Gary Holt Discusses Life, Legacy, and New Ventures on Loudwire Nights

In a recent episode of Loudwire Nights, guitarist Gary Holt, known for his work with Exodus and Slayer, shared insights into his bustling life, including the 40th anniversary of Exodus’ iconic album, Bonded by Blood, and his new memoir, A Fabulous Disaster. As he aptly quoted the legendary Lemmy, “There’s plenty of time for sleeping when you’re dead,” Holt embodies this philosophy through his relentless pursuit of creativity and passion.

Keeping the Momentum Going

During his conversation with host Chuck Armstrong, Holt expressed his determination to continue performing and creating music. “While I’m able to actually physically be able to still do it at this level, I’m going to keep doing it,” he stated. He elaborated on the importance of seizing the moment and not slowing down, emphasizing that he is enjoying what he does, and retirement is not on his immediate horizon.

The Joy of Writing a Memoir

Holt also opened up about his experience writing his memoir, revealing that it was an enjoyable process filled with memorable anecdotes. He noted that there were so many stories he wanted to include that he had to make tough choices about what to leave out. “There’s a lot of really, really funny stuff,” he said, recalling moments of sleep deprivation that led to comedic situations. “When we were truly spun out…it was a dark, horrible time—but I’m not going to lie, there are times when you haven’t slept for three days when shit is funny.” His reflections highlight the chaos and humor intertwined in life on the road.

Anticipation for Ozzy’s Final Show

As Holt looks forward to joining Slayer onstage for Ozzy Osbourne’s final concert in Birmingham on July 5, he reflects on the profound influence Black Sabbath has had on his career. “We would be nowhere without Black Sabbath,” he acknowledged, recalling how the band shaped his musical journey. Holt also excitedly mentioned a pair of Sabbath-themed Converse shoes he plans to wear at the show, underscoring the personal significance of the event.

Insights on Exodus and Slayer

• Dual Album Recording: Holt explained that Exodus is currently recording two albums simultaneously, fueled by their constant creativity in the studio. “We went in and we had a lot of material. We don’t ever stop writing when we’re in the studio,” he shared.
• Keeping Slayer’s Secrets: When asked about Slayer’s future plans, Holt humorously declared, “You get nothing out of me,” emphasizing the different roles he plays in Exodus and Slayer.
• Musical Influences: He reminisced about the early days of Exodus, revealing their admiration for bands like Mercyful Fate and Venom, and jokingly attributing their allure to “Satan!”

Conclusion

Gary Holt’s passion for music and storytelling continues to shine through, whether he’s reflecting on his past or looking forward to future performances. His candidness about his experiences and perspectives offers fans a deeper understanding of the man behind the music. For those interested in hearing more, the full conversation is available on the Loudwire Nights podcast.

FAQs

What is Gary Holt’s new memoir about?

Gary Holt’s memoir, A Fabulous Disaster, chronicles his experiences in the music industry, filled with humorous and candid anecdotes from his life on the road.

When and where will Gary Holt perform with Slayer?

Gary Holt will perform with Slayer during Ozzy Osbourne’s final show in Birmingham on July 5.

Why is Holt recording two albums at once with Exodus?

Holt explained that Exodus has a wealth of material and they find that some of their best songs emerge during the recording process, leading them to record two albums simultaneously.

What musical influences does Gary Holt cite?

Holt acknowledges the significant influence of Black Sabbath on his music, along with other bands like Mercyful Fate and Venom, especially during the formative years of Exodus.