Exodus guitarist Gary Holt discussed the band’s decision to bring back vocalist Rob Dukes in a recent interview with Loudwire.
Holt addressed the timing of Rob Dukes’ return to the band and explained why this moment proved right for the decision.
“No one foresaw lineup changes. We never foresaw him the first time,” Holt explained. “Things would just come to a road crossing. We felt like things were not going the way they needed to be with everybody being on the same page and being happy about things.”
The 60-year-old guitarist expressed his preference for working with familiar faces.
“As far as Rob coming back, I’m 60 years old. I don’t want to meet new people. I don’t,” he stated. “Rob’s one of my best friends and we talk all the time. I thought for like half a second, maybe we’ll get some guy half my age who’s got washboard abs and can still jump off a drum riser without his knees going out for a week.”
Holt shared his excitement about the band’s upcoming material with Dukes. “But no, I’d rather stick with my friend and his vocals on these new songs. It just gonna blow people’s minds. It’s insane.”
The reunion represents a significant milestone for both Dukes and Exodus after nearly a decade apart.
Records from Wikipedia show that Dukes first joined Exodus in 2005. He remained with the band until 2014. His initial tenure marked a significant era in the band’s history. He contributed to several notable albums and helped shape the band’s sound during that period.
The path to Dukes’ return evolved naturally. Metal Storm documented his reconnection with the band through special performances. A memorable reunion show in San Francisco in 2017 helped maintain their musical chemistry.
Blabbermouth reported Dukes’ official return on January 15, 2025. He replaced Steve “Zetro” Souza. The band is now working on new material with Dukes. They plan to release a new album in 2026.
This reunion brings both parties back to familiar territory. It also marks an exciting new chapter in Exodus’s storied career. Fans can look forward to fresh material featuring Dukes’s distinctive vocal style.
