Dean Guitars sued by Dimebag’s estate: “We do not make this decision lightly”

The late guitar virtuoso Dimebag Darrell was famously endorsed by Dean Guitars for many years, and they still carry his famous signature blue lightning guitar.

Now the estate of Dimebag Darrell has sued the guitar manufacturer. According to a complaint released on Dimebag’s official website, the company is accused of breaching its endorsement agreement with Dimebag, and the current CEO Evan Rubinson is said to be incredibly disrespectful and often times belligerent to the legacy of Abbott”.

The complaint reads as such:

“We do not make this decision lightly and it is with a heavy heart that we share this news with you, Dime’s loyal fans. As you know, after signing the deal with Dean Guitars in 2004, Dime was ecstatic to finally be working with the one and only, Mr. Dean Zelinsky, who’s been gone from the company since 2008. Darrell had voiced several times that it was like going home where he belonged. It was something he was enormously proud of.

“I have spent days, re-reading through all of Darrell’s guitar notes, lists, letters, and drawings (some not yet released). knowing Darrell’s wishes and seeing them written down on paper, once again, after all these years solidifies that he would not have stayed. I want to see Dime’s words followed through and to have his legacy reach the level he intended.

“I made several attempts to amicably settle our dispute with Dean Guitars. however, it became clear to me that Dimebag’s relationship with Dean Guitars had come to an end when the new CEO of Dean Guitars told me that Dime has been dead for 16 years and they could not make the money they once did.. (so basically, he’s used up???) and then continued on to tell me i should go somewhere else. Well… we will!

“Moving forward, our goal will be to ensure the rightful and respectful celebration of Dime’s legacy and the indelible mark he and his music made on this world. It is with absolute conviction that we say that this can no longer happen whilst continuing to partner with Dean Guitars.

“As fans, we hope that you feel as we do. Our love for Dime has not wavered in the 16 plus years since his passing and he is still as relevant to us today, despite what we have been told by Dean Guitars. We want to capture the ‘spirit of the deal’ that was discarded by Dean Guitars, like it should have always been done. In this spirit, we soon hope to have more positive news to share with you regarding the future of ‘Dime guitars.’

“Dime loved his fans so very much, in return, you guys have never wavered in your loyalty and love for him. We cannot thank you enough for your continued support.

“Long live Dimebag Darrell! Getcha pull!”