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

Ex-Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott was attacked and murdered while performing with his new band Damageplan on Dec. 8, 2004. While the media focused only on the crime, several unsung heroes remained forgotten. This is the story of three brave men who made a difference in countless lives by paying the price with their own.

Over the span of 14 months, author Chris A has researched the people, places and circumstances leading to the horrific murders of beloved guitarist, Dimebag Darrell Abbott, bodyguard Jeffery Mayhem Thompson, professional roadie Erin Halk and fan, husband and father, Nathan Bray. The result is an insightful, thought provoking book that induces a powerful range of emotions.

While the book explores the background and motive of the killer who callously took the lives of these four innocent people, the focus goes far beyond the specifics of the crime. A Vulgar Display of Power: Courage and Carnage at the Alrosa Villa crosses many genres; its part rock n roll history, part true-crime and part biography. The result is a modern-day inspirational chronicle of good versus evil. At times graphic in its content, its intention isn t to shock or sensationalize, but rather to clearly articulate the raw courage and selflessness of those who paid the ultimate price. Above all, the author placed great emphasis on recounting the events with accuracy and taste. The book has been meticulously researched and the author has personally interviewed and corresponded with hundreds of people involved. Augmented by 240 photos, most never published, readers will meet the heroes, the police officers, paramedics, fans and venue employees who worked together to try to save lives and demonstrate compassion. A Vulgar Display of Power: Courage and Carnage at the Alrosa Villa delivers a powerful, inspirational and educational message that will touch all who turn its pages.

A book by Chris A.
Foreword written by first responding Officer James Niggemeyer.