In a recent chat with Greg Prato of Ultimate Guitar, David Ellefson supported Slayer’s comeback.
After saying that it was inevitable and that musicians are meant to perform, the bassist added:
“They’re my friends, so I’m happy for any successes they have. If they’re worn out and they want to quit, I’m happy for that, too. But if they’re rested up now and getting ready to go play — go play.”
Ellefson reflected on Pantera’s new lineup with Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante:
“There’s all this controversy around Pantera [reforming with a new lineup and going back on the road], and as I found out with Kings Of Thrash [Ellefson’s project with ex-Megadeth guitarist Jeff Young celebrating that band’s early material], fans still want to hear these songs. Regardless of what you call it, people still want to go hear those songs. Farewells are just a temporary goodbye.”
What Did Ellefson Say About Slayer’s Retirement Decision?
In June 2018, the musician was asked by Inquisitr about Slayer’s choice to retire after their last world tour. He responded:
“Look, groups retire for all kinds of different reasons. Either they’ve just lost interest, their heart just isn’t into it anymore, maybe it’s a health issue, for who knows what reasons. And I don’t know why Slayer’s hanging it up; I’ve not talked to Tom [Araya] or Kerry [King] about it to know. It’s great to see them have this big last hurrah of success. I’d like to think they’re not gone forever, on some level, y’know what I mean? Many farewell tours have made for a hell of a reunion tour later.”
David recalled the passing of Jeff Hanneman:
“But they’ve also lost their dear friend Jeff Hanneman [late Slayer guitarist], and he was a key writer for Slayer. Me and Dave [Mustaine] have been through that; past members have passed away. We’ve been through a lot of lineup changes and stuff, and when lineup changes happen, it’s always kind of a shot in the dark whether you’re going to be able to capture lightning twice and recreate the magic. Some of our lineups did and some of them didn’t.”
Five years after Slayer’s supposed farewell tour and shortly after Kerry King revealed details about his solo project, King and his bandmates announced their upcoming performances at the Aftershock, Riot Fest, and Louder Than Life festivals. The band will play their first show on September 22.