Exodus guitarist Gary Holt has opened up about the circumstances surrounding Steve ‘Zetro’ Souza’s departure from the band. He shared his perspective in a recent interview with Rock Hard Magazine.
Holt used an analogy to explain the situation without revealing specific details when asked directly about why Zetro had to leave Exodus.
“Without going into details, I tell people like this: being in a band is like being married,” Holt said. “And you might see that husband and wife out in public and they’re really nice and charming, but you don’t know what’s happening in their house. Like, maybe she’s throwing fucking dishes and knives at his head. Maybe he’s smacking her around. You don’t know what’s happening.”
The guitarist went on to describe the internal dynamics that led to the change.
“And there was a lot of unhappiness in the band, and I wish him no ill will,” he continued. “We had a good time until just kind of the four of us were trying to enjoy this as much as we can. I’m 61 years old. I want to end my career smiling all the time.”
Holt’s comments provide insight into the band’s decision-making process while maintaining respect for his former bandmate.
The departure has led to significant changes within the band’s lineup. It has also sparked discussions about the circumstances surrounding the split. Ultimate Guitar reported that this split resulted in the return of Rob Dukes as the band’s frontman. This marks a significant change in Exodus’s vocal lineup after Zetro’s departure.
The situation has also prompted responses from Souza himself, who has been vocal about his perspective on the matter. Loudwire revealed that Zetro clarified the nature of his departure. He stated that he did not leave the band voluntarily.
“I did not leave, I was let go!!” Souza said, providing his own account of the circumstances that led to his exit from the thrash metal veterans.
Souza has also made it clear that he has no intention of returning to perform with Exodus in the future. Blabbermouth noted that the vocalist expressed that he has no desire to play with Exodus ever again. He stated “It’s been done” when discussing the possibility of future collaborations.
The split represents another chapter in Exodus’s long history of lineup changes. Both parties are now moving forward separately in their respective musical endeavors.
