‘A Vulgar Display of Power’ Author Undertook a Painful Labor of Love

"It was one of the most difficult, complex and emotional tasks I have ever taken on," Chris A., the author of 'A Vulgar Display of Power: Courage and Carnage at the AlRosa Villa,' a book detailing the lives of everyone lost with Pantera's Dimebag Darrell five years ago, told Noisecreep. "I interviewed hundreds of people, including the mother of the killer and family members of Jeff Thompson, Erin Halk and Nathan Bray." While the families of those slain participated in the book, Chris A. was met with opposition by the Abbott family, who declined to be a part of his book ... at first.

"At one point, they accused me of 'writing an unauthorized biography,' despite my assurances that my book wasn't focused on Dimebag," Chris A. said. "Due to their public statements regarding 'unauthorized books,' I became the victim of some rather nasty people who incorrectly believed that I was trying to take advantage of the murder by writing a book about him. Sadly, I received numerous death threats and was cut to ribbons by 'metal fans' on the radio, internet forums and via e-mail. The Bray, Halk and Thompson families were flabbergasted by how I was being treated and never understood the venom that was spit my way."

However, once the book was written and released, the Abbott's realized the sincerity of the author's intentions. "They actually read the book and realized I wasn't trying to make a buck off Dime," he said. "Three months after the book was released, I was in Dallas for a book signing, and I met Dime's father, Jerry Abbott. He told me how much he liked my book and appreciated how I portrayed his son. When a photo memorial book of Dime was published in 2008, it contained photos and information about 'A Vulgar Display of Power.'"

Even with the Abbotts' support, the book has only reached a limited audience, with the author guestimating only four to five thousand copies being sold. All royalties from the sale of the book have been deferred to the Anthony Bray College Fund, for the slain Nathan Bray's young son. "I'm happy to say that when Anthony is old enough to go to college, my book will have helped pay a few bills for that little man who lost his 'heaven daddy,'" Chris A. said. He considers the book a success due to its factual accuracy and the friendship the families have shown him.

Regarding the fifth anniversary this week, the author said, "My deepest hope is that people will remember all the victims: Dime, Jeff, Erin and Nate. Heavy metal fans have a lot to be proud of due to the heroism and self-sacrifice of these three men. We put people who play guitar and sing songs in a 'hall of fame' and we glorify them for the music. Jeff Thompson, Erin Halk and Nate Bray gave everything to help a rock star and to prevent others from being killed, yet know one knows who they are." With this book, now the metal world will know.