– Press Release

Marshall Amplification and Sweetwater are honoring the memory of slain metal guitar giant Darrell “Dimebag” Abbott with an auction of a Marshall AVT20 amplifier autographed by Vinnie Paul, Dimebag’s brother and bandmate, and guitar icon Zakk Wylde, a longtime friend.

The charity auction will be held on Sweetwater’s website, http://www.sweetwater.com/feature/marshall, and runs from May 1 to 12:00 p.m. June 1, 2005. All proceeds will be donated to the Dimebag Darrell Memorial Fund.

Paul played with Abbott in both Pantera and Damageplan and emphasized that Dimebag’s warm, friendly nature was as important as his playing, stating, “Dime will be missed more for his giving personality, charisma, caring for others, love and most of all his heart!” Wylde agreed, adding, “All he wanted to do was make everyone happy. He was the ray of sunshine.” Wylde’s Black Label Society album Mafia features a tribute to Dimebag titled “In This River.”

The Dimebag Darrell Memorial Fund was established to cover bereavement and medical expenses for Damageplan crew members Jeff “Mayhem” Thompson, also killed in the tragic December 2004 night club incident, and Chris Paluska and John “Cat” Brooks, who were wounded.

Marshall USA representative Jimmy Gumina noted that Dimebag’s willingness to share his talent and extensive knowledge of the instrument helped motivate thousands of aspiring guitarists. “He was a great guitar player and a wonderful person,” Gumina said. “He will truly be missed.”

Sweetwater President Chuck Surack said the company was honored to host the charity auction, saying, “We know how much Darrell’s playing meant to both guitarists and non-guitarists around the world. I hope the AVT20 finds a home with someone who recognizes how special it is.”

Website: http://www.sweetwater.com/feature/marshall