THE BEAST

Photo credit: Ryan Segedi (courtesy of Cosa Nostra PR)

In a recent interview with Luiz Cesar Pimentel of Brazil's Cucamonga, SLAYER guitarist Kerry King revealed candid details about his relationship with bassist/vocalist Tom Araya, especially in the aftermath of Jeff Hanneman's death in 2013.

When asked how Hanneman's passing affected his bond with Araya, King responded (via Blabbermouth transcription):

"I think Jeff's passing weighed harder on Tom than it did me. Of course it was horrible, but it really weighed on Tom. I think that's what led to him wanting to retire earlier than me, because I think he felt the band was different."

King explained that despite Araya expressing a sudden interest in playing SLAYER shows again last year, the two have never been personally close outside of the band:

"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's not the guy I started the band with. He's a different person. I basically stayed very similar to who I've been in my twenties."

Despite these differences, King insists there’s no bad blood. After SLAYER's reunion shows at Riot Fest and Aftershock Festival in 2023, he and Araya even shared tequila shots backstage:

"We got together after the second one, had a shot after the show. He'll drink tequila and I love tequila, so that's what we had."

How Jeff Hanneman's Death Impacted SLAYER

In January 2011, Jeff Hanneman contracted necrotizing fasciitis — a life-threatening infection — from a spider bite. After numerous surgeries and hospitalizations, Hanneman tragically passed away in 2013 from alcohol-related cirrhosis. His death left an undeniable hole in SLAYER, especially considering his role in writing classics like "Angel of Death" and "South of Heaven."

King acknowledged that Hanneman’s death hit Araya particularly hard, accelerating his desire to leave the relentless touring lifestyle behind.

Why Tom Araya Chose to Retire From SLAYER

In a 2024 interview with Rolling Stone, King recalled the moment he realized Araya wanted out:

"We were on tour and some kid was interviewing him. He said, 'I've got to get together with Kerry and talk before we talk about the next record.' I was just assuming, 'Oh fuck, what's this going to be?' And it was, 'I'm done.'"

King respected Araya’s decision but admitted it wasn't what he expected.

The physical and emotional wear and tear of the road, combined with a growing desire for a quieter life, contributed to Araya's retirement. Unlike King, who "tolerates fame," Araya has always been more reclusive, much like Hanneman was.

Personality Differences and Political Tensions in SLAYER

Kerry King also pointed out that personality differences were always present in SLAYER:

"Me and Tom have never been on the same page... We're just different people. And together, we made great music and a great live show."

One source of friction came in 2017 when Araya made a controversial political post about then-president Donald Trump using SLAYER’s official Instagram account. King was "super pissed off" but clarified that the political rift alone wasn’t enough to split the band.

"That's what your personal social media is for. You're the only one in this band that gives a shit about this idiot."

King confirmed that neither he, nor fellow bandmates Gary Holt and Paul Bostaph, supported Trump's presidency, highlighting how Araya’s actions misrepresented the rest of the band.

SLAYER's Reunion: A New Chapter, But A Different Band

Prior to SLAYER’s 2024 reunion, Kerry King admitted he hadn’t spoken to Tom Araya since their final farewell show in 2019.

"Not even a text. Not even an email."

However, when the opportunity to perform again arose — including a special Black Sabbath tribute show in Birmingham, UK — both musicians set aside differences to honor SLAYER’s legacy.

King summed it up perfectly:

"We're not going to hang out or anything because we are very different people. And together, we made great music and a great live show."

Conclusion

Kerry King's brutally honest comments about his relationship with Tom Araya offer a raw glimpse into the reality behind one of metal’s most legendary bands. Though they’ve grown apart personally, their ability to reunite for monumental shows proves that SLAYER’s legacy is bigger than any single difference between its members.

Fans eagerly await what’s next, even if it’s clear that SLAYER — and its members — will never be quite the same.