Slayer's Gary Holt has released a statement on Instagram concerning his upcoming absence from the few last dates on the band's European trek. After thanking fans for an "amazing show" in Berlin, with the "best crowd ever," the guitarist announced that he will be returning stateside ahead of the tour's end to be with his dying father. "My father is very near the end of his journey, I've been playing these last several shows with the heaviest of hearts," wrote Holt, continuing, "tonight ended with me in tears while finishing Angel of death. But the crowd brought out the best in me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all."
Taking his place for the next four shows will be Phil Demmel, who left Machine Head recently following a 16-year run with the band. Holt relays, "And that having been said, I want EACH AND EVERY Slayer fan to give their biggest screams for Phil Demmel!! Bay Area legend!!! My dear friend, who having JUST finished a tour agreed to help me and the band out and learn an entire Slayer set in days and come out here so I can return home for my dad. Thank you Phil, you are family, love you bro!"
A post shared by Gary Holt (@garyholt_official) on
Holt, once a replacement himself for original Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman, thanked the band members, road crew, touring bands and his wife for helping him through this difficult time, and promised fans he'll be back in March to wrap up the rest of Slayer's farewell world tour. Find a full list of the California thrashers' 2019 dates on their official site, and see below for the dates that will feature Demmel.
12/03 - Copenhagen, DEN – Royal Arena
12/05 - Stockholm, SWE – Hovet
12/06 - Oslo, NOR – Spektrum
12/08 - Helsinki, FIN – Helsingin Jäähalli
