Official Release from Atlantic Records
As we are sure you all have heard by now, our band Damageplan suffered a horrible tragedy last night at their show in Columbus. Guitarist Dimebag Darrell was shot and killed, as was their head of security, Mayhem (Jeff Thompson), and two fans. Chris Paluska from the band's management company is in critical but stable condition, and the band's drum tech, Cat (John Brooks), is expected to be released from the hospital tomorrow.
We hope that each of you will take a moment to reflect on the band and their music, and the tremendous loss which this is to the music community.
Following is the statement which we issued to the media this afternoon.
Statement from Atlantic Records
December 9, 2004
We are shocked and saddened by last night's horrible and senseless shootings. This is a tragic day for the music community, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, and the surviving members of Damageplan and their crew. Dimebag Darrell was an exceptional musician and an extraordinary person. Along with his brother and bandmate, Vinnie Paul, he was a member of the Elektra/Atlantic family for the past 14 years, and he will be deeply missed. The bravery displayed by Damageplan, their crew, their fans, and the local police will never be forgotten.