Metal Monthly: Hi Rita, Thank you for your time and for a little Q&A

Rita: No prob! Thanx for having me!

Metal Monthly: So what is going on in Rita’s world right Now?

Rita: Haha! What ain't! Let's see... Just had a great Thanxgiving @ VP's house with all the Hell Yeah boys & crew! We had a blast! We made tons of good food! The Cowboys won again!!! Woo Hoo! & after that we did our annual Thanxgiving drunk bowlin' session! Now it's back to the grindstone! Got lots of Dime stuff in the works, Dimevision- "Roll With It, Or Get Rolled Over" Vol. II, which you heard the name here first, cause I haven't told anyone that yet, not even Bobby Tongs, cause his ass is stuck over in Euro somewhere with Marilyn Manson... haha! Anyways, also about to launch the Hardware site next week, if corporate California can get their shit together! (haha... long story) We are also in collaboration with bringing the people the first Heavy Metal Awards Show in the good ol' US of A!!! Finally!!! That's a project that has been well over due! We also have a coffee table style photo book of Dime that we are working on right now, & of course it's a Vol. I, I think that boy has to be the most photographed person in the world! haha! It's called "He Came To Rock" Dime's dad, "LD" has been the main driving force behind this one... he has been so awesome about making it happen! But it's a collage of a lot of our own personal photos, as well as a lot of live shots through the years, starting from the very beginning! There's some pretty classic 80s stuff... I look back at myself & think..."What the hell was I thinking back then"... hahaha! Oh well... In the infamous words of Dimebag, "That's the highs & lows of Rock n Roll!" But tons of cool things... especially for NAMM! Some really cool announcements... but not right now... mums the word! hee hee... thought I'd throw ya a little taster's choice teaser right there!

Metal Monthly: How did you meet Darrell ? Was it love at first sight?

Rita: Haha! Hell no! I pushed him off his bicycle at the bike trails when we were 8 yrs. old!

Metal Monthly: How long were you together?

Rita: Well for almost 20 yrs, but we knew each other for 30! He's only 10 days older than me! Which he like ta use when we disagreed! He'd say,"Hey now! I'm ten days older than you, so I'm the elder here!" hahaha, he always made me laugh!

Metal Monthly: Did you hear about how David Lee Roth Told Zakk Wylde to get off his Fuckin stage during Van Halen Rehearsals?

Rita: Yeah Scott Ian told me about it, he was there... hahaha... hey man that's Dave for ya! He's still the king!

Metal Monthly: Many People do not know that Eddie Van Halen Buried one of his Guitars with Darrell, this is true right? And like 20 bottles of Crown Royal?

Rita: Hahaha! There's a few bottles of 7 up in there too! My boy luvvvs Seagram's! But yeah... Vinnie & I were trying to figure out which guitar & about that time Ed called... he asked me on the phone if there was anything he could do & I said 'Yes' as a matter of fact there is... "Can you stripe him a yellow & black guitar?" He said, "Are you sure you don't want the red, black & white?" I said, "No... Dime told me the yellow & black is the shit! It's the toughest lookin'! He always thought that! We had just seen Van Halen in Midland, TX a few weeks earlier & that was the first time Dime ever got to meet Eddie Van Halen! They hung out before & after the show! Dime even got to play on his rig at sound check! He was like a kid in a candy store... the way his eyes were lit up... He told me later in the limo, which Van Halen provided... how cool is that! Anyway he leaned over & looked me right in the eyes & said, "If I died tonight it wouldn't matter, cause I've done everything now, I've met Eddie VanHalen!" & he had the biggest smile on his face... he was so happy! But shit! I strayed! I'm the world's worst about telling 10 stories at once! Haha! Back to Ed... He said, 'Ok' that he would be down in a couple of days. When Ed came in at the viewing he had the guitar, but it wasn't the guitar we expected... he told Vinnie & I that 'Dime was an original & only an original deserves the original!' He popped open the case & there it was... his original 79 still with the rusted set of strings on it! It was so amazing!!! I took it in to Dime & I said, "See baby you didn't get a replica! You got THE one" & I gave him a kiss on the forehead & place it in there with 'em... Ed was awesome & I thank him still!

Metal Monthly: I saw you recently got one of the coolest tattoos ever, and you were filmed while doing it, what was that experience like?

Rita: Ya know, I hadn't had a tat in over 7 yrs. I was kinda nervous... I didn't know how it was going to feel in that area & on the hand, but believe it or not, it was really smooth... Kat's an amazing artist, we all know that, but she has an awesome touch when it come to layin' ink! Now I ain't gonna lie, it did sting when it came around the elbow & the knuckles, especially that joint on top of the wrist! haha! But it rocked! I'm so proud of this tat! The portrait she did is very sentimental to me cause he was actually handing me down a shot on the headstock of his guitar in Chicago @ The HOB! I was in the photo pit filming & Chad Lee, the photographer was right next to me & he snapped the photo! When I look at the portrait in the mirror & see the look in his eyes & the smile on his face... I know he was looking at me... that look was for me & it makes me smile!

