It’s official: SLAYER reunites and announces their first shows in five years

KILLER has officially reunited and will return to the live stage in September.

For the first time since the band concluded the last concert of their world tour in November 2019, KILLER — Tom Araya (bass, voice),king kerry (guitar),Gary Holt (guitar) and Pablo Bostaph (drums) – will return to the stage this fall, headlining two major festivals, riot party and Louder than life.

“Nothing compares to the 90 minutes we’re on stage performing live, sharing that intense energy with our fans.” Araya he said, “and to be honest, we’ve missed it.” King He added: “Have I missed playing live? Absolutely. KILLER It means a lot to our fans; They mean a lot to us. It’s been five years since we saw them.”

So far the following dates have been announced:

September 22 – Riot Fest – Chicago, IL
September 27 – Louder Than Life – Louisville, KY

“We are delighted to announce that KILLER will come together for a momentous performance in Louder than life,” says Danny Wimmer of Danny Wimmer presents. “I was at their last show at The Forum in 2019 and have been working since then to bring them back to the stronger scenery! With more than 140 bands on five stages, we celebrate our tenth Louder than life With the biggest lineup yet!”

Earlier this month, Kerry He said he had not been in contact with Thomas from KILLER He performed his last show more than four years ago.

The 59-year-old guitarist opened up about his band’s decision to quit while speaking with Rolling Stone about his new solo project.

He was asked how he found out. KILLERThe bassist/vocalist wanted to retire. Kerry said, “We were on tour and a guy was interviewing him and he said something like, ‘I have to meet with Kerry and talk before talking about the next album. He should have just said, “I’m probably not going to make another record,” or had that conversation with me before mentioning something like that. She was just assuming, ‘Oh, fuck, what’s this going to be?’ And it was: ‘I’m done.’ It’s not what she expected. But if you made that decision, I’m not going to try to dissuade you because your heart won’t be in it anyway.”

Regarding why Araya had decided to retire, King said: “I think it’s just road wear and tear. I think he wanted to be home. None of us are real attention seekers, but he certainly isn’t. And when (late KILLER guitarist) Jeff (Hanneman) was around, he was like a hermit. He didn’t want fame. I tolerate fame. “Someone has to be that guy.”

Kerry He also confirmed that personality differences contributed to KILLERThe eventual division.

“I and Thomas “I’ve never been on the same page,” he said. “For example, if I want a chocolate shake, he wants a vanilla shake.” ‘Kerry, What color is the sky?’ Blue. ‘Thomas, What color is the sky?’ White. We are simply different people. The further we get in years, it just becomes more.

“Am I going out with Thomas? He likes a little bit of tequila and I’m a big tequila fan, so I’ll have my chance with him and we’ll part ways. We’re not going out or anything because we’re very different people. And together we made good music and a great live show.”

He was asked if he had spoken to Thomas not at all since the last KILLER show,” Kerry He said: “Not even a text message. Not even an email. I’ve spoken to every other member of the band by phone, text or email. Yes Thomas Contact me, I would probably respond. It probably depends on why he hit me, but I don’t wish death on him right now.”

Pressed on whether he and Thomas I could do another KILLER album, Kerry said, “I can say almost one hundred percent no because I have a new outlet, and it’s not KILLERbut it sounds like KILLER. I’m still making the music I like to make, so I don’t need to do that. Anyway, the records are no longer sold. “It’s just a way to put out a product so people know what I’m playing when they come to town.”

Regarding the possibility of KILLER on tour again, Kerry said, “I’m pretty sure that’s not going to happen. Could you KILLER Do a show again? I’m sure there is a scenario. I’m looking for it? No, I’m just getting ready to start my career. So if that happens, it happens. But I’m going to do this (solo band) for at least the next 10 years.”

KILLER He performed the final show of his farewell tour in November 2019 at the Forum in Los Angeles. One day later, Kerry‘wife ayesha said there is “no chance” the thrash metal icons will reunite for more live appearances.

KILLERThe final world tour began on May 10, 2018 with the band’s intention to play in as many places as possible, to make it easier for fans to see one last time. KILLER show and say goodbye. By the time the 18-month Forum tour concluded, the band had completed seven tour legs plus a series of major one-off summer festivals, playing over 140 shows in 30 countries and 40 US states.

Araya spoke about his possible retirement in a 2016 interview with high wire. He said: “At 35, it’s time to collect my pension. (laughter) This is a step in my career.” He continued, “I’m grateful we’ve been around for 35 years; that’s a lot of time. So yes, for me it is. Because when we started everything was going great, because you are young and invincible. And then there came a time when I became a family man and it was hard for me to come and go. And now, at this stage, at the level we’re at now, I can do that; I can fly home whenever I want, on days off, and spend some time with my family, something I couldn’t do when (my children) were growing up. Now they are both older and mature. So now I take advantage of that.” Araya And he added: “Yes, it is increasingly difficult to get back on the road. 35 years is a long time.”

Thomas He also revealed another reason why he was enjoying life on tour less and less. He said: “Things have happened in my life that have made me change the way I play as a bassist. I had neck surgery so I can’t headbang anymore. And that was a big part of what I enjoyed doing.” What I do: sing and headbang. I liked knowing that he was one of the fucking badass headbangers. That played an important role. Now I just move to the music, which is great, because I’m dancing to the music and the feeling. of the songs, so that’s changed a little bit for me.