Dave Lombardo Hopes For Slayer Return
Dropped Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo says he’s crossing his fingers over a return to the thrash giants.
He was dismissed days before the band toured Australia in March, with guitarist Kerry King reporting there had been a contractual argument, and later adding that frontman Tom Araya had had doubts over Lombardo’s position for some time.
The move means Slayer have been on the road with two stand-in men: former sticksman Jon Dette, and Exodus guitarist Gary Holt, who’s deputising for spider-bite victim Jeff Hanneman.
Asked about the band’s planned appearance in Greece in July, Lombardo tells Rock Overdose: “I hope to be there – but I don’t know.
“My fans were so supportive. The concern and sadness over what happened in Australia is more than I ever imagined. It’s unbelievable. I love my fans and hope to continue playing for them.
“This is my life. I don’t do anything else – music is my passion and my life.”
In the meantime he’s concentrating on his other outfit, Philm. “This is my band,” he reports. “It’s not a side-project. It’s a band that enjoys their time with each other: we go and have something to eat, have a coffee together. The music has a lot of energy and the energy is very powerful.”
And he’s planning to reactivate his former outfit Grip Inc. “A few shows here and there,” he says. “I found a singer who’s going to help – Casey Chaos from Amen. I hope we’ll come out with new material and do some shows.”
Lombardo’s message for those who hope to see him back with Slayer is: “Cross our fingers.”
Meanwhile, Araya’s brother and guitar tech Johnny has discussed the chance that Hanneman will never play with the band again – but will remain on board as songwriter.
Speculation increased earlier this month that Holt could become a full-time member of the band, with King saying he would be “okay” with it.
Johnny Araya tells Road Crew Books: “That’s a tough one. Jeff wrote some of the most memorable Slayer songs ever. Jeff and Tom’s songs have been nominated for Grammys. It’s safe to say that Slayer needs Jeff. Dave, Jeff, Tom and Kerry recorded some of the best metal albums of all time together – it would be wonderful if they could do that again.”