Metal Monthly: Rita, I know how tv works and they edit things down...On the Kat Von D interview you probably said alot that was cut out, is there anything you would like to say to the families of the other guys who lost thier lives that most tragic night?

Rita: Yeah we interviewed for 2 or 3 hours & they took segments out of place. I've only seen the show once, but for instance when I'm talking about how the events of the night unfold... They had asked me a question of how I knew & they took those clips from me describing mine & Vinnie's phone call & what he was telling me & that particular time... before we knew every thing & before I read the autopsy, so unless you hear the whole thing then yeah I guess there are people out there that are going to try & turn it into something else. One thing that I want to make clear, I was not there that night & I have never once claimed to be... when I say "We" I'm referring to our family & organization, I did not mean for people to misinterpret that & yes in those interviews I named everyone's names who were there on that awful night... Eric, Nathan & Mayhem ( & his name is Mayhem when it comes to our camp, just like Kat is Kat not John Brooks) but I was not in control over how that show was edited & I feel for those families & their losses! I hate that the thing we share in life is that fuckin' night! But I will not represent Dime in a bitter way! Yeah I could sit around & be angry & shitty & point fingers at everybody else that didn't save him, I mean come on... it happened how it happened & there's nothing we can do to change that now! But yeah, inside sometimes that tries to bubble to the surface, but he wasn't that kind of person & I will not let myself represent him that way either! The only thing I know I can do is come away from this & share with other people what I learned from him... Dime gave me so much! Even though he was taken away... I can't complain... I'm just thankful for all the Dime time he gave me! If I can help put a smile on someone's face... then hell yeah... I will! When I grieve for him... it's on my own time... not someone else's! They shouldn't have to deal with my burdens & issues or what I keep inside! Dime was about puttin' that smile on their face & makin' people happy & so am I. To quote him one more time, "You either roll with it, or you get rolled over" I heard about a post that someone put up on myspace from one of the family members of the other victims, but I have not read it personally. I heard they took pop shots @ the fact that D & I weren't married & all kinds of other bullshit nitpicks, not that I owe anybody an explanation... but I don't do the marriage/kid thing, that's my business & it should remain, unless I choose to share it, you know, it's like religion... no one wants someone else's beliefs shoved off on 'em, but I will not apologize for something that I had no control over or that was not my fault! I do not know the other people, with the exception of Mayhem, but from their actions & giving there lives to help, I would not think they would want to be represented with such bitterness either... & I can't claim to know how they're family members feel about their loss... I only know how I feel & how my family feels! I'm all about helping out where I can, I take care of my own, I always have! I have not once ever been contacted by any of them... But, if there's something I can do to help raise money or charity stuff, whatever... then bring it! But I will not let someone try & make me feel like I owe them something, because I don't & I have not asked them for anything in return, as well... So my question is this... I would just like to know how you come to the conclusion that it's my responsibility & no one else's that was effected by this tragedy? Why am I the person who has to try & make it right for you? Well there is no right for this situation & there never will be, unless those people who lost there lives that night come walking through the door right now!
I do wanna give a shout out to Nathan's Mom, she is the only other family member that I've had the privilege to meet & God Bless her!


Metal Monthly: Here is a standard Question I ask most Bands, and I throw it out to you…
If you could send one cd/album up in the space shuttle to be left on another planet, to be found by other life
what cd/album would you send to represent American Metal?


Rita: Vulgar Display Of Power!!!

Metal Monthly: What are you currently listening to on your ipod/cd player?


Rita: The Blackening! Machine Head!

Metal Monthly: Your Thoughts on Phil, is he a part of the problem or part of the solution?

Rita: Hahaha! He's not our problem anymore! But seriously, I think people have the right to choose what they like or dislike... my issues with Anselmo are my own & they shouldn't have to be anyone else's, if I ask people to choose... then I wouldn't be any better than him! He has been the king of lies & manipulation in our camp for a long time, I know now that, that started with the Heroin use, but he can never go back to being the person he once was, & when he was that person, man he was on!!! A great front man & I would never try & say different, but I just don't believe or believe in him anymore... I can't! When that Metal Hammer interview came out with Philip saying Dimebag Darrell needs to be beaten severely... (& no matter how he tries to explain that one away he said it! Plus a few other things! Metal Hammer sent the audios of his interview to Vinnie & yes! That's Phil Anselmo's voice! I heard it myself!).... But after it was posted on Blabbermouth, Dime asked me & I could hear the lump in his throat, "What did I ever do to him?" & you know... I had to fight the lump in my own throat, I hated seeing him hurt, and he asked me again, "What did I ever do to him?" & I told 'em,"Nothin' baby... all you ever did was love 'em & in his heart you are the one person on this earth that he truly respects & he can't face you... so in his drug induced mind he's made you his enemy... for no reason at all... all because he's a junkie & your not, which makes you not part of his world" & ya know, he said, "Maybe you're right, but I can't do this anymore" I know the last thing Dime told me that day about him was he was done! He would never stand on stage with him again! Philip had humiliated & embarrassed him for the last time! Dime told me then, "I'm writing him off, no longer will he trample through my peaceful mind!" & When that tour bus came home & there was no one to get off of it... that was one of the hardest things I had to do was go on there & pack up his bunk, but while I was doing it I found a 2 page letter that Dime had written about Philip & in his own handwriting it says what he had told me that day & a few other things about Mr. Anselmo, so in my heart I just can't believe in him anymore... it's tired... when Dime forgives him then I will... I have to stand by Dime & his brother, it's what I know is right.



