Gary Holt responded to Steve Zetro Souza’s Exodus exit claims on Instagram.
When a fan on Instagram asked why Zetro was ‘let go’ this time, Holt responded, “If I told you you’d understand. I’ve no desire to talk badly about him. It’s a marriage, being in a band. Behind closed doors, the marriage was done and over.”
Last month, Exodus announced they had parted ways with Zetro and brought back Rob Dukes. On February 7, Zetro commented on his exit from Exodus under an Instagram post revealing he was working on lyrics for the next Testament album.
A fan said in the comments, “Why did you leave Exodus?” Souza replied by writing, “I did not leave, I was let go !! Exodus parted ways with Zetro.”
Zetro first joined Exodus in 1986 after singing for Legacy (later Testament). He stayed until their 1993 hiatus, then rejoined from 2002 to 2004. Dukes joined in 2005 after Zetro left and stayed until 2014, when Zetro returned.
When Exodus announced Souza’s departure on January 15, they released a statement saying, “Announcement! EXODUS have parted ways with Steve ‘Zetro’ Souza. We thank Steve for his years fronting the band and all the killer music we made during that time. We wish him only the best in the future and much success with anything he does.”
The group shared, “And please help us welcome Rob Dukes back to EXODUS! We are beyond stoked to have Rob back ripping up the stage with us and he’s looking forward to crushing everything like only he can.”
“Next chapter begins, new record rolls along as planned and the beatings will continue. See you soon, EXODUS,” Exodus concluded their statement.
Dukes joined Exodus in 2005 and was on four albums: ‘Shovel Headed Kill Machine’ (2005), ‘The Atrocity Exhibition… Exhibit A’ (2007), ‘Let There Be Blood’ (2008), and ‘Exhibit B: The Human Condition’ (2010).
Exodus is set to perform at the Fillmore Philadelphia on April 4.
