Update: Exodus' Paul Baloff Passes Away After Suffering A Stroke
By
Ed Rivadavia,
Contributor
Sunday, February 3, 2002 @ 5:07 PM
Exodus Frontman Paul Baloff Wa
Exodus frontman Paul Baloff passed away just before noon (PST) Saturday, February 2nd at the age of 41. Baloff sang on the band's seminal debut album, Bonded By Blood, and was loved by fans around the world. His loss will be mourd by family, friends and fans around the world.
Exodus was formed in 1981 by Paul Baloff (vocals), Gary Holt and Kirk Hammett (guitars), Geoff Andrews (bass), and Tom Hunting (drums), Exodus was heavily influenced by New Wave of British Heavy Metal bands such as Iron Maiden, Angel Witch, and Raven, whose lessons they combined with the raw, do-it-yourself aesthetics of the prolific Bay Area punk scene to create thrash metal. Their 1982 demo, Whipping Queen and Death and Domination, became wildly popular on the all-important underground tape-trading circuit, and solidified their standing as the Bay Area's first champions. They lost their number one standing a year later, however, when guitarist and core member Kirk Hammett defected to Metallica, who then raced ahead of all competitors in bringing thrash to the world. Exodus drafted guitarist Rick Hunolt and replaced bassist Andrews with Rob McKillop before signing with Torrid Records, for whom they recorded their Bonded by Blood debut in 1984. A would-be landmark of the genre, the album languished, unreleased, for over a year due to record company problems, and by the time it was finally issued by Combat Records in 1985, its impact had been severely diminished by the quick evolution of their peers.
A one-off anniversary concert in 1997, featuring the classic Bonded By Blood lineup, resulted in a live album, Another Lesson in Violence, released by Century Media.
Exodus guitarist Gary Holt released the following statement yesterday regarding Paul’s bold and wonderful life and unfortunate, untimely passing.
“In My Words..... by Gary Holt
Words cannot describe the pain I am feeling, was feeling, at the sudden and oh so premature loss of Paul. As I sit here at the waters end of San Francisco Bay, I feel as if someone or something has torn my heart out of my body and smashed it on the rocks. Paul was my brother, my spirit, my soul… and he is gone. I wonder how I will ever recover, ever learn what it is to feel alive without him, and for this question, I have no answers. Paul loved Exodus, Was Exodus, and we loved him for it and in spite of it. His flame burned bright, so bright in fact that in hindsight it was all but impossible to have burned forever. Still, it burns in us and we must never let that flame burn out, lest Paul's legacy and his contribution be forgotten.
During my impending divorce, my pain has been constant, but so has Paul, in my support from him. When my depression would occasionally reach its apex, Paul was always there. No words necessary, just Paul taking action. A broken stereo receiver and an invite to launch it down the stairs, a double bladed axe and something to cleave in half. Therapy though vandalism I called it! He knew how to bring me back. Yet, I have no way to do the same for him. I love Paul, always have and always will. There was, (is) a bond that even his untimely death cannot break, but right now my spirit is. The flame in me has died, my spirit torn asunder. I will fight through this. Paul was the ultimate fighter, he fought till the end, and to fight with anything less than his tenacity would be to do his memory an incredible injustice. I miss him I love him, and will keep his memory alive. I only ask that all of you to do the same.
To each and every one of you, from the bottom of my heart I say THANK YOU, Exodus thanks you, and Paul thanks you.
joemassa - 8/19/2005 5:02:05 PM My heart is heavy today.I just heard the news of a true metal icon,Paul baloff,has earned his right of passage.The only words I can think to say for Paul in this molment of sorrow,are THANKYOU!Through all of the bullshit life has thrown at me,no matter how pissedoff I get at the world,or even just scrapping with the olady.All I had to do was turn on the tapedeck,and Icould always depend on Paul and the guys to help me blow off some steam,and put a smile on my face,you were there all through my childhood helping me stay strong and keep my spark alive,.And for this I thank you my brother.Ihope gods got a good set of ear muffs cause I'm sure Pauls screaming his guts out on the other side too.And may he be in heaven for 15 minuts before the devil knows he's dead.I send my condolences Gary! Jaybird Portland Or
bunnnofeet - 4/21/2003 5:42:20 AM Gary, and all other friends of Paul and Exodus out there, I am extremely sad to hear of his death. My name is Elizabeth Green, you may remember me from the early years. I was Paul's girlfriend from approximately 1983-1987. I have become distant from the metal scene but have always remembered all of you, especially Paul, fondly. It always mde me feel better knowing he existed. I feel such a loss and am devasted to know this happened so long ago. Paul was a great person. So much fun to be around. I will miss him immensely.
