Download organizers have named the second stage at this year's festival after one of rock's legends.
"We are proud to announce the second stage at this year's festival will be called The Dimebag Darrell Stage. One of rock's great guitarists, Darrell was shot dead in 2004 while performing on stage. His bands Pantera, Damageplan and Rebel Meets Rebel all had great success, and festival organisers felt that this was a fitting tribute to a legendary man that has influenced and inspired many great bands."
Vinnie Paul, Dimebag Darrell's brother, and drummer in the same three bands commented: "I am proud to announce we have the privilege of honoring my brother Dimebag Darrell by naming the second stage after him... This is a huge honor and I'm sure the blacktooths will be flowin'!!!!! This tribute to Dime will bring a special vibe to the Download/Donington Festival which he was part of several times and loved it. Dime's legacy continues to grow, and he lives through his music and spirit, and for the second stage to be named after him in association with the Download/Donington Festival which is such a legendary event and landmark in rock history, is truly rock royalty!!!!!!! Getcha pull!!!"
Explaining the decision, Download Festival promoter Andy Copping paid tribute to the man himself: "Reflecting on the spirit of Download and Donington, we wanted to come up with some way of remembering Dimebag Darrell. The idea of naming a stage after him came to mind immediately. Anyone who met Dimebag, saw him play or listened to his music knows that they were in the presence of someone very unique and very special. Dimebag Darrell was one of us and if he wasn't in a band, he'd be at Download in the crowd moshing and drinking and air guitaring with the rest of us.....you can tell he loved what he did and it makes it all the more fitting that we can honour his memory by naming a stage at Download after him. Sadly he has gone but he will never, ever be forgotten. Dimebag Darrell, Download and Donington salutes you"