Kerry King on putting aside his differences with Tom Araya for Slayer reunion, “We’re professionals”

Kerry King has revealed that the personal differences between him and Tom Araya won’t have any impact on the recently announced Slayer reunion shows, in a new interview with Metal Hammer.

The thrash titans shocked the metal world in February when they announced that they’d be playing shows at three US festivals – Louder Than Life, Riot Fest and Aftershock – later this year, in what will be their first live dates since calling it quits as a band in 2019.

• READ MORE: What if Slayer wrote Van Halen’s Jump?

Despite King’s management being adamant that King would not talk about Slayer while doing press for his new solo record, the guitarist let slip that the reunion shows haven’t prompted him to reconnect with bassist and vocalist Tom Araya.

Asked by Hammer whether he has spoken to Araya since the news broke, King simply replies: “No.”

And when asked if he thinks the lack of communication in this scenario is a bit unusual, King responds: “What’s usual? There’s no textbook for this stuff. It’s not like I’m angry with him or anything, we’re very different people, and we evolved into business partners at the end of the day. He has very different interests from me, and very different outlooks. Does that make me hate him? No. But I don’t need to talk to him every day.”

He continues: “It’s not weird. We just don’t have much in common. When it comes time to rehearse, I’ll have no problem showing up. We’re professionals, and that’s what we do.”

While many in the metal world have lapped up the return of Slayer – which seems temporary for the trio of festival shows, only – some have questioned the band’s motives. But Lisa Holt, wife of guitarist Gary Holt, has no time for those who have criticised the move.

“This isn’t a ‘tour’, it’s some dates… and great news!” she said. “And everyone that thinks they know all the inside info – you can’t possibly know. So just enjoy the fact that this amazing band will play some amazing shows this year. Go or don’t. Nobody cares!”

Slayer will play Louder Than Life on the weekend of 27 September, Riot Fest on the weekend of 20 September, and Aftershock on Thursday, 10 October.

For more info, head to the band’s website.