Former PANTERA drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott has died. He was 54 years old.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Vinnie passed away Friday in Las Vegas, where he owned a home. No other details of his death were immediately available.

The drummer's passing was confirmed on both his personal and PANTERA's Facebook pages, where an identical announcement appeared Friday night.

"Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away," the statement read. "Paul is best known for his work as the drummer in the bands PANTERA and HELLYEAH. No further details are available at this time. The family requests you please respect their privacy during this time."

Vinnie Paul and his brother "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott co-founded PANTERA. When PANTERA broke up in 2003, they formed DAMAGEPLAN. On December 8, 2004, while performing with DAMAGEPLAN at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, Dimebag was shot and killed onstage by Nathan Gale. He was 38 years old.

Since his brother's murder, Vinnie Paul released several Dimebag-related items through his Big Vin Records label, including DVDs and the paperback book "He Came to Rock". Vinnie later said that the Dimebag-related releases weren't an attempt to cash in on his brother's tragic end but rather a way to keep Dimebag's legacy alive and well.

Up until his death, Vinnie remained on non-speaking terms with former PANTERA singer Philip Anselmo.

Vinnie and Anselmo's relationship got more acrimonious when Vinnie indirectly blamed Philip for Dimebag's death, suggesting that some remarks the vocalist had made about Dimebag in print just weeks earlier might have incited Dimebag's killer.

Vinnie Paul has consistently shot down persistent calls for a PANTERA reunion with Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE) filling in for Dimebag on guitar, telling Metal Hammer: "I'm not interested because there's no Dime, and, to me, if there's no Dime, there's no PANTERA. That's my reason. It's behind me. I've moved on. I play in a band called HELLYEAH and I really love doing it. I'm looking forward to moving forward; I don't wanna live in the past."

For the past decade, Vinnie has been touring and recording with HELLYEAH, whose fifth album, "Unden!able", came out in 2016.

Shortly before his death, Vinnie laid down the drum tracks for HELLYEAH's sixth album at The Hideout recording studio in Las Vegas.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away.

Paul is best known for his work as the drummer in the bands

Pantera... Posted by Pantera on Friday, June 22, 2018

Rock in peace Vinnie Paul

Say hi to brother Dime from all of us

We love you . Wish you were still here. Gone too soon man . Thanks for the music. And more importantly 30 years of non stop friendship. How rare is that In this business? I'm really gonna miss you ? pic.twitter.com/LUY41pzC0l — Sebastian Bach (@sebastianbach) June 23, 2018



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. https://t.co/DaQREBNVW7 — Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) June 23, 2018



Damn it. I love you brother. RIP Vinnie Paul. https://t.co/73fTmNLA2F — Scott Ian (@Scott_Ian) June 23, 2018



A huge inspiration, a friend for decades...I don’t know what to say...?? He will be missed by so many... pic.twitter.com/s5GOqqi7qC — Brian Tichy (@BrianTichy) June 23, 2018



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. @Pantera @hellyeahband #vinniepaul — Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) June 23, 2018



This is insanely sad! I just saw him at @GoldenKnights game a couple of weeks ago. RIP https://t.co/0J7k4dPJ4L — Brian Slagel (@brianslagel) June 23, 2018



Being that close to the great #VinniePaul -it felt so good ! RIP VP pic.twitter.com/B5uXcb1Qwg — Stephen Perkins (@stephenperkins) June 23, 2018



Vinnie... I told you 100 times I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing had you not changed the world. I was fortunate enough to get to know you as a man and as a true friend. You made me feel good about me. You... https://t.co/Qe8CYdPCnx — Chris Adler (@ChrisAdlerMusic) June 23, 2018



Super sad news. Great guy/Great drummer. No idea what happened. Like his bro, gifted & too young to go. May they jam in eternity #RIPVinniePaul https://t.co/Y2XRmXScXg — Alex Skolnick (@AlexSkolnick) June 23, 2018



I have no words .... RIP Vinnie ..... you were one of the kindest. Sweetest humans to ever grace this earth ... the only comfort I have right now is the best brother combo to ever play… https://t.co/rcj3tr8RX3 — Zach Myers (@ZMyersOfficial) June 23, 2018



I’m in shocked to say the least. I was praying to God the news wasn’t true....unfortunately and sadly it is. RIP my friend you are and will forever be missed. I will always be grateful for… https://t.co/HeL7LbDtri — ASHBA (@DjASHBA) June 23, 2018



In honor of Vinnie’s passing, here is a piece Todd Newman and I did years ago to honor his brother, Dimebag. https://t.co/oMikpx7QXj — Dave Navarro (@DaveNavarro) June 23, 2018



R.I.P. Vinnie Paul....

