In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Gary Holt has announced that he is withdrawing from the ongoing Slayer “farewell” tour until March as his father is “very near the end of his journey”. Understandably, he has been struggling over recent shows and wants to get home to spend time with family.
Phil Demmel, who has recently finished his own final run with Machine Head as his era with that band comes to a close, has stepped into the breach. Learning the band’s entire set in a matter of days and flying out to Europe to fill Holt’s boots, we’re sure that lead guitar role is in safe hands until the Exodus axe-man’s return.
Obviously, our best wishes go to Holt and his family and it warms our own evil hearts to see bands and friends helping each other out in such trying times.
