Earlier this year, metalheads around the world undoubtedly shed a tear or two at the news that after 37 years together, thrash-metal legends Slayer were calling it quits. However, it doesn’t seem all bad according to Rob Zombie, who reckons the group’s retirement will be short-lived at best.
Back in January, Slayer announced that their career as one of the world’s biggest metal acts was set to come to an end, unveiling a series of dates that would see the group play their final shows. Since then, the band has been out on tour with the likes of Lamb Of God and Anthrax, leading to some interesting stories along the way.
Now though, Rob Zombie – who previously toured with the group back in 2011 – has offered his take on the group’s demise. In an interview with Jason Rockman of Canada’s CHOM 97.7 radio station (via Blabbermouth), Zombie explained that he’s sure the group will be feeling the itch to hit the road again soon after hanging up their instruments for what they say is the last time.
“I don’t think anyone ever thought they would be doing it this long,” Zombie began. “Just a couple of days ago, I was hanging out with Alice Cooper, ’cause he was at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and I just dropped by to say hi. He’s 70, and he has no plans of retiring. I mean, Jesus Christ, Jerry Lee Lewis hasn’t even retired yet.”
“No rock guys have ever retired — they just… they died; that’s why they retired,” he continued. “And when I hear, ‘Oh, Slayer are retiring,’ I go, ‘No fucking way! No way!’ They think they wanna be home and have a life. After two years, they’re gonna go cuckoo and they’re gonna be back on the road.”
“That’s what we’re all built for – we’re all crazy and we need to do this. And I don’t know why. And I don’t see any retirement ever. We’ll keep going until we can’t go anymore.”
“The only time I said I would retire is when I thought I just can’t do it anymore and you know you’re not good – you know the shows aren’t good, you know you can’t bring it,” he concluded. “But until then, yeah. And time goes by fast, too.”
As it stands, there’s currently no word if Slayer’s farewell tour is set to include an Australian leg, though some comments made by Soundwave promoter AJ Maddah – who brought the band back to Australia for their last tour – suggests that we might be receiving some final dates from the thrash-metal legends at some point this year.
Check out Slayer’s ‘War Ensemble’:
