John "Kat" Brooks
John "Kat" Brooks (born 1971) was a part of the road crew as a drum technician for Vinnie Paul of the heavy metal bands Pantera and Damageplan. He is the current drum tech for Hatebreed and Hellyeah (Vinnie Paul). In the Pantera home video Vulgar Video, Brooks is credited as "Johnny The Cat! 'The mongfot' 'The Clown' (Drum Tech, African Errands)". In various parts of the Pantera home video he is referred to as "The Cat", "The Clit", "The Clown", "The Katt-the-Klapp" and "Marijuana tech".
Death of Dimebag Darrell
John Brooks was present on the night of guitarist Dimebag Darrell's killing. In an attempt to subdue the gunman, Nathan Gale, Brooks was shot three times: in his right hand, right thigh, and right side. Gale eventually took Brooks hostage by holding the gun to his head. James D. Niggemeyer, who was the first police officer to take action over the situation, shot Gale in the head, killing him instantly, saving Brooks' life as well as others.
Aftermath
Brooks has largely remained out of the public eye and reclusive following the events of December 8, 2004, and refused to discuss it with the press.
In February 2006, Brooks was interviewed for VH1's Behind The Music special on Pantera, which aired on May 11, 2006 in the United States. Even in this interview, Brooks is not immediately identified as the hostage, although it is alluded to, noting that he was the only person in the proximity of the murderer.
References
- "Police: DIMEBAG's Murder Was Not Motivated By PANTERA's Breakup.". Blabbermouth.net. 20 October 2005.