THE BEAST

Watch KERRY KING Perform "At Dawn They Sleep" in Calgary During First-Ever Headlining Tour!

January 25, 2025

Thrash metal icon Kerry King, legendary guitarist of SLAYER, continues his trailblazing solo venture with his first-ever headlining tour. On Wednesday, January 22, King and his band stormed The Palace Theatre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, delivering a blistering set that included a powerful rendition of "At Dawn They Sleep." Fan-filmed footage of the electrifying performance has surfaced online, capturing the intensity and precision that King has long been known for.

The headlining trek, which kicked off on January 15 at San Francisco’s Regency Ballroom, sees King leading an all-star lineup featuring guitarist Phil Demmel, drummer Paul Bostaph, vocalist Mark Osegueda, and bassist Kyle Sanders. The tour boasts MUNICIPAL WASTE as a special guest and ALIEN WEAPONRY as support, culminating at the House of Blues in Las Vegas on February 22.

In a recent interview with Heavy Consequence’s Two For The Road series, King expressed his excitement about embarking on this milestone journey. Reflecting on last summer’s "Ashes Of Leviathan" tour alongside MASTODON and LAMB OF GOD, King shared how meaningful it was to share the stage with bands that SLAYER had a hand in shaping. "We jump at the chance to tour anywhere," he stated. "But now we get to come back and headline the States."

This tour also marks a significant moment for King and his bandmates, as they prepare to perform in their respective hometowns. "We haven't played in New York City yet, and that’s my new hometown," King noted, highlighting the excitement of hitting familiar territories such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and the Bay Area, where members like Phil Demmel, Paul Bostaph, and Mark Osegueda originated.

A Setlist Tailored for Thrash

As for what fans can expect from the setlist, King remains mindful of delivering a powerful but balanced experience. "I don’t want people to get burned out with two heavy hitters playing before us," he explained. "I feel there is a limit to how long you should play when you're playing thrash."

Touring has evolved significantly since SLAYER’s early days, a fact King reflected upon while discussing the financial challenges modern bands face. From U-Hauls and passenger vans to full-fledged tour buses, the logistics of hitting the road have changed. "One bad thing people may not realize is why ticket prices are so high," King remarked. "The pandemic caused everything to explode in cost—buses, venues, production. It’s not as cheap as it was five years ago, and unfortunately, fans feel that impact."

The Rise of King’s Solo Project

King’s solo journey officially took flight with the release of his debut album, From Hell I Rise , in May 2024. The LP, produced by Josh Wilbur (known for his work with KORN, LAMB OF GOD, and AVENGED SEVENFOLD), was written entirely by King and received widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. The band made its live debut at Chicago’s Reggies in early May before making waves at major festivals like Welcome To Rockville and Sonic Temple.

Following a successful European run, which included headline shows and festival appearances at Hellfest, Download, and Sweden Rock Festival, King’s solo band embarked on their first U.S. trek in July, supporting LAMB OF GOD and MASTODON. Now, with his own headlining tour in full force, King is proving that his brand of thrash is as relentless and commanding as ever.

Fans can expect nothing less than unrelenting speed, crushing riffs, and the raw energy that made King a cornerstone of heavy metal. As the tour rolls on, audiences across North America will witness firsthand the next chapter in Kerry King's storied career.