Legendary drummer of heavy metal band  Pantera, Vinnie Paul Abbott has passed away at the age of 54.

No immediate cause of death was provided but an announcement was made on the band’s official Facebook page stating:

“Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away. Paul is best known for his work as the drummer in the bands Pantera and Hellyeah. No further details are available at this time. The family requests you please respect their privacy during this time.”

Tributes are flowing in on social media with Paul Stanley of KISS tweeting; "So sad to hear of the death of Vinnie Paul. Loved when Pantera did shows with us and in later years Vinnie was always front and center at all KISS shows. RIP and condolences to his family".

Eddie Trunk, has also tweeted saying he is “absolutely stunned”.

Abbott’s death follows the tragic murder of his brother and Pantera co-founder, “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott at a gig in 2004.