A Vulgar Display of Power: Courage and Carnage at the Alrosa Villa

by James Niggemeyer (Foreword), Chris Armold

This book tells the story of the murder of heavy metal guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott and three men, Erin Halk, Jeff Thompson and Nate Bray, who tried to save his life. It details the background on the victims and the killer. Detailed, graphic and inspirational in it's depictions of courage and selflessness.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, True Crime

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 14, 2007

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are so many things wrong with this book. First the good, though. I was glad to see this, being that you never hear about the non-famous people who died on that night. Very sad for them and their families. Now the bad: Over-dramatized, this book includes the author's step by step account of what Dimebag's murderer did in the moments leading up to the killing. Did not like that. This book also serves to further demonize Phil Anselmo. It raises the possibility that Gale was influenced by Anselmo's trash-talking. I've been to countless Superjoint Ritual shows, and heard him say a number of things that are in this book and guess what? Dimebag and Phil were fighting. Yep. Two good friends and bandmates were fighting. It's happened, especially in good bands that have very talented people with huge egos. Like Pink Floyd. Like Black Sabbath. And others. No one expected this murder to occur. So they were squabbling and Dime was killed in the middle of it. Phil loved Dime and I believe it should be easy to imagine how that feels, to not only lose a brother but to lose him under those circumstances, in the middle of a very public conflict. Point all the fingers and raise all the theories you want, 'Chris A', but your book is a piece of garbage that I'm returning tomorrow. Other than informative pictures and respect to the deceased, this book just made me sick.

[Fishface · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read. Really helps you understand what happened and why the day "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott was murdered, and who everyone was. The moment when Officer Niggemeyer faced down the armed man with a hostage and the author managed to summarize all the feelings and pressures facing him at that moment in a short paragraph -- he really brought it all together astoundingly well. Heavily illustrated and full of anecdotes that help you understand what was lost when these four people died. The tremendous cooperation of everyone involved should help change some people's minds about rock music fans, I hope. Well worth a read if you admire bravery, heroism and humility.

[Carlos Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping, in depth look like no other.

My favorite band of all time, Pantera, is one I never saw or will get to see live. I have to live vicariously through the interviews, taped live concerts, photos, music videos and books. This book provides a gripping in depth look like no other. I picked this book up looking to read about Dimebag Darrell. Instead I found myself wanting to learn more about the victims and their tales. Even learning about Nathan Gale, the man responsible for murdering my all time favorite guitarist, was informative beyond what I thought I'd be willing to learn. By the end, having dived into the lives the victims, made the Alrosa tragedy that much more painful. Any Pantera fan should pick this up. 5/5

[Guera25 · Rating 1 out of 5]

An embarrassing trash bag that reads like a series of blog posts written by an earnest teenager and cobbled together for publication. Arnold spends a ridiculous amount of time heaping praise on the metal fans for such "heroic" acts of courage as exiting the building in an ordinary fashion, pointing others to the safe exits, and staying at the scene to give statements to the police. You know, like most people do in a crisis.

The writer has an inferiority and persecution complex about being a metal fan a mile wide, and it shows. Do not waste your time or money on this vanity project.

[Jon Pacella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely blown away by this book. Chris A, instead of the predictable "story of the killer", or "homage to the fallen rock star" decides to tell the story of the other forgotten victims of the Alrosa Villa shooting. The chapter where he took us step by step into the actual shooting was eye-opening and truly gave me chills. That chapter actually cleared up some common misconceptions about the incident (regarding club security, and other details of the shooting).

I will say that while Chris A is not the most polished author on the bookshelf, his passion for the book and subject matter really shone through. The fan recollections throughout the book ("Dime Time") were cool to read as well.

[Michael Twardowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Vulgar Display of Power: Courage and Carnage at the Alrosa Villa feels like a very accurate account of the happenings at the Alrosa Villa on December 8th, 2004. The book shines with comprehensive biographies of the fallen heros and the underlying events that lead up to the tragedy. The author is definitely in the anti-Phil Anselmo camp and slings mud whenever his name is mentioned. Granted I don't know all the feelings behind the rivalry but I felt the animosity felt a little contrived. Aside from that, Christopher Arnold has compiled a touching, informative and frighting piece of non-fiction. The section that describes the incident with accompanying photos and diagrams was truly nightmarish.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is sad on so many levels... From the ignorant mother who purchased the gun used by her son to murder "Dime", to the fact we will never know how much more good music Darrel had to give us. For Christ sakes Damage Plan wasn't even going to play this show, but decide to play it on the way back to Texas. My heart goes out to all of the victims and there families from this senseless tragidy. I personally knew "Dime" and if the world could have a few more people with a heart as big as his the world would be a better place. R.I.P. brother....

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

An in-depth look at the Columbus night club shooting in which Darrell "Dimebag" Abbott was killed by a crazed former fan. The author provided a detailed account of the events leading up to the shooting as well as the shooting itself.

Readers who appreciate heavy metal history as well as anyone looking for insights into the mind of an active shooter will appreciate this book.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book put a human side to the others killed that night. Fame often eclipse the “little guys" but not so with this book.

I recently watched a documentary of this awful event. What a very tragic event. Very heart breaking!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was hard for me to read, very detailed, but the Author is a wonderful guy( i know personally) who just needed to get the truth out there.

[Erin Mumford-huggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not at all what I was expecting. A very touching book about all the lives taken that night. I cried!

[Jaylene Batman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Could not put it down

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend