Ex-Slayer drummer and double kick pioneer Dave Lombardo has revealed on the Let There Be Talk show that the band’s frontman Tom Araya has wanted out for years.
Lombardo, who played on defining thrash metal LP Reign In Blood, departed the band permanently in 2013.
He noted in the interview however that due to health issues, Araya wanted to close things down well before then.
Clarifying that he’s had no communication with his former bandmates, Lombardo noted that “Tom’s been wanting to retire when I was in the band.
“He had neck issues. He’s been wanting to retire for a long time now. So now that he’s got it, I’m happy for him and I hope he gets what he wants out of life and his future.”
Lombardo has since gone on to take up kit duties with crossover thrash act Suicidal Tendencies, as well as a string of side projects.
Check out Dead Cross, featuring Lombardo, Mike Patton and more
Slayer has unveiled their final US tour dates and are set to bring the curtain down on their decorated career with two shows at The Forum in LA on November 29th and 30th respectively.
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In addition to a final tour, the band has also unveiled their new live DVD and short film The Repentless Killogy. It’s a cheesy title, but the trailer looks wild. Check it out below.
The band visited Australian shores for the last time this past February for the Download Festival, coming off the back of shows around the world that were so good fans swam through lakes to try and get in.
Check out this drum-cam of Lombardo in God mode at an old Slayer show
