Gary Holt discussed Slayer’s reunion and his role in the band on Talk Is Jericho Podcast.
He shared his reaction to Slayer’s reunion plans and detailed his preparation process.
“Absolutely. People say, ‘Oh, this and that. You planned this all along.’ I’m like, look, I knew a little while before everybody else, but I didn’t know forever,” Holt said. “I knew early enough to sit down at home and start studying the songs, ’cause I wanted to be really prepared. But, yeah, I was surprised.”
Holt outlined the band’s current approach to performances and his way of balancing commitments.
“I’m sure there were offers for the band forever, but they felt like it was time, and I’m more than happy to do it,” he continued. “And at least as of now, the current method, which has been [for Slayer to play] a brief, minor, small little couple of shows [every year], that’s fine because I’m fully committed to Exodus. And so it allows me to do that and then go out [with Slayer] and play with fire, which, that shit’s expensive. Exodus does not get pyro.”
The arrangement successfully balances Holt’s roles in both Slayer and Exodus.
His journey with Slayer extends beyond a decade and represents a crucial period in the band’s history.
Documentation from Wikipedia reveals Holt’s initial role as a touring member in 2011. He stepped in for guitarist Jeff Hanneman during health issues. After Hanneman’s passing in 2013, Holt became an official member. He stayed with the band until their farewell tour ended in 2019.
Holt’s 2024 return marks his second chapter with the thrash metal legends. Reports from CBS News highlight his distinct roles in both bands. He serves as a performer in Slayer. In Exodus, he takes on broader duties as guitarist and primary songwriter.
He has structured his commitments carefully to maintain both projects. Slayer focuses on occasional shows with elaborate productions. Meanwhile, Holt continues his creative leadership in Exodus.
This setup enables him to preserve his Exodus legacy while joining Slayer’s comeback. He successfully manages his responsibilities to both influential thrash metal bands.
