Hard rock stalwarts Hellyeah digitally release first track 333, from their eagerly anticipated new album featuring the late Vinnie Paul Abbott’s final recordings through Eleven Seven Music Group here. Early album pre-orders with classic merch are available here.
“Vinnie originally came up with the idea for 333,” said singer Chad Gray. “A lot of people may think Vinnie was just a drummer, but he was much more than just a badass, slamming, smashing drummer. He understood production and composition and he was very much a contributor to the writing process. This song was his baby; it belonged to and came from him. Unfortunately, by the time I was ready to actually write the lyrics, it was after Vinnie had passed. The lyrics embrace and recognize the feelings that most metal fans have. Being treated like outcasts and being judged for the way we look or dress. It’s a reminder to all the metal fans that no matter what, you will always have a place in our worldwide metal community. With that said…Welcome to the family. We’re all the root of half evil reppin’ 333.”
Gray continues, “I love 333 and what it represents — being half evil. It was a part of Dime (Darrell Abbott) and (brother) Vinnie before Hellyeah was formed and very much became a part of Hellyeah as we carried the torch for Dimebag. They were both so accepting of me and many others, and they taught us to treat people with respect, dignity and humility.”
Hellyeah will perform a one-night-only special concert celebrating the life and legacy of Vinnie Paul, at the House of Blues in Las Vegas, NV on May 11th. The band and Live Nation will donate a portion of each ticket to the American Heart Association, in honor of Vinnie Paul. Limited amount of tickets can be purchased at: https://livemu.sc/2UouEnW.
Sad that Vinnie is gone. Not my favoirte single by them, but still rocks. Serious drumming on there that’s for sure. RIP Vinnie