A man walked onstage in a crowded nightclub during a rock concert and opened fire, killing at least four people and wounding at least two others before he was shot to death by police.
Members of the heavy metal band Damageplan had just begun their first song Wednesday night at the Alrosa Villa when the man opened fire on the band, initially shooting the guitarist, who went by the name "Dimebag" Darrel Abbott, witnesses said.
According to the band's Web site, the guitarist and another member are formerly of the heavy metal band Pantera.
The gunman opened fire on band members, killing four people and wounding at least two others, said Columbus police spokesman Sgt. Brent Mull, adding that more people could have been shot and left the scene before authorities arrived. Mull said that after shooting at members of the band, the gunman fired into the crowd.
Mull said a police officer arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting began, and he shot and killed the gunman.
Mull wouldn't confirm the identities of the victims.
Witnesses say the shooting occurred about 30 seconds after Damageplan had begun playing.
Other members of Damageplan include vocalist Patrick Lachman and bass player Bob Zilla, according to the band's Web site.
Pantera, known for its brutally hard, fast and aggressive sound, recorded four albums between 1990 and 1996. They attracted a massive cult following and the band's third release, "Far Beyond Driven," debuted at No. 1 in 1994, surprising chart-watchers and critics alike.
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