Always had a great time with you buddy!! Now you can jam with Dime again.... — John Corabi (@Crablegs59) June 23, 2018



So sorry to hear about Vinnie Paul. The man was a Class act and always treated everyone with respect. Here’s to one of metal’s best! — Rikki Rockett (@RikkiRockett) June 23, 2018



Vinnie Paul Has Passed Away..I'm completely devastated! He was a Real Brother! & True Friend! RIP my Brother Vinnie..God knows me and all of us are gonna truly miss ya! Mt?? — BulletBoys (@TheBulletBoys) June 23, 2018



Can’t believe it.

R.I.P to our brother Vinnie Paul. https://t.co/In2Dlmmfq5 — Anthrax (Band) (@Anthrax) June 23, 2018



Vinnie was a great friend. My heart is aching. My prayers and condolences go out to his family, band and crew. Godspeed my friend. #VinniePaul pic.twitter.com/lY8JdvveBE — Bret Michaels (@bretmichaels) June 23, 2018



We have no words. I just saw Vinnie last week in Las Vegas when he attended our show. One of the nicest guys we ever talked to, learned a lot from him and the stories were amazing. We even talked about possibly touring together again. This really sucks. RIP friend. pic.twitter.com/JgbBFD0klS — Nonpoint (@nonpoint) June 23, 2018



Rest In Peace Vinnie Paul ..Thanks for the great hangs, the drum battles in your house all night until the sun came up, getting me an audition w Ozzy that I blew & you busted my balls for 18 years about how bad I was. A friend, A Drummer, A man taken too soon...you will be missed pic.twitter.com/16TMBFboB3 — Phil Varone (@REALPHILVARONE) June 23, 2018



I've absolutely no words to express how saddened I am to hear of the passing of Vinnie Paul! One of the nicest, most down to earth gentlemen in this business I've ever had the pleasure of calling my friend. It was an absolute honor to have toured & shared the stages with you! RIP — Mike Orlando (@MikeOrlando1) June 23, 2018



Shocked and saddened to hear of Vinnie Paul's passing. A true original. Had some good laughs when we toured with @Pantera. Gone too soon. pic.twitter.com/adiO8B16jf — Geezer Butler (@GZRMusic) June 23, 2018



Gutted to hear about the nicest guy in metal passing. Vinnie Paul showed us nothing but love. We'll miss you Vinnie. — Papa Roach (@paparoach) June 23, 2018



Our deepest condolences go out to the friends, fans, family, and loved ones of our friend, Vinnie Paul. Our hearts are... Posted by Disturbed on Friday, June 22, 2018

RIP Vinnie Paul.

Brothers together again...

Cowboys Raisin’ Hell in Heaven! Posted by Obituary on Friday, June 22, 2018

I like to cherish and remember those who have passed. He came to see us in Vegas and bought a CD (Mixi said: I can die... Posted by Stitched Up Heart on Friday, June 22, 2018

On behalf of the entire Great White family, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of... Posted by Great White [Band] on Friday, June 22, 2018

R.I.P. Vinnie Paul Abbot — Dino Cazares (@DinoCazares) June 23, 2018



Got to hang out with Vinnie in LV a few years ago. He was a gentleman with a huge heart. So, so sorry to hear this news and completely shocked? God Bless you Vinnie, God speed my friend??? RIP #vinniepaul https://t.co/5ReGEkgT2K — MichaelSweet Stryper (@michaelhsweet) June 23, 2018



#Rip Vinnie Paul , A monster of a drummer and always the life of the party !! Thanks for all the good times and the hospitality at The Clubhouse in Dallas . A true Rock N Roll Spirit that will be truly missed . pic.twitter.com/HXq1cPS3BU — matt sorum (@mattsorum) June 23, 2018



R.i.p Vinnie Paul. :( I found him soft spoken... peace brother. — Devin Townsend (@dvntownsend) June 23, 2018



Vinnie was here the first time Phil and I stepped on stage together after 12 years . He loved and supported everyone he could . His phrase was “ Big Love “ and that’s how he lived his life… https://t.co/ZSRCyTQK1C — Tracii Guns (@traciiguns) June 23, 2018



I am loss for words... thank you for everything, the music and the laughs, you always made me and the guys feel special. Heartbroken. Rest in peace and give a hug to Dime and Peter for… https://t.co/DbpyPvceyf — Cristina Scabbia (@MissScabbia) June 23, 2018



Very saddened to wake up in Belgium today to the news of Vinnie Paul’s passing. You were a good friend and left us an amazing legacy. Go home in peace.... #ripvinniepaul hellyeahofficial… https://t.co/Wwn5VQqzbr — David Ellefson (@ellefsondavid) June 23, 2018



