Thousands Gather in Arlington to Honor the Spirit of a Heavy Metal Icon
Local legend and guitar hero Dimebag Darrell, age 38, was tragically murdered on December 8, 2004, while performing on stage in Ohio. Five people died in the attack, including the gunman, who was shot by police responding to the 911 call. Upon the news of Dimebag’s death, a mass outpouring of grief ensued, felt deepest in North Texas but stretched worldwide. The iconic guitarist was a member of Pantera from 1981 to 2003, a heavy metal band from Arlington that reached widespread acclaim in the 1990s and remains influential today.
Dimebag Darrell (1966-2004)
Photo Credit: We Are Metalheads
On December 14, a private funeral service was held at Moore Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Arlington. Fittingly, Dimebag was buried in a KISS-themed casket alongside one of Eddie Van Halen’s iconic guitars; the bands KISS and Van Halen were massive influences on him. He was also buried wearing camouflage shorts and a T-shirt—his preferred uniform.
Later that night, a public memorial was held at the Arlington Convention Center with nearly 5,000 people in attendance. Streets were jammed around the venue. Due to heavy security, some waited in line for hours in the cold to get inside. Many wore Pantera T-shirts, while others were dressed in their Sunday best. They came from all over and from all walks of life.
The memorial was as raucous as it was respectful—a true celebration of life. Beer and Crown Royal whiskey were sold in the lobby. There was a VIP section filled with rock star peers and admirers, including Eddie Van Halen, Zakk Wylde, Corey Taylor, and Jerry Cantrell. Tributes, videos, stories, and toasts ensued throughout the night. The stage featured 100 floral arrangements and a dozen poster-sized magazine covers featuring Dimebag, alongside a life-sized cardboard cutout of the legend himself. Dimebag always enjoyed a good party and would have loved it.
The memorial was fitting for a larger-than-life figure who was, and still is, well-loved in North Texas and beyond. I should have been there.
Dimebag was remembered not only for his raw, innovative guitar riffs and hard-partying ways, but for his gregarious personality and down-to-earth nature. Even after achieving global fame, he lived in a modest home and was frequently seen around town, making everyone he encountered feel welcome. If you didn’t know him, you never would have guessed he was a world-famous rock star—but he was. He was a local hero, a global icon, and truly something special.
“Thousands brave cold to bid farewell”
Fort Worth Star-Telegram – December 15, 2004
Newspapers.com
“Thousands brave cold to bid farewell”
Fort Worth Star-Telegram – December 15, 2004
Newspapers.com
Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 12-14-25
Jason S. Sullivan 