Slayer Kicks off their final World Tour out west

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The worst part of the term "finality" is knowing that it’s coming for us all...the only positive to take from it is enjoying the time, the events and being in the moment to cherish all those memories till further notice.

My moment was catching the opening nights on this last tour by this legendary band whom I've seen almost every year, since 1984. Having the opportunity to work with Slayer during my time at Metal Blade Records in the early days was an honor behind the scenes and just as exciting as a young fan.

This first date took place at the former San Diego Sports Arena now named "Valley View Casino Center" out here on the west coast.

The Opening acts:

Testament/ Behemoth /Anthrax/Lamb Of God

All performed great sets in their own right getting all of the maniacs who sold out this show ( as well as the next) primed for a solid night of classic Thrash Metal!

Getting down there was quite an undertaking when you factor in typical LA traffic, as this was an early start show on a weekday.

Unlike the newly opened Five Points Amphitheatre in Irvine the next night, Valley View Casino Center had made the entire place "General Admission" seating which was surprising considering there were actual seats, but once full that allowed everyone else to head down and fill up the floor pit for the maximum impact!

The Slayer set was stopped 4-5 songs in as Tom was asked to tell the crowd to "keep the access emergency lanes clear or there would be no show" per the fire marshall. After a few grumbles and murmurs...the maniacal Slayer fans on the floor and in the isles all obliged! Amazing diplomacy.

Afterwards the show carried on as Tom Araya, Kerry King, Paul Bostaph,Gary Holt (and somewhere the spirit of Jeff Hanneman) ripped through 2 hours of riffs, screams, fire, smoke and fury which makes up a typical Slayer show.

Presentation-wise, a slight change could be said for the next night in Irvine. While all the bands played solid sets again in the afternoon leading into the evening at this fairly new venue, but the outdoor elements with the pending threat of wind/rain was imminent but in NO WAY was going to detract from this show!)

While the weather hampered the pyro portion of their set, which was unfortunate, minor in the bigger scheme as it’s always about the music at the end of the day and that's why when Slayer does calls it a career these first 2 shows towards that "finality" set the tone of what’s to come.

There have been plenty of imitators over the years but there will NEVER be another SLAYER. Bottom line...don’t miss this tour!

www.slayer.net

Slayer Setlist for these 2 opening nights:

Delusions of Saviour (intro)
Repentless
Blood Red (First time live in 8 years)
Disciple
Mandatory Suicide
Hate Worldwide
War Ensemble
Jihad
When the Stillness Comes
Postmortem
Black Magic
Payback
Seasons in the Abyss
Dittohead (First time live in 5 years)
Dead Skin Mask
Hell Awaits
South of Heaven
Raining Blood
Chemical Warfare
Angel of Death


Thank you to John Araya, Alex Solca & Heidi Ellen Robinson-Fitzgerald PR