Brian_Montana - 4/11/2003 1:15:44 AM Wow! I was one of the original guitarists in the thrash/death metal band Possessed. As such, I played many opening gigs for Exodus in those early days...especially at Ruthie's inn (in Berkeley California). Those were the days and Baloff was the finest. From the first gig we played with Exodus I was a fan. The blistering riffs combined with Baloff's vocals were forever etched upon my mind; absolutely perfect. In addition, Baloff was always cool to me. He was probably not thought of as a people-person, but he was to me; an all around awesome guy.
I left possessed because they wanted to be slayer clones with the upside down crucifix etcetera, but they really weren't really able to cope with that. They spread all sorts of rumors and claimed that they had in fact fired me. They were too young to have developed any sense of dignity at that time. Be that as it may...
Now I'm in my thirties, employed as a senior software engineer, and I'm still an Exodus fan!!! I only came upon this website by chance. I was searching the internet for some Bonded by Blood mp3 files and happened upon these pages.
Gary (Holt), I don't know if you'll see this, but if you do, I'm sure you will remember me. Let me say that I was always an Exodus fan and I still am. And that Bonded by Blood with Paul Baloff is the #1 metal album of all time. Where can I get the mp3 files?
Thanks,
Brian Montana
brian_montana@sbcglobal.net
darth_muzzy - 4/10/2003 1:48:32 PM Wow, this is one huge loss to the metal scene.
I had no idea, and i'm like a couple of months behind, I apologize for this...I am completely stunned.
I'll miss Paul and his unbelievable voice, the lyrics, the raw power he possessed.
I hope the rest you Exodus guys keep kicking ass though, never ever EVER fucking give up. Exodus and Paul will live forever.
BAPHOMET73 - 3/14/2003 5:53:18 PM Man, I can't believe Paul is gone. I got tickets to see EXODUS in Detroit about 5 years ago. I took my friend who is also a fan to the show and on the way I was telling him how sweet it would be if PAUL BALOFF was singing again. My friend was not familiar with "BONDED BY BLOOD". Strange enough we got to HARPOS in Detroit and before the show EXODUS was hanging out in the lobby, playing hackey sack and just being real people (how cool is that!) I started talking to RICK and told him how cool it would be if they had PAUL singing again and he told me that he was on this tour. Needless to say, my friend is now enlightened to the BONDED BY BLOOD experience. I will never forget that night. PAUL was just as killer as in 1985. I had no idea PAUL was back and I got to see him.
He will be sorely miss by this fan. "it's time to raise them up, up from below the grave. White bones glow savagery, Provide the light we crave." EXODUS!!!
johnnyvol4 - 12/24/2002 1:42:33 AM DAMN, i saw Exodus a couple of days ago with Souza of course...man, some things never change, what a blast, fantastic!!!
Great to see the "old school" thrash metal coming back again, what more can we do to keep Paul's spirit alive!?!
At the festival there where cool bands like Hate eternal, Marduk, Immolation, Six feet under, Macabre...but it wasn't until the thrash veterans Exodus got on stage when the hall exploded, unbelieveble!!!
I guess there's an incredible NEED for the old school bands like Exodus...there will be a festival again in april 2003 with Death angel, Nuclear assualt and Testament...bruises big time again, especialy after Chuck Billy's return to the stage after recovering from cancer this festival will be the best in years...and Exodus, come back with a new album soon please, i'm sure Paul Ballof is banging his fucking head to it already!!
treedroppings - 9/21/2002 2:09:17 PM "Bloody Corpse makes me feel great!"
