Hellyeah’s Christian Brady: Vinnie Paul Was the ‘Most Incredibly Generous Person’
It's been a week since the passing of Pantera legend Vinnie Paul. Countless musicians and former bandmates have reflected on the loss and now, after taking time to process the drummer's death, Hellyeah guitarist Christian Brady penned a heartfelt remembrance.
Brady collected his thoughts on Instagram, posting a live shot where he shared an onstage moment with Vinnie Paul, locked into each other mid-song. At first, he wonders aloud why it took him this long to be able to write something and shares how deep the loving bond between them ran.
I’m sitting here in tears writing this. I haven’t been able to find the words to do this... maybe I just haven’t had the will to do it yet because I knew once I did, it would make it real and I still keep hoping that this is just a horrible nightmare that I’m going to wake up from. But I know it’s not.
A friend of ours said to me today... 'sometimes you get to meet your heroes and they turn out to be cool, and then maybe you got lucky enough to meet Vinnie Paul.' Vinnie... not only was I lucky enough to meet you, I was lucky enough to be taken in as your family. I was lucky enough to create and play music with you. I was lucky enough to have you call me your brother and tell me you love me. I was lucky enough to call you my brother and tell you I love you. You will ALWAYS be with me. I can’t even begin to thank you for everything you did... for me, for our band. You were the most incredibly generous person I’ve ever known. You changed my life in so many ways and I will FOREVER be grateful for you.
The only thing that makes me smile right now amidst the ocean of tears is that I know you’re with Dime again. I know he was there waiting for you with a shot and smiling... 'Drink it or wear it big bro!'... and I know the heavens are rocking harder than ever right now. You always believed that when you lose someone so close to you, you have to live for two. That’s exactly what you did and now that’s exactly what I’m going to do. You will be missed everyday. You will be on my mind and in my heart for the rest of my life. I love you with all of my heart bro. Thank you for everything. May you Rest In Peace. Until we meet again my dear friend...
Vinnie Paul's other Hellyeah bandmates, Chad Gray, Tom Maxwell and Kyle Sanders have all reflected on the loss of their friend since his passing.
The news of Vinnie's death was shared by Pantera late last Friday (June 22) and no official cause of death has been offered.
Vinnie Paul's Best Songs: Pantera & Beyond
Vinnie Paul 1964 - 2018: A Look Back at Pantera's Legendary Drummer
Vinnie Paul: Pantera & Beyond Playlist