PHILIP H. ANSELMO – Issues Statement On Mike Scaccia’s Passing

Vocalist Philip H. Anselmo (PANTERA/DOWN/SUPERJOINT RITUAL) has issued a statement in concern with the recent passing of MINISTRY/RIGOR MORTIS guitarist Mike Scaccia:

“I have traveled the world playing music, and I’ve been fortunate to play, with extremely talented guitarists, and to have seen living legends right in front of my eyes. But when it came down to extremities, I’ve known since 1987 who the fastest, most precise player on this planet was, and that was the one and only Mike Scaccia.

The playing field is now even.”

“I can’t put into words what it meant for me to be accepted into the Rigor Mortis horde back when I was the new guy in town, and playing in a rival band back in the late ’80’s. But we were kindred spirits, and Mike Scaccia’s kindness helped that bonding process which I still cherish today. Underneath Mike’s soft-spoken, quiet demeanor, there lived a monster of mythical size, unbridled passion, and a practitioner of inhuman feats that will never be replicated.

We called his picking hand, “The Hummingbird” because of its blinding speed and accuracy. But now, ‘The Hummingbird’ has flown.”

“Let his body of work speak for itself, as a legacy of success not many can achieve.

When Mike played, you knew it was him, and with that, he left a mark in music that can’t be touched.”
“The DFW area has lost our era’s two greatest guitarists in Mike Scaccia and Dimebag Darrell Abbott, and that is a terrible blow.

But their accomplishments will be considered sacred ground for aeons. When I think of my fallen comrade Dime, I think of him as a star in the cosmos. I will think of Mike in the same way, in honor of his legacy and friendship. Celebrate this great man’s life. With all my love, sincerely-”
-Philip H. Anselmo

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