PRELUDE: Pantera. Dimebag. The Alrosa Villa. A Fan’s Journey.

Arch Madness, radio personality from iconic rock station Qfm 96 in Columbus, and producer Greg Hansberry explain the story behind this five part podcast series, “Pantera. Dimebag. The Alrosa Villa. A Fan’s Journey.”

Fifteen years after the infamous tragedy that took the life of Dimebag Darrell, the two pay tribute and reflect on the lasting impact Pantera, Dimebag Darrell, and the Alrosa Villa left on the hard rock community.

Episode 1: The Journey Begins

We hear from two of Archie’s High School friends who, in 1992, blindly drove across the country to see Pantera live and in person. The revelations they brought back changed the lives of Small Town Ohio rock fans forever. In Episode 1 we also dig into the legendary Pantera home movies and how they brought fans deeper into the band’s universe.

Episode 2: A New Level

Pantera quickly won over hard rock fans with their major label debut Cowboys From Hell. In this second episode we learn how the band’s next record, Vulgar Display of Power, became one of the most influential rock albums in history. Columbus Guitar Hero, Rick Soga, shares his first hand account of Pantera’s origin story while legendary record producer, Joe Viers, discusses just how important the band became. Plus, Bob Zilla, friend, tattoo artist, and band mate recalls the moment that the Abbott brothers invited him to join their new project, Damageplan.

Episode 3: A Celebration of The Alrosa Villa

At one point, the Alrosa Villa was the center of the most thriving music scene in the midwest. In this episode we pay tribute to the “glory days” of the venue. From Queensryche to Dio to Prince, you will be surprised by the amount of top tier talent that graced the stage of the Alrosa. Faster Pussycat drummer, Chad Stewart, as well as renowned engineer Chris LaMarca, share their favorite memories from this one of a kind venue. We also hear from Rick Soga, Joe Viers and others who recall some of the most memorable live performances they’ve ever seen there.

Episode 4: 12.8.04

It’s one of the most celebrated rock clubs, but it’s also home to one of the most tragic events in rock history. The shining beacon that was Dimebag Darrell was extinguished on the night of December 8th, 2004 at The Alrosa Villa. In this episode, Qfm 96 News Director, Kristie Kemper, recalls the morning after the tragedy happened. Chris A, author of A Vulgar Display of Power: Courage and Carnage at the Alrosa Villa, goes into detail about the heroic victims and who they were as people. Retired Officer James Niggemeyer also discusses the devastating effects of PTSD and what you can do to help those first responders who are impacted by it.

Episode 5: The Legacy

In the final installment of this podcast series we meet Duke Abbott. Duke is a 16 year old guitarist who wears Dimebag’s influence on his sleeve. His enthusiasm confirms the lasting legacy of Pantera. Finally, we hear from one of the most important players in this story, The Rock N Roll Reverend himself, Rick Cautela. He shares some reflective insight from his long journey as the owner of The Alrosa Villa.