Jeff Hanneman’s widow, Kathryn Hanneman, has publicly responded to Exodus guitarist Gary Holt’s recent apology regarding incorrect statements made in his new book about her presence at her late husband’s memorial service. This was reported on the Official Jeff Hanneman Instagram account.
Kathryn Hanneman addressed the situation directly, clarifying her attendance at the memorial and expressing her continued respect for Holt.
“With this photo comes clarification, important to me. PLEASE, know, this was a mistake and I have NO ill feelings towards Gary. Respect as always,” she said. “I hope the fans do not feel the need to take personal digs. Gary is Slayer family!!!”
She went on to explain the circumstances surrounding the memorial service and her emotional state at the time.
“I recently received a copy of Gary Holt’s book from Adem Tepedelen, who co-wrote the book. I actually have been listening to it on ‘Audible’ as I felt I also wanted to support Gary and wanted to buy it,” she continued. “I was saddened to hear that Gary falsely stated…… and NOT purposely……. ‘Kathryn, Jeff’s widow, couldn’t bring herself to be at Jeff’s memorial at the Hollywood Palladium.’ Of course, I was there. I was such a mess, I had Kristen, who is now the president of RSE Group, read my note, my thank you’s and my message to Jeff.”
Kathryn also provided specific details about a photograph taken during the memorial service.
“I remember exactly when this photo must have been taken, as I do remember, as soon as our wedding photo was up on the screen, you, the fans, went Loud! I just turned around and tried to smile. Pictured with Jeff’s best friend, Rocky George, and my bro to this day!” she explained. “Just a clarification and thank you, Adem, for the book, and to Gary for sharing your story. And, for clearing up that you honestly had not known I was there.”
This response comes after Gary Holt publicly apologized for the error in his book “A Fabulous Disaster: From the Garage to Madison Square Garden, the Hard Way.” In the book, he incorrectly stated that Kathryn Hanneman was not present at her husband’s memorial service.
The memorial service itself was a significant event that reflected both the challenges and the unique spirit of the metal community. The gathering at the Hollywood Palladium brought together family, friends, and fans to celebrate Jeff Hanneman’s life and legacy.
Loudwire reported that the memorial faced external disruption from picketers from the Westboro Baptist Church. Slayer urged attendees to ignore them and focus on the celebration instead. Despite this unwanted presence, the metal community came together to honor one of their most respected figures.
The atmosphere of the service was notably unconventional for a memorial, reflecting Jeff Hanneman’s deep connection with the metal community. Uproxx documented that a mosh pit broke out among attendees during the service. This demonstrated the intense passion and energy that Hanneman’s music inspired in his fans.
The memorial served as a testament to Jeff Hanneman’s lasting impact on the thrash metal genre and his devoted fanbase. Noisecreep noted that the service brought together members of the metal community to remember Hanneman’s contributions to music and his influence on countless musicians and fans worldwide.
Gary Holt’s recent apology and Kathryn Hanneman’s gracious response highlight the close-knit nature of the metal community. Personal relationships and mutual respect remain important despite occasional misunderstandings. The incident also demonstrates the ongoing reverence for Jeff Hanneman’s memory and the continued support for his family within the Slayer community.
