use it in our third album, but didn't. As soon as I laid down the drums for the demo, Chad and Tom loved it. We took it to Kevin
and we added the slow, heavy part of it. Needless to say, it's a workout and the most challenging drum part I've done since
PANTERA.
TS: You list your influences as PETER CRISS, TOMMY ALDRIDGE, ALEX VAN HALEN, BILL WARD and NEIL PEART…is there
anyone else that you can add to that list?
VP: Yeah, MIKKEY DEE, he was the drummer for KING DIAMOND, now he's with MOTÖRHEAD. He's one of the best I've ever
seen, rock solid, killer drummer!
TS: What was your first concert that got you hooked?
VP: The first show I ever went to was SAMMY HAGAR opening for BOSTON, I was 14 and everyone around me was smoking
dope. I didn't smoke and of course had no idea what was going on. After Sammy was done, I tapped my friend and said, “Ok,
let’s go.” He said, “No dude--that was just the opening act.” So when BOSTON came out and with that pipe organ, I was blown
away, hooked on music from that point on.
TS: When you're not on tour and you attend a show, what act really stands out for you as a fan?
VP: I love going to shows, I went to see RAMMSTEIN in Vegas and it was one of the best concerts I've ever seen. I love AC/DC
and I've played with AC/DC, which was a thrill—I just love the energy! I went to see COAL CHAMBER and FILTER the night
before we took off on this tour. If there is a show in town, I’m going to it!
TS: So, here we are in Texas, your home state. Any message for your Texas fans?
VP: Texas is home for me. It doesn't matter if it's El Paso, Austin or San Antonio, I am from Dallas and here in Texas we got
our own kinda country, to speak of. We support each other and I support all Texas sport teams. If you were to cut me open, I'd
bleed Silver and Blue--I love my DALLAS
COWBOYS! Texas is a great place to live and
the people here are super friendly!
TS: Last question--Vinnie, you own a half dozen
strip clubs, a bus company, Latino night clubs
and a sports bar. Where on earth do you find
the time for all this and be on tour with
Hellyeah?
VP: It keeps me busy, it keeps me young. I am
not married and have no kids. I've always been
married to my music, that's the most important
thing to me! I am lucky to have a group of great
people that manage certain businesses of
mine. Things are good, but it’s the music that I
love. Those other things are just hobbies. This
right here, is what's it’s all about!
ION Photojournalist Timothy Schumann with Vinnie Paul
www.facebook.com/hellyeahbandO
http://hellyeahband.com/