Exodus guitarist Gary Holt recently opened up about his dedication to the band and the financial realities of his music career. He shared his thoughts in an interview with Moshville Times.
Holt discussed what has kept him so focused on Exodus since joining the band. He admitted that he wasn’t rich and can’t retire any time soon.
“It’s a way of life, being in Exodus,” Holt said. “Even in the years I spent [touring] with Slayer, I missed this. I missed it. And when Slayer played their final show, I went from two nights sold out at the L.A. Forum [with Slayer] to two months later, I was showering in some really sketchy German venue shower [on tour with Exodus], and I loved it. It was awesome.”
The guitarist reflected on the contrasts between different levels of touring comfort and his unwavering passion for the music.
“You go through extremes of — from the highest level to comfort to, ‘Do I wanna step there?’ And it’s okay. I love it. I love doing this,” he continued. “This is the band I joined when I was 17 years old. And I’ll be 62 in May, and I’m still here. What’s not the love. I’m not rich, but I make a living playing guitar, and that’s a gift in itself. I can’t retire — I gotta keep working — but I love my job. So working isn’t a problem.”
Holt’s commitment to Exodus remains unwavering as the band continues to evolve and create new music. This demonstrates the enduring passion that has defined his decades-long career in thrash metal.
The veteran guitarist’s dedication to his craft is evident in his ongoing work with Exodus. Chaoszine reported that the band is preparing to release their 12th studio album, “Goliath,” on March 20, 2026. This latest project showcases Holt’s continued creative drive and collaborative spirit within the band he has called home for over four decades.
MetalTalk revealed that Holt’s songwriting process remains unchanged since the band’s early days. The guitarist records riffs on his phone and develops them collaboratively during studio sessions. The upcoming “Goliath” album represents a significant collaborative effort, with Holt contributing foundational riffs while bandmate Lee Altus wrote nearly half the album. This demonstrates the band’s continued creative chemistry.
The album also marks the return of vocalist Rob Dukes, who rejoined Exodus after Steve Souza’s departure in January 2025. MetalTalk noted that Holt emphasizes how Dukes brought unexpected vocal range and melodic capabilities that influenced the album’s diverse sound. This adds another layer to the band’s evolving musical identity.
Following the “Goliath” release, Chaoszine confirmed that Exodus will embark on a major European tour with Kreator, Carcass, and Nails, including a stop in Helsinki on April 21. This touring commitment further illustrates Holt’s dedication to performing and his willingness to embrace both the glamorous and challenging aspects of life on the road that he described in his candid interview.
Beyond his work with Exodus, Holt has also maintained connections with other major acts in the metal scene. He performed with Slayer at Ozzy Osbourne’s “Back To The Beginning” farewell event. This showcases his continued relevance and respect within the broader metal community.
