SLAYER’s official Facebook page has released the first picture of the band’s revamped lineup which features EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt and new/old/new drummer Paul Bostaph.
It was announced on May 30 by Araya and King that Bostaph would be behind the drum kit for the first leg of the band’s 2013 international tour. EXODUS’ Gary Holt is continuing to fill in for fallen guitarist Jeff Hanneman, who died on May 2 from alcohol-related cirrhosis of the liver.
SLAYER’s 2013 itinerary has the band playing 35 dates that include headline shows as well as a number of major summer festivals in Europe, Eastern Europe and South America between June and October.
“Paul’s a great drummer and a good friend, and we’re very happy that he’s decided to rejoin the band,” said Araya. “We’re still pretty numb from the loss of Jeff, but we don’t want to disappoint our European and South American fans, and we need to begin moving forward… Having Paul back in the band makes that a whole lot easier.”
Original SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo sat out the band’s recent Australian tour due to a contract dispute with the other members of the group. Filling in for him was Jon Dette (TESTAMENT, ANTHRAX).