“The End is Near… Slayer to make its exit with one, final world tour.”
The news is not a surprise to me, but I still feel sad about it.
Half of Slayer left in the band, with the passing of Jeff Hanneman and firing of Dave Lombardo. Even though Kerry King and Tom Araya still reigning on the road with the help of Paul Bostaph and Gary Holt; it doesn’t feel the same.
The last time I saw all four Slayer onstage and backstage was at Long Beach Arena, August 30, 2010. That was the last time I said hi to Jeff Hanneman, who later had to take a leave of absence due to necrotizing fasciitis on his arm. I saw Slayer a few times with Gary Holt standing in for Hanneman. Then comes the firing of Lombardo from the band following the death of Hanneman. At that time I thought that Slayer would have made their exit.
Over the last ten years, I had been hearing from Tom Araya talking about his reluctance on touring. One thing for sure, if Tom Araya decided to quit, that would be the end of Slayer.
There is one wish for me to see Slayer on stage one last time with all living band members, current and former. One can only dream.