New Found Power’ in 2004. The album did well, reaching number 38 on the Billboard 200. But the band’s progress ended abruptly when Darrell was killed during a performance in Columbus, Ohio. With that, news reported that the guitarist earned a net worth of $700.000 ($1 million today) by the time he died. The amount didn’t include intellectual property values.
His Family Inherited His Money
Darrell did not leave a will, reportedly saying he ‘didn’t want to give anyone a reason.’ Still, his family’s lawyer, Steve McClure, made it clear that there was no fighting over the inheritance, as court documents revealed that it would be split evenly between Darrell’s father and brother. In addition, Paul became the administrator of Darrell’s estate.
Vinnie Paul Continued Making Music
After his brother’s death, Vinnie Paul initially took a break but later returned to music with the band Hellyeah. He created six albums with the group, achieving considerable success. The drummer’s work in music and business, including starting his own label, resulted in a net worth of about $6 million at his death.
His Money Passed To His Friends After Death
Unlike his brother, Vinnie Paul had a will, which directed his inheritance to his best friend, longtime girlfriend, and a few close associates. His friend Charles Jones received 38%, his girlfriend Chelsey Yeager 37%, and the rest was split among his tour manager, drum tech, producer, and another friend. He also gave his share of Darrell’s estate to the late guitarist’s girlfriend, Rita Haney.
The Abbott Brothers Lay Side By Side
They buried Paul next to his brother and mother at Moore Memorial Gardens cemetery in Arlington, Texas. Both brothers were laid to rest in custom ‘KISS Kaskets,’ gifted by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.
