Words by Rod Whitfield
Vinnie Paul has had a far longer, and more triumph and tragedy filled career than most musicians can ever dream of. Active in the biz for nigh on three decades, Vinnie has experienced the highs of being in a world dominating heavy metal band (Pantera have pretty much inarguably the heaviest and most extreme album ever to go number one on the mainstream charts in the States, 1995’s Far Beyond Driven album), to the absolute low of witnessing his own brother and fellow former Pantera member, Dimebag Darrell, being brutally gunned down before his very eyes onstage in 2004, whilst both were playing with their post Pantera project Damageplan.
Roll forward to 2010, and Vinnie is again in the spotlight, this time as drummer for Southern Metal supergroup Hellyeah, which also features members of Mudvayne, Nothingface and Damageplan. Hellyeah formed in 2006 and released its self titled debut album in 2007. Late June 2010 sees the release of their sophomore effort Stampede, and also their second trip Downunder. Vinnie discussed his personal journey, the new album and much more from on tour in Stuttgart, Germany. “Well obviously there’s been some incredible highs and incredible lows, losing my brother,” he recollects on his career, “but overall, it’s something that I was born to do, man. I play music, it’s all I’ve ever done, it’s all I know how to do. And I plan on doing it for a long time to come.”
The album is a Southern fried metal classic, full of ballsy, hedonistic redneck anthems and inspired by drinking, fighting, having a good time and indulging in good ol’ southern hospitality. And it was apparently as fun to make as it is to listen to. “Hell yeah!” Vinnie puns, “there’s always a lot of work involved in it, but we did it at my house. We built these things called ‘the bungalows’, that all the guys stay in, so it gives a really good cohesive vibe to work in. We drink together, barbecue together and jam together, and it just works out great.
“The goal behind the band from the very start was to have fun with it,” he continues, “and to almost approach it like a big garage band, not so much like a ‘supergroup’. And I think that, after having the first record behind us, and the fans embracing us, and us doing a year’s long worth of touring for it, I think we really knew what direction we wanted the band to take this time around, and I think we accomplished that on Stampede. Everybody’s ecstatic about it; we’re really, really excited about it.”
Hellyeah hit our shores for the second time very shortly. The band came here for the first time in 2007 in support of the debut album, and by all accounts a totally wild time was had by everyone. The Hellyeah live experience is apparently a stripped back, good time, kick arse ballsy Southern metal show, and this time around promises more of the same. “Yeah man, we’re gonna come down there and just have a blast,” he enthuses, “we’re gonna blast a lot of the tunes from the first record, and some of the tunes off the new record. And basically it’s just a balls out live show. There’s no pyro, or dragons or any shit like that. It’s just us and the fans and the music, that’s all we need. We’re gonna do a lot of drinking, and it’s just one of my favourite places to tour. I’ve always loved touring to Australia. It’s a little bit of a short stint this time, but we definitely plan on coming back in January/February.”
After reaching the incredible lofty heights that he did in Pantera, and then experiencing one of the most horrific experiences one could possibly imagine as a member of Damageplan, Vinnie is now extremely happy as a member of Hellyeah, and he now considers it to be his number one project, and something he wants to be doing for a long time yet, “Oh yeah, absolutely,” he confirms, “I put all my dedication and love and everything I do into this band. I really dig it, and all the guys in the band are just super-duper, we all get along really great. We have fun when we’re out on the road together, making music together. We care about each other, so this is hopefully the last band I’ll ever be in, I want to be in this band for a long fuckin’ time.
“We’re so fuckin’ pumped, and so lookin’ forward to comin’ down there and playin’ for you guys. The last time around was a blast, and I’m sure this time around will be the same. Spread the word, tell all your friends, let’s pack these places and we’ll come back and see you in January/February!”
Hellyeah will be touring Australia's east coast in late July. Their latest album, Stampede, is out now through Riot! Entertainment. For more information on Hellyeah check out www.hellyeahrocks.com
