Rex Brown and Phil Anselmo Share Reactions to Vinnie Paul’s Death

Rex Brown and Phil Anselmo have understandably been silent so far regarding the death of their former bandmate Vinnie Paul, who died Friday of what initially seems to be a heart attack in his sleep (although that’s yet to be confirmed). Deaths are incredibly difficult to process for anyone (massive understatement), and doing so in the public sphere has got to be… I simply don’t have any comparisons because I haven’t been there. It’s got to be gut-wrenching, confusing, heartbreaking, painful, rage-inducing, shameful… all the things, warranted or not.

While I’m sure there will be more from Vinnie’s former Pantera bandmates in the coming days and weeks, Rex Brown and Phil Anselmo have broken their silence. Rex issued a brief statement yesterday affirming what I wrote in the opening, essentially “This is awful, need more time to process:”

“The last few days have been very difficult & painful. At this time, I need more time to process my feelings. Thank you for all the love that has been sent. A formal press release will be coming shortly. Rest In Peace Brother Vinnie!”

Phil, for his part — rarely short on words — chose to speak with a simple image instead:

Vinnie’s former bandmate in Hellyeah, Tom Maxwell, also took to the band’s Facebook page to share some words:

“Just so broken hearted and in shock. I’m struggling to write this but we want to thank you all for your kind words and support in this tragic time. We don’t have much info to give you other then Vinnie is now with Dime and they are together in a better place. Sadness, shock, confusion, anger, despair. We feel it all together. Hug your loved ones and keep them close. Thank you all again for all your love. Vinnie will be and is greatly loved and missed but his music will live forever. Crank it loud today and scream to the heavens so he can hear you.

“-Maxwell  ????”

We’ll keep you posted if and when any of Vinnie’s former bandmates choose to open up further.