Gary Holt recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of a SLAYER reunion, and it appears that he's not optimistic about it ever happening. The renowned EXODUS leader, who spent nearly a decade touring with SLAYER, opened up about this topic during a guitar clinic held at Pitbull Audio in National City, California.
When asked about his thoughts on a potential SLAYER reunion, Holt responded with a mix of candor and humor, saying, "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."
Holt's involvement with SLAYER began in 2011 when he started filling in for the legendary guitarist Jeff Hanneman at live shows. Eventually, he became the band's full-time co-guitarist in 2013 while still remaining a pivotal member of EXODUS. His contribution to SLAYER was further solidified with his appearance on the band's final studio album, "Repentless," which was released to critical acclaim in 2015.
Reflecting on the experience of being on the road with SLAYER as part of their historic farewell tour in 2018 and 2019, Holt shared that it was indeed "totally fun" and an experience he will remember forever. However, he also confessed that he tried not to dwell on the fact that it was their last-ever tour until the last two shows, where the reality of the band's farewell truly struck him.
Speaking of SLAYER's retirement, the topic of going out too soon versus too late inevitably came up due to Kerry King's statement about the band quitting "too early." Holt acknowledged that different band members might have their own perspectives on the matter. While he felt that SLAYER still had plenty of great music left in them, he agreed with the sentiment that going out on top was better than dragging out their legacy. He believed that ending the band while they were still firing on all cylinders preserved their iconic status and prevented their music from becoming a mere shadow of its former self.
Naturally, being part of SLAYER was an unforgettable experience for Holt. He emphasized the strong friendship he shared with the band members, some of whom he has known since they were kids. As SLAYER's co-guitarist, he felt his role was relatively straightforward—deliver killer performances, headbang with the crowd, and occasionally assume the "guitar hero" role during their incredible solos.
Comparing his role in SLAYER to that in EXODUS, Holt pointed out that he wore more hats in his primary band and had significantly more responsibilities. Nevertheless, he expressed his love for the additional roles he played in EXODUS, even if they weren't always easy.
Throughout the years, rumors and speculations about a SLAYER reunion have persisted, but fans and musicians alike have come to accept that the legendary band has truly said its farewells. The final show of their farewell tour took place in November 2019 at the Forum in Los Angeles, leaving the fans with an unforgettable experience and a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of metal enthusiasts.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding a SLAYER reunion, Gary Holt remains committed to EXODUS and continues to focus on his creative journey with the band. Whether or not we see a SLAYER reunion in the future, the impact of their music and the memories of their historic performances will forever remain in the hearts of metal fans worldwide.
So, if you're ever in the mood for some classic SLAYER tunes or to witness Gary Holt's electrifying guitar solos, there's an extensive catalog of incredible music to enjoy, reminding us of the enduring legacy of this legendary band.