I’m sad to hear my friend Vinnie Paul has passed away. Always one of the sweetest people in this rock n roll world. I will never forget his laugh. Also, the intro to our song 10 strikes you’re out is a straight up Vinnie quote. 1,2, BBQ!!!!!! — Stix Zadinia (@Stixzadinia) June 23, 2018



Absolutely shocked and saddened to hear the passing of Vinnie Paul. Had the pleasure to have met and share the stage with you a few times on this crazy journey. And everytime was a dream… https://t.co/PUD9irbERZ — Jamie Mathias (@BFMVJAMIE) June 23, 2018



I will miss u Vinnie ? https://t.co/6rF6KydDni — Meegs Rascon (@MeegsOfficial) June 23, 2018



Vin, you have left a gigantic hole in the world. Thank you for your kindness, your generosity and your friendship. There will never be another like you. You will be eternally missed. ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/MZUgnEigjJ — Todd Dammit Kerns (@todddammitkerns) June 23, 2018



I’m sad. One of many hammered nights I spent with this man... stunned. ?

R.I.P. V.P. pic.twitter.com/ks6uxfbjID — Robb Flynn (@TheGeneralMH) June 23, 2018



My God, we have lost another friend. I don't understand what is happening. The music world has been completely shaken by too many pre-mature deaths the last few years, its... https://t.co/JxcdWOVR9x — Brian Welch (@brianheadwelch) June 23, 2018



This sucks RIP Vinny Paul condolences to your family and friends — Ross The Boss (@officialrtb) June 23, 2018



Like his brother, he spent his energy sharing his talent with us and bringing heavy music to people all over the world. His unique presence will be sorely missed down here. https://t.co/ZknPIrj2io — Marty Friedman (@marty_friedman) June 23, 2018



I am so bummed to hear this news. RIP #vinniepaul. An amazing talent and such an incredibly nice person. https://t.co/j0WB6Oetvp — Fred Coury (@fredcoury) June 23, 2018



I cannot believe it !! My good friend Vinny Paul dead. So sad. He was such a good guy. Fun sad a great drummer !I am bummed. RIP my friend my Prays go out to his family. ??? — Carmine Appice (@carmineappice1) June 23, 2018



We are very saddened to hear of Vinnie Paul's untimely passing. Our sincerest condolences go out to Vinnie's family. pic.twitter.com/DcXWtmMzV0 — Act Of Defiance (@ActOfDefiance1) June 23, 2018



Vinnie Paul: one of our biggest influences, gone way to soon. We’re thankful to have toured with him and Pantera on Ozzfest 2000. He and Dime were nothing but kind to us. His contributions to heavy music are undeniable. Our prayers go out to the Abbot family. Cheers, cowboy. pic.twitter.com/yMJgjozemF — TAPROOT (@FollowTaproot) June 23, 2018



R.I.P. Vinnie, you will be very missed ! Thank you for the

Amazing Music & for always

being so kind!! — Terry Balsamo (@TerryBalsamo) June 23, 2018



This just totally fuckin sucks. R.I.P. Vinnie Paul. ?You’ve influenced and inspired millions. You are forever a legend. You were always a party, and made everybody part of it. It was an… https://t.co/T05Bhmx9CB — John JD DeServio (@BLSBASS) June 23, 2018



Another gone too soon, I have no words... RIP Vinnie, say hi to Darrell and don't worry, you don't need to audition for that all star band in the sky :( pic.twitter.com/VrHRhO4vxp — Jeff Scott Soto (@jeffscottsoto) June 23, 2018



R.I.P. Vinnie Paul.

Epic brothers. Both gone now. Loved watching PANTERA live back in the day...a true force of nature. #vinniepaul #pantera #dimebagdarrel #rip Posted by Michael Amott on Saturday, June 23, 2018

I am utterly heart broken to have heard of the passing of Vinnie Paul. VP was one of the best souls and most talented... Posted by Iced Earth on Saturday, June 23, 2018

Rest in peace, Vinnie. Our prayers and good wishes go to his family, friends and fans. https://t.co/iXQ4Hum9lT — Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) June 23, 2018



So sad. A lovely guy too. https://t.co/bZAvvS7sKB — Ginger Wildheart (@GingerWildheart) June 23, 2018



So bummed to hear about Vinnie:( Vegas and the world loved him and he was a great person! Condolences to his family friends and band...RIP — DOUG ALDRICH (@Douglas_Aldrich) June 23, 2018



RIP Vinny Paul - way too soon! — Bjorn Englen (@BjornEnglen) June 23, 2018

