The loss of each musician on this list was a terrible tragedy. The loss of Dimebag, Lennon, Marvin Gaye, or anyone else who was murdered is a little harder to for me to understand.  I don't think an accident, heath problem, or substance abuse loss can quite have the impact of a senseless and deliberate killing.  This one really stays with you.

I think you gotta die to be a true legend. It sucks that he's gone, but at least his legacy won't get screwed with by a run of lousy state fair appearances where fans will shake their head and ask, "WTF happened to Dimebag?"

Unlike Budy Holly or John Lennon who were universal stars, Dimebag was really only known to the metal fraternity so you you would only rate this 3 or 4 stars on that score. However, it's the bizarre manner of his murder that makes it a 5.

This one is really horrible,as he was shot down by a deranged fan while performing.You may or may not like the Heavy music he played,but if you know anything about guitar,you know we lost a genius.He was among the very best lead guitarists EVER.I hope the murderer is everybodys "byatch" in prison!