Dimebag Darrell’s Grave Vandalized, Reece Eber Issues Apology
“Dimebag” Darrell Abbott’s grave was reportedly vandalized by former Nuclear Hellfrost singer Reece Eber. Although Eber issued a public apology, fans of the late Pantera guitarist are not impressed. In a Facebook post, the remaining members of Pantera said they will be contacting authorities.
A photo of the vandalized grave was originally shared by Reece Eber, through an Instagram account. As reported by Consequence of Sound, Eber posted a confession to the crime along with the photo.
“I HATE pantera…with a passion. and so does the rest of my band. so on tour going through texas we paid douchebag darrell a visit, we spit on his grave, stole a pair of cowboy boots, and i wrote [Gay Slur] on his grave… in not a homophobe but i hope the panturrrra fans see this… buncha racist hillbillies.”
The remaining members of Pantera shared the photo, and the message, on their official Facebook page. The post said they are “disgusted” by the desecration of Dimebag Darrell’s grave. They also asked their fans to “please show Dime & his grave the respect he deserves.”
Band Spits & slurs Dimebag Darrell’s grave site. Any other #Pantera fans out there upset about this? http://t.co/g3xM85BnYK
— Gater 98.7 (@gaterrocks) March 2, 2015
The backlash prompted Nuclear Hellfrost to distance themselves from their former singer. In an official statement, a band spokesperson said the incident was “a hoax put on by [their] former lead singer completely disconnected from the other members of the band.” Although the spokesperson said Nuclear Hellfrost was not involved in the vandalism, they pointed out that the grave was not physically damaged.
“If you see Dimebag’s grave you can see there is nothing carved into his grave, the only thing that exists is a photo of a piece of paper posted by the former member.”
The spokesperson also said the band has the “utmost respect for Dimebag,” and that they are strongly opposed to homophobia and racism.
The band that ruined Dimebag Darrell’s grave is still probably better than Shrapnel
— Yung Midz (@nickwalloch) March 2, 2015
Reece Eber followed up with his own statement of apology, which was posted on Nuclear Hellfrost’s official Facebook page. In his apology, Eber refutes his previous claim that his bandmates were involved in the desecration of Dimebage Darrell’s grave.
He explains that he was simply trying to get a “cheap laugh” and failed to “think about the consequences.”
“There is no reason for what I did and it was the worst mistake I’ve made in my young and evidently dumb life. I don’t blame the threats and comments. I understand how you feel… because I knowingly was out for blood.”
Former band singer apologizes for defacing DImebag Darrell’s grave: http://t.co/7Rns0PfhNg pic.twitter.com/pnoLcS7Nhe
— MetalInsider.net (@metalinsider) March 1, 2015
Dimebag Darrell Abbott was shot and killed in 2004, while performing a live show in Columbus, Ohio. As reported by Full in Bloom Music, Nathan Gale pointed a 9 mm Beretta toward the stage and fired fifteen rounds.
Seven people were injured, and four people, including Dimebag Darrell, were killed during the assault. Although there are numerous theories, Gale’s actual motive remains a point of controversy.
The desecration of Dimebag Darrell’s grave was specifically disturbing, as his fans and former bandmates simply want him to rest in peace. Although Reece Eber confessed to vandalizing the grave, it is unclear whether he will face criminal charges.
[Image via Facebook and Scott Gries/Getty Images]