A Vulgar Display Of Power: Courage and Carnage At The Alrosa Villa
by Chris Armold
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Book Summary Information
Author: Chris ArmoldBrand: MJS Music Publications
Edition: Perfect Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-04-14
ISBN: 0976291770
Number of pages: 352
Model: AVDOP
Publisher: MJS Music & Entertainment LLC
Product features:
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Book Reviews of A Vulgar Display Of Power: Courage and Carnage At The Alrosa Villa
Book Review: From MJS Music Publications: Insight to Courage and Tragedy
Summary: 5 Stars
In July 2006, rock author and photographer Chris A. called to inform me of a new project he was working on. He began by asking, "Mark, you were a fan of Dimebag, weren't you?" My reply was very firm, "Always will be." Chris asked, do you remember the names of the other guys who were killed on stage that night?"
The truth was I did not remember the names of the other victims. Only Dimebag and the killer, Nathan Gale. Chris informed me that he had full support of the families of the victims, and he was working on their very unique story, from birth up to the night of the murders, their funerals, and a section at the end that the family members wrote themselves. His enthusiasm for telling their story was contagious. Minutes into the call I knew that MJS Music Publications had to be a part of this project. Sight unseen, I told Chris that the story of these men had to be told, and I would mortgage my home if that is what it took to tell it.
As Chris completed the first drafts of each chapter he sent them to our office. Our job as the editor and publisher is to read the drafts from a very neutral perspective, find errors, and not get emotionally attached. That was entirely impossible for A Vulgar Display Of Power: Courage and Carnage at the Alrosa Villa (AVDOP). The story of these three men are incredibly unique, yet all three shared the most intense passion for life and those they called friends and family. As the executive editor, I've read and reread this story a grand total of 7 times to date (04/18/2007) and I never tire of it. Erin Halk, Nathan Bray, and Jeffery "Mayhem" Thompson lived extraordinary lives and it's been my pleasure to get to know and love them through the pages of AVDOP! I am confident that all who read their story will experience the same bond. Knowing these great men will change they way you embrace and live your life, as well as the way you interact with the people you know and love. It is no wonder why they chose to rise to the top, out of several hundred people, to try and help put an end to the destruction caused by the killer, as did surviving band manager Chris Paluska and drum tech John "Kat" Brooks.
There is also the chilling story of Nathan Miles Gale. A person who had every opportunity to live a stable life, with a mother and siblings who loved him, and a community that tried to accept him time and time again. Yet, constantly he made the wrong choices. There is no justification for Gale's actions, and I hate him more for it now than I did on the morning of December 9, 2004 when I first heard of the tragedy. One positive thing that can come from telling Gale's story is that readers will become more familiar with the sickness which drove him, and people who may be afflicted by severe Paranoid Schizophrenia might get help before they are driven to the point of Gale's madness. AVDOP makes no excuse for what Nathan Gale did. Even with his mentally disabling disease we see that he knew right from wrong, yet he chose disorder and chaos at nearly every turn in his life.
We learn of the family owned venue, The Alrosa Villa, and it's history from the 70's to the night of December 8, 2004. A concert hall which has promoted both local bands and celebrity acts including Johnny Winter, Steppenwolf, David Lee Roth, Jackyl, Pantera, Vince Neil of Motley Crue, Ace Frehley of Kiss, Skid Row and more.
Of course Dimebag Darrell Abbott is a part of the story in AVDOP, but not in a biography format. We are brought up to speed with his celebrity life in his bands Pantera and Damageplan, which is integral to the story since it is a Damageplan concert which brings all of the characters together on December 8, 2004. At the end of each chapter, a loving tribute is paid to Dime by some of his close friends and devoted fans. These contributions, called Dime Time, come courtesy of Mistress Juliya, Nick Catanese of Black Label Society, Tony Rambola of Godsmack, Dean Zelinsky of Dean Guitars, and others.
Thanks to the assistance of an intermediary, Vinnie Paul Abbott, at the request of the author provided an audio recording of a Metal Hammer Magazine interview with ex-Pantera singer Phil Anselmo which showed the rage that tore the band apart. This insight gives fans and readers in general a reminder that it is important to watch what we say, especially in a public forum. I get the impression that Anselmo will live with a deep regret for things that were said for a long time to come, if not the rest of his life.
In AVDOP we meet living hero Officer James Niggemeyer who, only minutes into his shift for the Columbus Police Department, responded to an emergency call at the Alrosa Villa. While we cheer James for his actions which put an end to the carnage at the Alrosa Villa, we also get a very real look at the intense stress and fear he experienced while facing the unthinkable tragedy that night, and the scars that are left in the aftermath.
The author, with a law enforcement background, brings to life the harmonious efforts of the local emergency crews as they responded to the 911 calls, placing the reader in the Alrosa Villa on December 8, 2004, not to witness a tragedy, but to experience the courage and compassion that shine through as the true spirit of humanity.
The reality of this story is immense. It is well written, easy to read, and impossible to put down. A modern, true story of good vs evil, where the bad guy ultimately loses and is reduced to ashes while the true nature of humanity shines through and inspires all who read.
Mark Sternal
Editor/President
MJS Music Publications
Summary of 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.
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