Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul dies aged 54

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Image captionVinnie Paul saw his brother and bandmate assassinated on stage

Vinnie Paul, co-founder and drummer of the metal band Pantera, has died aged 54, the band announced on Facebook.

"Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away," a statement said.

There was no cause of death given.

Paul started Pantera in 1981 with his brother, "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott - the pair were sons to the country-western producer Jerry Abbott. The band had a number one album in 1994 and earned four Grammy nominations, but disbanded in 2003 amid rumours of a rift.

Paul said at the time the breakup was a result of the band's singer, Phil Anselmo, wanting to move on.