Dimebag Darrell – August 2012 Classic Rock Birthdays

It was a sad day for fans of heavy metal band Pantera when Darrell Lance Abbott -- aka Dimebag Darrell -- was murdered. The guitarist, who would have turned 46 on Aug. 20, was shot dead while performing onstage in 2004. But to this day his music holds a revered place in the realm of metal.

Abbott formed Pantera in 1981 with his brother Vinnie Paul. The band went on to sell roughly 20 million albums and helped re-invigorate the metal genre.

Pantera split up a year prior to his death, however, fans still hold out hope for a reunion of the surviving members. It's been speculated that filling in for Dimebag could be none other than his longtime friend, former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde.