Gary Holt (musician)

Last updated

Gary Holt
14-06-08 RiP Slayer Gary Holt 1.JPG
Holt performing with Slayer in 2014
Background information
Birth nameGary Wayne Holt
Born (1964-05-04) May 4, 1964 (age 60)
San Pablo, California, U.S.
Genres Thrash metal
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
  • songwriter
Instrument(s)Guitar
Years active1981–present
Member of Exodus, Slayer

Gary Wayne Holt (born May 4, 1964) is an American musician from the San Francisco Bay Area. [1] He is the guitarist, bandleader, and main songwriter for thrash metal band Exodus, and has also been a member of Slayer from 2011 to 2019 and again since 2024, initially joining as a temporary guitarist in place of Jeff Hanneman, and as a permanent guitarist after Hanneman's death in May 2013.

Contents

Career

Slayer and Megadeth, European Carnage Tour 2011 Gary Holt Slayer Kiev 01.JPG
Slayer and Megadeth, European Carnage Tour 2011

Exodus

After guitarist Tim Agnello left Exodus in 1981, Holt joined the band and has been the main songwriter and the most senior member of the group ever since. Following Kirk Hammett's 1983 departure from Exodus to join Metallica, Holt kept the band going and for many years, he and Rick Hunolt were referred to as the Exodus' "H-Team" guitar players. Holt is the only member of Exodus who has played on every album.

Slayer

On February 12, 2011, it was announced that Holt would be temporarily filling in for Jeff Hanneman in the band Slayer. Holt also played with Slayer for the Big 4 Concert in Indio, California on April 23, 2011, as well as Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, Texas on November 6, 2011. Holt was later confirmed to be a permanent member of Slayer, following Hanneman's death on May 2, 2013, and stayed with the band until their split, following the conclusion of their 2018–2019 farewell tour. [2] He also recorded guitar tracks on Slayer's 2015 album Repentless , but did not have any writing contributions on the album, [3] except for guitar solos.

Other work

In October 2008, Holt released an instructional guitar video called "A Lesson in Guitar Violence". He also produced Warbringer's second album, Waking into Nightmares . [4] In 2019 he was included on "Cheapside Sloggers", a song on Volbeat's Rewind, Replay, Rebound . [5]

Equipment

Holt endorses ESP Guitars as of September 2014 and has a signature version of the Eclipse model, ending his relationship with Schecter Guitar Research, where he previously had various signature models. He has also used Ibanez, B.C. Rich, Jackson Guitars, Bernie Rico Jr., and Yamaha guitars.

For amplification, he currently uses a Marshall Silver Jubilee in Slayer and an ENGL Savage 120 in Exodus as well as a Kemper Profiling amp. In the past, he has used a modified Marshall JCM800, Mesa Boogie Mark III, Marshall JVM, Peavey Triple XXX, and ENGL Savage 120. Before using the Silver Jubilee, DSL100H and Marshall JVM amps with Slayer, Holt made use of Jeff Hanneman's touring rack.

Musical influences

Holt performing in 2019 2019 Gary Holt.jpg
Holt performing in 2019

Holt's main guitar influences are Ritchie Blackmore, Michael Schenker, Angus Young, Tony Iommi, Uli Jon Roth, Matthias Jabs and Ted Nugent. [6] [7] His favorite bands include Venom, Motörhead, Black Sabbath, early Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. [6]

Personal life

Outside of music, Holt enjoys foreign and period films. [8]

According to Holt, the track "War Is My Shepherd" on the album Tempo of the Damned is a treatise of America's "pro-God" and "pro-war" stance and how he feels the two beliefs are incompatible with each other. [9]

Holt endorsed Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election, stating, "I used to have a lot of respect for McCain, but he realized after the dirty defeat that he suffered at the hands of George W. Bush in the South Carolina primary in the (2000) election that he can only get elected if he plays the Karl Rove tactic b.s. He's doing it. It's just one debunked lie after the other. He's the kind of guy who will tell you the sky is red, you look up and it's blue, and he won't admit he's wrong. He's playing dirty politics. Palin is just terrifying, the thought of this lady being a heart attack away from having the nuclear codes. She's crazy and she's dumb." [8]

In the 2004 election, Holt vouched for John Kerry, but conceded that "they're all dirty crooks, all politicians. But at least (Kerry) wasn't a coward. He fought in the Vietnam War whereas George W. Bush Jr. was a draft dodger." [9]

In 2017, he referred to President Donald Trump as a "serial liar" and an "embarrassment to this country, this world, and everyone living in it." [10]

Holt is an atheist. [11] In October 2017, he became a vegan. [12]

On December 17, 2018, his father Billie Charles Holt (born July 6, 1933) died. [13]

On March 18, 2020, Holt began exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. [14] By March 31, 2020, he had tested positive for the virus, although by then he had already recovered. [15]

Discography

Exodus

Slayer

Asylum

Destruction

Heathen

Hypocrisy

Laughing Dead

Metal Allegiance

Panic

Under

Warbringer

Witchery

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slayer</span> American thrash metal band

Slayer is an American thrash metal band from Huntington Park, California, formed in 1981 by guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, drummer Dave Lombardo and bassist/vocalist Tom Araya. Slayer's fast and aggressive musical style made them one of the "big four" bands of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax. Slayer's current lineup consists of King, Araya, drummer Paul Bostaph and guitarist Gary Holt, who initially joined as a touring member in 2011 before joining the band permanently after Hanneman's death in 2013. Drummer Jon Dette was also a member of the band.

<i>Hell Awaits</i> 1985 studio album by Slayer

Hell Awaits is the second studio album by American thrash metal band Slayer, released on April 8, 1985, by Metal Blade Records. The band's 1983 debut Show No Mercy became Metal Blade Records' highest-selling release, and as a result, producer Brian Slagel desired to release a second Slayer album. To that end, Slagel financed a recording budget and recruited several experienced producers to help in the studio.

<i>God Hates Us All</i> 2001 studio album by Slayer

God Hates Us All is the ninth studio album by American thrash metal band Slayer, released on September 11, 2001, by American Recordings. It was recorded over three months at The Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, and includes the Grammy Award-nominated song "Disciple". Guitarist Kerry King wrote the majority of its lyrics, taking a different approach from earlier recordings by exploring topics such as religion, murder, revenge, and self-control. Stylistically, the album shows a return to Slayer's classic thrash metal sound. It was Slayer's last album to feature drummer Paul Bostaph until his return on their 2015 album Repentless.

"Angel of Death" is the opening track on American thrash metal band Slayer's 1986 album Reign in Blood. The lyrics and music were written by guitarist Jeff Hanneman. They detail the Nazi physician Josef Mengele's human experiments at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Bostaph</span> American drummer

Paul Steven Bostaph is an American drummer best known as a member of the thrash metal band Slayer, initially from 1992 to 2001, again from 2013 to 2019, and in 2024, after the reunion. His drumming career began in 1984 when he was 20 years old. In addition to Slayer, he has worked with bands such as Forbidden, Exodus, Systematic, Testament, and BlackGates. Metal-Rules.com describes Bostaph as "a true professional and one of the best drummers on today's metal music scene".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeff Hanneman</span> American guitarist (1964–2013)

Jeffrey John Hanneman was an American musician, best known as a founding member and guitarist of the thrash metal band Slayer. Hanneman composed both music and lyrics for every Slayer album until his death in 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Exodus (band)</span> American thrash metal band

Exodus is an American thrash metal band formed in 1979 in Richmond, California. Their current lineup consists of guitarists Gary Holt and Lee Altus, bassist Jack Gibson, drummer Tom Hunting, and lead vocalist Steve "Zetro" Souza. There are no original members left in Exodus other than Hunting, who has departed from the band twice, in 1989 and 2004, but rejoined in 2007. Exodus is also notable for including a then-unknown Kirk Hammett, who was the band's lead guitarist from its inception to his departure in 1983, when he left to join fellow Bay Area thrash metal band Metallica as Dave Mustaine's replacement. Holt has been most consistent member throughout various lineup changes and breakups, and is the only member to appear on all of Exodus' recordings. Much of the band's career has also been affected by feuds between both band members and record companies, two extended hiatuses, deaths of former band members and drug addictions.

<i>Tempo of the Damned</i> 2004 studio album by Exodus

Tempo of the Damned is the sixth studio album by American thrash metal band Exodus. Released on February 2, 2004 via Nuclear Blast, Tempo of the Damned was Exodus' first studio release since 1992's Force of Habit. It was the last appearance of longtime vocalist Steve "Zetro" Souza until his return for 2014's Blood In, Blood Out as well as the last appearance of founding drummer Tom Hunting until 2007's The Atrocity Exhibition... Exhibit A. The album was also the last studio appearance of guitarist Rick Hunolt until the band's 2021 album Persona Non Grata, where he made a guest appearance.

<i>Impact Is Imminent</i> 1990 studio album by Exodus

Impact Is Imminent is the fourth studio album by American thrash metal band Exodus, released in 1990. Impact Is Imminent was Exodus' first album on Capitol Records as well as their first album to feature John Tempesta on drums. It was also the last studio album to feature Rob McKillop on bass, though he appeared on their first live album, Good Friendly Violent Fun, which was recorded live in 1989 but not released until 1991. Impact Is Imminent was re-released in 2008 in a limited edition mini-album packaging to resemble the original vinyl release, including the inner sleeve.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rob Dukes</span> American heavy metal vocalist

Robert Dukes is an American vocalist, best known as the former lead singer for the thrash metal band Exodus and current vocalist for his crossover thrash project Generation Kill.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volbeat</span> Danish rock band

Volbeat are a Danish rock band formed in Copenhagen in 2001. They play a fusion of rock and roll and heavy metal. Their current line-up consists of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Michael Poulsen, drummer Jon Larsen, and bassist Kaspar Boye Larsen. The band is signed to Dutch label Mascot Records and has released eight studio albums and one DVD. Their second album Rock the Rebel/Metal the Devil received platinum status, and their 2010 release Beyond Hell/Above Heaven was subject to widespread international critical acclaim, receiving triple platinum in Denmark and Austria, double platinum in Sweden, platinum in Canada, 5x Gold in Germany, and gold in both Finland and the United States. Volbeat's most recent studio album, Servant of the Mind, was released in 2021.

<i>The Atrocity Exhibition... Exhibit A</i> 2007 studio album by Exodus

The Atrocity Exhibition... Exhibit A is the eighth studio album by American thrash metal band Exodus, released on October 26, 2007. It is the second album to feature Rob Dukes on vocals and Lee Altus on guitars, and it also marks the second comeback of longtime original Exodus drummer Tom Hunting. Hunting's last appearance was on the 2004 album Tempo of the Damned.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Warbringer</span> American thrash metal band

Warbringer is an American thrash metal band formed in 2004. Century Media Records signed Warbringer after seeing them at a local show in LA. Originally, a Century Media rep was at the show to see another LA thrash metal band but decided to sign Warbringer instead. Warbringer's second album Waking into Nightmares was released on May 19, 2009. The album reached No. 14 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Despite numerous line-up changes, Warbringer has released six full-length studio albums, and along with Bonded by Blood, Evile, Hatchet and Havok, they are notable for being part of the late 2000s and early 2010s "thrash metal revival" scene.

<i>Waking into Nightmares</i> 2009 studio album by Warbringer

Waking into Nightmares is the second album by the American thrash metal band Warbringer, released on May 19, 2009, in the U.S. and May 25, 2009, in Europe. It was produced by Gary Holt, guitarist of thrash metal band Exodus. The cover art was painted by Dan Seagrave. A video for the song Severed Reality was produced. Waking into Nightmares sold around 2,000 copies in its first week of release in the U.S.

The World Painted Blood Tour was a concert tour by Slayer.

<i>Repentless</i> 2015 studio album by Slayer

Repentless is the twelfth and final studio album by American thrash metal band Slayer, released on September 11, 2015. This is the band's first album recorded without guitarist Jeff Hanneman, who died from liver cirrhosis in 2013 and was replaced by Gary Holt. It is also the first album to feature drummer Paul Bostaph since God Hates Us All (2001). Repentless is also the only album the band released on Nuclear Blast and was produced by Terry Date, replacing Rick Rubin after twenty-nine years and nine studio albums as their producer or executive producer. The six-year gap between World Painted Blood (2009) and Repentless was also the longest between two Slayer albums in their career.

<i>Blood In, Blood Out</i> (Exodus album) 2014 studio album by Exodus

Blood In, Blood Out is the tenth studio album by American thrash metal band Exodus. It was released on October 14, 2014 through Nuclear Blast, and is the band's first album with vocalist Steve "Zetro" Souza since 2004's Tempo of the Damned. The album also saw a reunion with original guitarist Kirk Hammett, who plays the guitar solo on "Salt the Wound". Blood In, Blood Out received generally favorable critical reviews, and it entered the Billboard 200 at number 38—the band's highest U.S. chart position to date. Exodus promoted the album with its first concert tour with Souza since he left the band in 2004, due to a feud with guitarist Gary Holt. This is also the only studio album the band released whilst Holt did double duties with Exodus and Slayer, the latter of where Holt had filled in for the late Jeff Hanneman until their disbandment in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slayer Farewell Tour</span> 2018–19 concert tour by Slayer

The Final World Tour was the final concert tour by American thrash metal band Slayer, which began on May 10, 2018, and ended on November 30, 2019. The tour, consisting of 147 shows worldwide, served as a conclusion of the band's three-and-a-half-decade-long touring career.

<i>Persona Non Grata</i> (Exodus album) 2021 studio album by Exodus

Persona Non Grata is the eleventh studio album by American thrash metal band Exodus, released on November 19, 2021. It is their first studio album since Blood In, Blood Out in 2014, and their second to feature vocalist Steve "Zetro" Souza since he returned to the band that same year. This album also features guest appearances from former Exodus guitarist Rick Hunolt and guitarist Lee Altus' bandmate in Heathen, Kragen Lum, who both provide guitar solos on one of the album's tracks, "Lunatic-Liar-Lord". This is the band's final album to be released through Nuclear Blast, with whom the band signed in 2003.

References

  1. ↑ Smyers, Darryl (September 7, 2010). "Q&A: Exodus' Gary Holt On Re-Recording, Wikipedia and Coping With Bandmate Deaths". Dallas Observer. Archived from the original on April 17, 2024. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
  2. ↑ "GARY HOLT: I Am 'Forever Honored To Have Been A Part Of' SLAYER". Blabbermouth.net. December 2, 2019. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  3. 1 2 "Kerry King: 'Fans Aren't Ready for Gary Holt to Contribute Music to Slayer' | Music News @". Ultimate-guitar.com. Retrieved July 29, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Warbringer Waking into Nightmares Credits". AllMusic . Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  5. ↑ Kaufman, Spencer (July 18, 2019). "Kids take over for Volbeat in video for new song "Cheapside Sloggers" featuring Slayer's Gary Holt: Watch". Consequence of Sound . Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  6. 1 2 Archived October 23, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  7. ↑ "Michael Schenker - Metal Master Kingdom Interview". metalmasterkingdom.com. January 17, 2018. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  8. 1 2 "Gary Holt Interview – Exodus Interview". Heavymetal.about.com. Archived from the original on August 6, 2010. Retrieved July 29, 2014.
  9. 1 2 "Interview with Guitarist of EXODUS – GARY HOLT". Metal-Rules.com. Retrieved July 29, 2014.
  10. ↑ "SLAYER's TOM ARAYA: America Has Become 'A Nation Of Crybabies'". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. April 17, 2017.
  11. ↑ Hartmann, Graham (April 8, 2015). "Exodus / Slayer's Gary Holt - Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction". Loudwire . Retrieved November 18, 2016.
  12. ↑ Meltdown (May 23, 2018). "Radio Chatter with Slayer/Exodus guitarist Gary Holt" (Podcast). WRIF. Event occurs at 18:08-19:12. Archived from the original on June 10, 2018. Retrieved June 10, 2018.
  13. ↑ "Gary Holt on Instagram: "Today I lost my hero, the greatest man I've ever known or will know. Billie Charles Holt passed away this evening, with my mom and all his…"". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021.
  14. ↑ "EXODUS/SLAYER Guitarist GARY HOLT Says He Is Exhibiting 'All The Symptoms' Of COVID-19". Blabbermouth.net . March 18, 2020. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  15. ↑ "EXODUS/SLAYER Guitarist GARY HOLT Officially Tests Positive For COVID-19". Blabbermouth.net . March 31, 2020. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.