Slayer is Reuniting
In a twist that nearly no one saw coming, Slayer is reuniting in 2024. The thrash metal pioneers have confirmed two performances for the fall: Chicago’s Riot Fest on September 22nd and Louisville, Kentucky’s Louder Than Life Festival on September 27th.
Bassist/vocalist Tom Araya made a statement in the official announcement, saying “Nothing compares to the 90 minutes when we’re on stage playing live, sharing that intense energy with our fans, and to be honest, we have missed that.”
“Have I missed playing live? Absolutely,” added guitarist Kerry King. “Slayer means a lot to our fans; they mean a lot to us. It will be five years since we have seen them.”
Araya and King will be joined again by drummer Paul Bostaph and guitarist Gary Holt.
Slayer disbanded five years ago after their “Final World Tour.” King said in interviews that Araya had been ready to hang it up for a few years before that, and the guitarist recently announced a solo project with a new album due on May 17th. (That project will feature bassist Kyle Sanders of Hellyeah.)
There’s no word on whether the band will add more dates, but their website has a graphic saying “A New Unholy Gateway Coming Soon.” We’ll keep you updated as more details emerge.