Editing Vinnie Paul (section)

==Early years==
Vincent Paul Abbott was born in [[Abilene, Texas]], on March 11, 1964. His parents were [[Jerry Abbott|Jerry]], a [[country music]] songwriter and producer, and Carolyn Abbott. Abbott originally played the [[tuba]] after being assigned to it in school band class, but he was directed towards the drums by his father, who said there were no career prospects for a tuba player. His father bought him his first drum kit.<ref>{{cite book|title =Black Tooth Grin: The High Life, Good Times, and Tragic End of ""Dimebag"" Darrell Abbott|first =Zac|last =Crain|date =June 2, 2009|publisher =Hachette UK|page =10|isbn =9780786748020}}</ref>

Abbott cited [[Peter Criss]],<ref name="vicfirth1"/> [[Alex Van Halen]] and [[Tommy Aldridge]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-10-23 |title=VINNIE PAUL: A Lot Of Newer Metal Drummers 'Play Too Much' |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/vinnie-paul-a-lot-of-newer-metal-drummers-play-too-much/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}</ref> as his biggest influences as a drummer.