Kerry King Reflects on Jeff Hanneman’s Impact on Slayer and His Relationship with Tom Araya

Grieving a Bandmate

In a recent interview with Luiz Cesar Pimentel from Brazil’s Cucamonga, SLAYER guitarist Kerry King opened up about the profound impact that founding guitarist Jeff Hanneman’s death in 2013 had on his relationship with bassist and vocalist Tom Araya. King noted, “I think Jeff’s passing weighed harder on Tom than it did on me. It’s just my take; it wasn’t as bad for me as it was for Tom.” He acknowledged the shared grief over Hanneman’s untimely passing but emphasized that Araya seemed to carry that burden more heavily.

The Changes in Araya

King speculated that Hanneman’s death influenced Araya’s decision to consider retirement sooner than he would have otherwise. “I think he felt the band was different,” King said, hinting that the emotional toll of losing a close friend and bandmate altered Araya’s perspective on their music and future together. Despite this, King expressed surprise when Araya expressed a desire to perform together again last year, stating, “I never wanted to stop playing shows. So, yeah, let’s try it out.”

The Dynamic Between King and Araya

Discussing the nature of their relationship, King revealed, “Just like it was in [the earlier years of] SLAYER, [Tom and I] don’t talk on the phone. We rarely text each other.” He attributed this lack of communication to the years they had spent together, during which both had evolved as individuals. “He became a very different person,” King remarked, while asserting that he himself had remained relatively unchanged over the decades.

Reuniting for Shows

Despite their differences, King recounted a positive experience when they reunited for rehearsals prior to their recent shows. “It wasn’t weird. He was super happy,” he said. The duo shared celebratory moments, including shots of tequila after their performances at Riot Fest and Aftershock festival. King expressed enthusiasm for their upcoming shows, including a rebooked performance at the Louder Than Life festival and a slot at a BLACK SABBATH show in Birmingham.

Hanneman’s Health Struggles and Impact

Jeff Hanneman faced significant health challenges starting in January 2011, when he contracted necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as flesh-eating disease, from a spider bite. This severe infection led to numerous surgeries and prolonged rehabilitation, ultimately resulting in his semi-retirement from the band. Tragically, Hanneman passed away in May 2013 from complications related to alcohol abuse, leaving a legacy of iconic SLAYER songs like “Angel of Death” and “South of Heaven.”

The Revelation of Araya’s Retirement

In a different conversation with Rolling Stone in February 2024, King recounted the moment he learned of Araya’s desire to retire. “We were on tour and some kid was interviewing him,” King explained, noting how Araya’s comments hinted at his plans to step back from the band. King was caught off guard when Araya ultimately declared, “I’m done,” but respected his decision, recognizing the emotional weight it carried.

Differences Within the Band

King candidly addressed the personality differences that contributed to SLAYER’s eventual split. “Me and Tom have never been on the same page,” he admitted, using their differing tastes as a metaphor for their contrasting personalities. He acknowledged that while their differences created tension, they also fostered a unique creative dynamic that allowed them to produce remarkable music together.

Political Divergence

When asked about the role of differing political ideologies in their relationship, King reflected on a controversy that arose when Araya posted about then-President Donald Trump on SLAYER’s official social media account. King expressed frustration, stating, “I was super pissed off at that — but not enough to fucking quit my band.” He emphasized the importance of respecting each other’s personal views and the need for communication to avoid misunderstandings.

Current Status and Future Plans

As they prepare for another reunion, King revealed to Rolling Stone that he and Araya had not communicated since SLAYER’s farewell tour in 2019. “Not even a text. Not even an e-mail,” he said, although he remains open to reconnecting. “If Tom hit me up, I’d probably respond,” he added, suggesting a willingness to mend their relationship, albeit cautiously.

Conclusion

Kerry King’s reflections on his relationship with Tom Araya and the lasting impact of Jeff Hanneman’s death provide insight into the complexities of life within a legendary band like SLAYER. The emotional weight of loss, differing personalities, and the challenges of touring have shaped their journey, yet the music they created together remains a powerful testament to their collaboration.

FAQs

What caused Jeff Hanneman’s death?

Jeff Hanneman passed away from alcohol-related cirrhosis of the liver after battling severe health issues, including necrotizing fasciitis, which he contracted from a spider bite.

How did Kerry King describe his relationship with Tom Araya?

Kerry King described his relationship with Tom Araya as complicated due to their differing personalities and communication styles, but acknowledged that they share a mutual respect and enjoy making music together.

What are SLAYER’s upcoming performance plans?

SLAYER has plans to perform at the Louder Than Life festival and a BLACK SABBATH show in Birmingham, emphasizing their continued commitment to live performances despite past challenges.

Did political differences contribute to SLAYER’s split?

Kerry King noted that differing political opinions did cause some tension between him and Tom Araya, particularly during a controversy over Araya’s comments about Donald Trump. However, King indicated that this was not the sole reason for the band’s eventual split.