Heaven's On Fire |Dimebag Darrell

Natural Instinct

November 27th, 2004

  Being out on the road for two weeks wasn't too bad. Life on the bus with a different band was something that I wasn't used to. I caught myself at times thinking that I was going to wake up to seeing either Rex or Grady already up and making coffee. 'But neither of them was here.

  The guitar tech that Darrell did end up having wasn't really all too good and I found myself stepping in most nights. Darrell was starting to question the choices that him and Vinnie had made. Was making Damageplan really a good idea at all? Pat began to argue about doing Pantera covers here and there along with their songs, stating that they were not Pantera. While Pat was right, Darrell knew that those kids were there every night because of Pantera. The Abbott brothers knew that they had to move in a different direction, but it never hurt anyone to throw in a classic every once in a while.

  Rex and Darrell kept contact. I have overheard many times from Darrell that getting Pantera back together was something he was up for. If only it was that easy. 

   A knock came over the bathroom door before Rita popped her head in. "Hey, are you ok hun?" she asked with concern. I sat on the floor with my head in the toilet, giving her a thumbs up before flushing again. Rita had been taking care of me since last night. I know that a bug was going around the crew and it was finally my turn to catch it. "Yeah, I just need to brush my teeth once I am done."

  "Well Darrell and the guys wanted to go check out this diner out and grab some lunch. Do you think you will be alright to come along?" taking the spot next to me, she began to rub my lower back which felt amazing. Sitting up I could tell that I was feeling much better than how I did minutes ago. "I think I can handle food right now. I haven't eaten since last night," I replied. Rita stood up and held her hand out for me to grab. The sweet woman she was, she pulled me towards the sink and began to clean me up. In the moment I felt like a little kid again. 

  We left the small bathroom and made our way off the bus. After dinner last night, our driver was able to have the bus parked at the venue for tonight's show. That is where we slept. We were at Trocadero Theater here in Philadelphia. Shadows Fall was opening while The Haunted was going to meet us tomorrow in Pittsburgh. I spotted both Darrell and Vinnie talking with Lenny and Bob when I had stepped out into the fresh air. Right away I felt so much better.

  Darrell looked over and greeted me with a smile. "You feeling any better?" he asked. Darrell grew worried throughout the night for me till Rita assured him that she would take care of me, allowing him some extra sleep since he was exhausted. Darrell pulled me into his side while Bob and Lenny continued talking. "Yeah, this tummy bug is kicking my ass. 'But I think I am fine now," smiling up at him to assure him that I was telling the truth.

  "Well, we were going to go into town and grab a bite to eat. Will you be alright?" Vinnie spoke up. I went to reply when Darrell's phone went off. Excusing himself, Darrell stepped away to take the call which left me with Vinnie. "Uh, yeah. I am feeling better than I had last night. I think once I get some food in me, that I will start to feel myself again." Vinnie liked my answer and nodded. Shortly after, Darrell returned with a gloomy look. 

  Vinnie frowned at his younger brother, "what's up bro?" Darrell looked to him then to me. "That was Dean. They are ready to get start on signing some paperwork and need you there." I could tell that he was bummed with the news of me having to leave. I feared what the answer was going to be to my question. "When do they need me back home?" I dare to ask. Darrell sighed. "They said at least by next week. So, I only have you for a few more days. We need to make the best of it," he wiggled his eyebrows. Vinnie caught his hidden meaning and looked mortified. 

  Rita came over and let us know that our ride was here. With my hand in his, Darrell and I walked together to join everyone else. I too was bummed knowing that my time with him was coming short. 'But he was going to be home before Christmas. Wasn't too far from now.