Paul taught us that. I would see bands at Omni or the Stone and leave feeling
that I did not need all sorts of brown-nosing submissive attitudes to be a
success. I always saw bands like the one Paul was in as a liberation from
the 9 to 5 grind and whenever recessions hit, I could face reality again
"The Animal" could make the guitars seem less spectacular. I believe
when Paul's up on stage turn up the drums, too!!!
Exodus was really good in the army, where I was in need of good humor
to go with the beer, stress fractures and 'cohort issues'. We made a
metal band and the bass player got religion so I wound up with a slayer
and exodus tape! I guess Maiden, Priest, and Metallica were still ok
with him!!! Exodus does not go to well with SJPD when amplified downtown
either!
bodojunx - 4/4/2002 12:12:42 AM i knew Paul,he was a good friend of mine,back when he was hangin' in Carmel,Seaside,and Monterey,......we all had alot fun with Paul .the Monterey Hardcore scene(OLD SKOOL) is in great morn.WE ARE GOING TO FUCKIN' MISS HIM..JACK MAKREL LIVES!!!!!!
dripdry - 4/3/2002 2:37:04 AM Man i was absolutely blown away by pauls passing he was a good freind of mine and an inspiration when i got into metal..... Pual you will allways be remembered. ....
electrafiction - 3/29/2002 10:08:12 PM I had the pleasure, the unique experience, of knowing Paul. I lived in a house with Paul and Piranha for half a year in Concord, and that was the craziest time of my life. Lots of mayhem, drugs and fucking great times. Paul 'was' heavy metal embodied. Every breath he had was used to pursue the ultimate goal of creating rock and roll. Yes, sometimes you need to fuck shit up, including yourself, to create a masterpiece. Paul could always do that. Anybody who knew Paul knows that beneath the exterior of insanity was a heart was as big as they come. We now know it was too big for this place... rest in peace Paul. I still have the vinyl of Bonded that you gave me; I will always keep that and remember you. *mike navarro*
moshin_dikhed - 3/26/2002 6:22:24 AM I only just heard the sad news today, and I feel terrible. Exodus were the best band ever, and though I never went to any of their gigs, I still feel/felt connected - bonded by blood if you will. Rest In Peace, Paul. You will be missed.
bodenweiser - 3/10/2002 5:36:26 PM I worked some gigs for Paul and EXODUS years ago. I remember partying in Concord and Richmond many times. I will miss Baloff as much as anyone.
RIP PAULLY
James_of_JUICED - 3/8/2002 12:36:45 AM To H team, Jack, Tom, Rob,Tempesta, Kirk, Zetro, And The Mighty Baloff (sorry if I forgot anybody!):
Exodus Truly changed my life. I don't want to get too corny here, but if the shoe fits...!
I just learned of Paul's Passing this week and was very saddened to hear the news. Your right Gary, Exodus was Baloff's life and now he is in you and the rest of your brothers. Stick together and stay true to your heart. I have missed exodus over the years and was ecstactic to see a new release in 97 when I picked up another lesson in violence! That disc was Baloff's affirmation and is now his legacy, as are you.
I met Jack this year at the NAMM show and probably annoyed the fuck out of him asking him a million and one questions about exodus!He and his crew were really cool, genuine people(something you don't see at NAMM) We were talking about the San Diego Show Your doing at Brick By Brick. I'm pleased to see you are still going to play.
See you at the show!! Keep your head up Gary and Crew!
Long live EXODUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
djmpw - 3/5/2002 10:33:09 PM With out a shadow of dout Paul baloff got to sing on the best Live recording CD of a thrash metal band ever !! A lesson in Violence is truely the ultimate EXODUS CD . Paul's songs will always live forever !!! WHY SO HEAVY !!!
God be with you Paul !!
bondedbyblood - 3/4/2002 3:57:08 PM Dear Exodus family I am sad so sad to hear that paul has passed away I know the pain that Exodus is feeling and I wish it heals fast and with out any more pain all of you are very very nice people I don't know you as friends but I feel a part of all of you it mite sound stupid but it is true I saw Exodus at that gig at the troc 1997 I had to leave to get on bart but I was there and I know it was insain as hell all the old tunes being played but I am sad that he is gone I know that he is looking down at all the people that he loves and the people that love him and knows that he lives in all of you in Exodus all of you are bonded by blood forever and ever .
