Slayer guitarist Gary Holt departs European Tour to care for his Father, Machine Head's Phil Demmel to replace him
Its the call you never want to receive, but when it comes you have to stop everything in your path and do it. Unfortunately, Slayer guitarist Gary Holt has had to pull the pin on his involvement with the band's current final European Tour to head home and care for his father. The legend announced the news on his Instagram page:
"My father is very near the end of his journey, I've been playing these last several shows with the heaviest of hearts. And with that heavy heart I have to announce I am leaving the Slayer European tour. I must return home to help care for my dad in his final moments. Tonight ended with me in tears while finishing Angel of death. But the crowd brought out the best in me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all."
It's a no brainer, when family comes calling, you answer and do what's needed. Luckily, fans have taken the news well and he went to explain fellow metal hero PhilDemmel of MachineHead will be taking his place for the duration of the tour:
"I want EACH AND EVERY Slayer fan to give their biggest screams for Phil Demmel @demmelitionmh !! Bay Area legend!!! My dear friend, who having JUST finished a tour agreed to help me and the band out and learn an entire Slayer set in days and come out here so I can return home for my dad. Thank you Phil, you are family, love you bro! Please give him your warmest welcome.And most of all, I gotta thank @slayerbandofficial, @tomarayaofficial @paulbostaphofficial and Kerry King, you guys are TRULY my family, and have had my back through all what has been the roughest time in my life on tour. And thanks to our ENTIRE crew, and @lambofgod @anthrax and @obituaryband and their crews, knowing you all have been there for me through this, FAMILY. Love all of you."
We like to wish wish Gary and his family all the best during this stressful time. As for the future, he went on to add that he plans to rejoin Slayer's Final World Tour in March, just in time for their Download Festival and sideshows appearances in Australia
"To my fans, thanks from the bottom of my black heart, I'll be back in March to crush once more."
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq5t1LTAJg5/
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Slayer – Final Australian Tour 2019
March 7th @ Riverstage, Bris
Tix Here
March 9th @ Download Festival, Sydney
Tix Here
March 11th @ Download Festival, Melb
Tix Here
March 13th @ Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Tix Here
