Guitarist Gary Holt recently commented on the possibility of a possible SLAYER reunion
During a guitar clinic held at Pitbull Audio in National City, California, on July 17th, Gary Holt, the leader of EXODUS, openly expressed his skepticism about the likelihood of a SLAYER reunion ever happening. Having spent nearly nine years touring with the thrash metal band, he discussed the potential of the band reuniting, but it seems he doesn’t believe it will come to fruition.
Asked if he thinks there will ever be a SLAYER reunion, Holt responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “Ah, man. You’ve gotta talk to other people. That’s outta my pay grade. Look, if anybody ever asked me to do it, of course I’d be down to do it. But I don’t think it’s ever gonna happen. I think the band’s ended. Unlike all the other farewell tours that started five years ago and are still continuing, I think this one’s over.”
Also discussing what it was like being on the road with the iconic metal band for the group’s final tour in 2018 and 2019, Gary said: “It was totally fun. I mean, it was the final, last-ever tour. It was a good time. You tried not to let it get weird on you, as far as, like, ‘This is it.’ I never really thought about it ending until the last final of the two shows. It kind of dawned on me. But that was a good one. I’ll remember that tour forever. It was fucking rad.”
In 2011, Gary Holt stepped in to fill the shoes of SLAYER guitarist Jeff Hanneman for live shows. By 2013, he had become the band’s full-time co-guitarist while continuing his role as a member of EXODUS. Notably, Holt contributed to SLAYER‘s final album, “Repentless,” which was released in 2015.
In November 2019, SLAYER concluded their farewell tour with an epic final show at the Forum in Los Angeles. Soon after, Kerry King‘s wife, Ayesha King, emphatically stated that there was “not a chance in hell” for the thrash metal legends to reunite for additional live performances. This sentiment was reiterated in August 2020 when she firmly dismissed the possibility of her husband and bassist/vocalist Tom Araya sharing the stage together again under the name of SLAYER.
In that very same month, SLAYER‘s drummer, Paul Bostaph, confirmed his involvement in a new project led by Kerry King. Over the last three years, the duo has been diligently working on music, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to record it properly once the coronavirus pandemic subsides.
SLAYER embarked on their final world tour on May 10, 2018, with the clear intention of reaching as many places as possible, making it convenient for their fans to witness one last unforgettable show and bid their farewells. The 18-month trek concluded at the Forum, encompassing an impressive seven tour legs along with a series of major summer festivals, totaling over 140 shows in 30 countries and 40 U.S. states.