The Arlington-born musician was shot during a show last week.Tuesday night's public memorial paid the ultimate rock and roll tribute. The turnout would have made Abbott proud: Thousands of people showed their support for the musician.Fans crowded the Arlington Convention Center's main ballroom, as some of the most famous faces of rock took the stage, sharing their personal times with their music and party buddy, the man they called "Dime."Images of Abbott manning his guitar and slinging his famous long hair rolled across big screens set up around the ballroom, setting the mood that was part memorial service, part rock concert.Performers played next to a life-sized cutout of Abbott with his guitar.Fellow guitarist Eddie Van Halen was among those speaking to the crowd, sharing a voicemail from Abbott he saved on his cell phone."This guy was the epitome that lived, breathed rock and roll and I ought to make a CD of this and forever hold him with me, ya know," Van Halen said.There are two memorial funds started in Abbott's name: one to help cover the burial expenses of the other shooting victims, and the other to help VH1 raise money for it's Save the Music program.Abbott died last week while performing on stage in Columbus, Ohio.Nathan Gale, 25, killed Abbott and three other people before an officer killed him.Gale was reportedly obsessed with Abbott's former band, Pantera, and upset that the group had broken up.
Slideshow: 'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott Memorial
Thousands Honor 'Dimebag'
