Ola Englund Honors Dimebag Darrell at Dimebash wiht Legendary Guitars
Recently, Ola Englund shared the stage with some of metal’s finest at the Dimebash event, a heartfelt tribute to the late Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul. During this memorable night, he had the honor of playing Dime’s own Washburn electric guitars.
A Rising Star in Metal
The Swedish guitarist, known for his YouTube presence and as the founder of Solar Guitars, was a contender for the Pantera lineup when original members Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown decided to revive the band in 2022. Among the hopefuls was Dimebag-enthusiast Kayla Kent, but ultimately, Zakk Wylde was chosen for the role.
Last year, Dimebag’s iconic Dean From hell guitar made a surprise appearance with Phil Anselmo during a performance, and at the recent NAMM 2026 weekend, Englund was invited to play another of Dime’s legendary guitars at the Dimebash held at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, California.
Sharing the Stage with Legends
Englund’s performance featured collaborations with notable musicians, including Charles Benante, the drummer for the new Pantera lineup, Attila Vörös from Nevermore, and Chris Broderick, formerly of Megadeth.
In a vlog documenting his experience,Englund recounted receiving a message from grady Champion,Dimebag’s former guitar technician. “He informed me that he had set up Dimebag’s personal guitars for Attila and me to use at the Dimebash,” he shared.
“He sent over several photos and asked about my preferred string gauge. Initially,I thought he was referring to the new Dime Guitarz,but then I realized…”
The Real Deal
Indeed,a new guitar brand,Dime Guitarz,unveiled its first striking model last year after much anticipation. Though, Englund was presented with the chance to play the authentic instruments.
the three guitars he played included the Washburn Dime 3 “Southern Cross,” featured on Reinventing the Steel; the vibrant green-and-yellow sunburst “Dime Slime,” adorned with an upside-down Volkswagen sticker and a Seymour Duncan SH1-N’59 pickup; and the metallic “Stealth” guitar.
“What the heck, man? I was at a loss for words,” he remarked before heading to rehearsal. He noted that Attila would be using the “Dime Slime,” while he connected the “southern cross” to the latest Quad Cortex mini for a unique blend of vintage and modern tones.
I Played Dimebag darrell’s Actual Guitars Live – YouTube
Memorable Performances
During the event, Englund played several tracks, including “Hard Lines Sunken Cheeks,” ”Floods,” and the iconic “Five Minutes Alone,” showcasing his skill with plenty of pinch harmonics.
Reflecting on the experience, he expressed, “The performance was amazing; the atmosphere, the love, everything was perfect. Attila is an amazing guitarist; he nailed the solos.”
“I have to pinch myself for having the chance to play Dime’s guitars. I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced this. I still can’t believe it,” he added.
DIMEBAGS actual Southern cross… 😱 full video from Dimebash 👆 – YouTube
Future of Pantera
In other Pantera-related news, Zakk Wylde has mentioned discussions about potentially creating new music based on unreleased Dimebag demos. This wouldn’t be the first time that material from Dime’s extensive archive has been brought to light; one of his solos even made it onto a Nickelback album.
Ola Englund Shreds Like a Legend: Unleashing Dimebag’s Iconic Guitars!
Ola Englund Shreds Like a Legend: Unleashing Dimebag’s Iconic Guitars!
The Dimebash Tribute event
Ola Englund, a prominent figure in the metal guitar community, recently took part in the Dimebash event, a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Dimebag Darrell and vinnie Paul. This event brought together elite musicians to celebrate the legacy of these iconic guitarists, and Englund had the unique opportunity to play some of Dime’s actual Washburn guitars.
Who is Ola Englund?
Ola Englund is a Swedish guitarist, YouTuber, and founder of Solar Guitars. Known for his technical prowess and engaging online presence,he has garnered a significant following in the metal community. His style blends heavy riffs with melodic elements, making him a sought-after guitarist for collaborations and performances.
Dimebag Darrell’s Legacy
Dimebag Darrell, the co-founder of Pantera, is celebrated for his innovative guitar playing and unique sound. His contributions to heavy metal have left an indelible mark on the genre. Dime’s signature guitars, especially the Washburn models, are revered by guitarists worldwide.
Key Features of Dimebag’s Guitars
- Unique Design: Dime’s guitars often feature eye-catching graphics and custom finishes.
- Powerful Pickups: Equipped with high-output pickups, these guitars deliver a powerful sound ideal for heavy music.
- Comfortable Playability: Designed for shredding, Dime’s guitars offer a comfortable neck profile and smooth fretboard.
Englund’s Performance at Dimebash
During the Dimebash, Englund performed alongside notable musicians, including Charles Benante of the new pantera lineup, Attila Vörös from Nevermore, and Chris Broderick, formerly of Megadeth. The atmosphere was electric as they paid homage to Dimebag’s music.
Guitars Played by Englund
Englund had the privilege of playing three iconic guitars during the event:
| Guitar Model |
Features |
Notable Tracks |
| Washburn Dime 3 “Southern Cross” |
Signature design, powerful sound |
“Floods”, “Hard Lines Sunken Cheeks” |
| “Dime Slime” |
Unique sunburst finish, Seymour Duncan pickups |
“Five Minutes Alone” |
| “Stealth” |
Metallic finish, aggressive tone |
Various Pantera classics |
Behind the Scenes: Preparing for the Show
Before the event, Englund received a message from Grady Champion, Dimebag’s former guitar tech, who set up the guitars for him and Attila. This planning added an extra layer of excitement as Englund anticipated playing the actual instruments that Dimebag once used.
Rehearsal Insights
During rehearsals, Englund expressed his disbelief at the opportunity to play Dime’s guitars. He shared, “What the hell, man. I don’t know what to do with this facts.” His excitement was palpable as he plugged the “Southern Cross” into a Quad Cortex mini, blending vintage and modern tones for a unique sound.
Memorable Moments from the Performance
Englund’s setlist included some of Dimebag’s most beloved tracks, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of Dime’s playing style. The performance was filled with energy, and the audience responded enthusiastically to the classic riffs and solos.
audience Reaction
The crowd’s reaction was overwhelming, with fans celebrating the legacy of Dimebag through Englund’s performance. The atmosphere was charged with nostalgia and thankfulness for the music that shaped the metal genre.
Benefits of Playing Iconic Guitars
Playing guitars with a rich history, like those of Dimebag darrell, offers several benefits:
- Connection to Legacy: Musicians can feel a deeper connection to the music and its history.
- Inspiration: Playing iconic instruments can inspire creativity and new ideas in songwriting and performance.
- Enhanced Performance: The unique features of these guitars can enhance a player’s performance, providing a distinct sound.
First-Hand Experience: Englund’s Reflections
Reflecting on the Dimebash experience, Englund stated, “The gig itself was amazing; the vibe, the love, everything was on point. I feel incredibly lucky to have played Dime’s guitars. I still can’t believe it.” His enthusiasm resonates with fans and aspiring guitarists alike.
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Conclusion
Ola Englund’s performance at the Dimebash not only honored Dimebag Darrell’s legacy but also showcased the power of music to bring people together. By playing Dime’s iconic guitars, Englund reminded us of the enduring impact of these legendary musicians on the world of heavy metal.
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