Black Tooth Grin is the first biography of Dimebag Darrell Abbott, the Texas-bred guitarist of the heavy metal band Pantera, who was murdered onstage in 2004 by a deranged fan24 years to the day after John Lennon met a similar fate. Darrell Abbott began as a Kiss-inspired teenage prodigy who won dozens of local talent contests. With his brother, drummer Vinnie Abbott, he formed Pantera, becoming one of the most popular bands of the 90s and selling millions of albums to an intensely devoted fan base. While the bands music was aggressive, Dime was outgoing, gregarious, and adored by everyone who knew him. From Panteras heyday to their implosion following singer Phil Anselmos heroin addiction to Darrells tragic end, Black Tooth Grin is a moving portrait of a great artist.

About the Author

Zac Crain is a music journalist who has written for American Way and Spin. He lives in Dallas, Texas.

Prizes

Black Tooth Grin : The High Life, Good Times, and Tragic End of "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott

Reviews

"The Bookseller," 3/2/09
"This long-awaited account of a hard rocking life cut short has real cult sleeper potential."

"Booklist," 6/1/09
"Crain describes the career of an accomplished and influential guitarist...Crain's iteration of the man and his career...is a fitting memorial."

"Texas Monthly," June 2009
"[Crain] captures the essence of the band's virtuoso guitarist, who was revered by musicians and fans alike for his outrageous skills and everyman persona."

"Dallas Morning News" Texas Pages blog, 5/30/09
"Chronicle[s] Abbot's life and career with careful detail and just the right amount of appreciation."

Blogcritics.org, 5/25/09
"A fast and thoroughly entertaining read--a definite page turner...For fans of Dimebag Darrell, Pantera, and heavy metal in general it's a must. But even if you never banged your head in the moshpit to 'I'm Broken, ' Dimebag's story, like a good, stiff drink, is one you wont want to put down."

AlgoRhythms
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