Vinnie Paul was an American musician and songwriter, best known as the drummer for the heavy metal band Pantera. Born on March 11, 1964, in Abilene, Texas, he played a crucial role in shaping the band's sound, contributing to their success in the 1990s with albums like Vulgar Display of Power and Far Beyond Driven. In addition to his work with Pantera, Vinnie Paul co-founded the band Hellyeah in 2006, which blended elements of metal and hard rock. He was known for his powerful drumming style and energetic performances until his passing on June 22, 2018.