Metal Monthly: I must ask this because I am a big Hockey fan and Dallas Stars fan, Is it true that the Stanley Cup was thrown out a second story window at one Of Dimes parties, and was actually dented when it hit the lip of the pool?


Rita: Hahaha! Actually it was at Vinnie's house & yes! It came flying off the 2nd story deck! That was a hellraisin' night had by all!
Good times! Yeah Vinnie & Dime also wrote the Stars theme song that they skate out on to the ice before every period!

Metal Monthly: There is a new video game out there that is fun to play, and is turning kids onto some killer music, its called Guitar Hero, and It actually has Cowboys from Hell on one Version, have you seen or played this game…your thoughts

Rita: Ya know it's funny... but I have never played it! I've seen it & seen people playing it out on The Family Values Tour with Hell Yeah... but dammit I never managed to make it over there... hahaha... too many cocktails! But I would like to check it out! Guitar Heroes is actually doing a Pantera Guitar game piece! So that should rock!!!

Metal Monthly: I know that you have seen many good times, and some pretty funny shit, is there any other character out there that could bring it as much as Darrell? Like Zakk Wylde or anyone else who comes to mind?

Rita: Man I hate to say it, with out sounding biased, but in the almost words of Fucking Hostile, "He stands alone!" (Vince!... then you have that killer drum roll... haha) Sorry that song just went off in my skull! But to pick some very special people that I've had the privilege to become friends with... I'd have to say Corey Taylor is a pretty entertaining cat, he's usually right off the cuff... hmmm... & Dave Grohl has a lil' Dimebag up in 'em... Grohl always has a big smile on his face & is one of the best host, very tentative! Always makes sure everyone is having a good time! Positive energy just flows off him! I have to say all the Hell Yeah boys & their crew... as far as bringin' it! They do a damn good job, but then again most of them come from the school of Dimebag! Haha! What can I say?


Metal Monthly: I see The Future of Metal with many Women taking over and carrying the torch, your thoughts?

Rita: Man that's kinda a weird one for me... business wise... yeah definitely! There are a lot of women out there behind the scenes that I admire a lot! But when it comes to the forefront I'm not the biggest fan of the female vocals over the heavy shit, please don't get me wrong, there are some real tough asses out there when it comes to some of the chicks, I mean Walls of Jerico, Arch Enemy, Otep... they're awesome! I'm not too keen on whiny vocals when it comes to heavy shit! My fave female vocs of all time has to be Wendy O Williams! The fuckin' Plasmactics rock! Coup D' Etat & Metal Priestess... pleeease... you can't touch that shit!

Metal Monthly: Is there any question that you wish someone would ask you, and if so, what is that question?

Rita: Can I buy you a drink... hahaha!
Metal Monthly: Name 5 Women in Metal, who you admire, and respect?

Rita: Well hell... since we almost covered that before... this is an easy one... Wendy O Williams, Sharon Osbourne, Aeysha King (Kerry King's wife), Kat Von D, & my Mom... hahaha... try & figure that one out!

Metal Monthly: Thanks So Much for your time, is there anything else you would like to plug or add for our readers?

Rita: Well hell yeah! I would just like to say thank you to all the souls out there that support Metal! If it wasn't for music... sometimes I wonder how I'd ever get through the day, but to all the people out there that love Dime as much as I do, Thank you from the dark side of my heart! You guys are the reason I know I better get outta bed every mornin' instead of wantin' to just pull the covers over my head & never emerge... Thank you for all the positive energy you surround me with... I can never express how much that means to me! Now get your ass to the bar & buy me a cocktail! Hahahaha! Far Beyond Big Luv Alwayz!!!

Metal Monthly: Are you going to namm this year? If so I want a huge Hug!

Rita: Why yes I am! & you damn sure have 2 or 3 comin'! Haha!

Metal Monthly: Thank You Rita for your time, and from The Bottom Of My Heart.

Rita: No, No! Thank you! It has been all my pleasure! Now go on & Getcha a Full Pull!
Cheerz!
Dimebagz Hag!
Xxx

Thank you Rita
You rock
~Downshifter.