Kerry King had a fantastic run with Slayer for nearly four decades. Now, as he embarks on his solo journey and starts from scratch, he’s realizing the challenges of not being at the top anymore.
In an interview with Loud TV, King opened up about the realities of building a new band from the ground up.
“It’s tougher than I imagined. I’ve had it pretty easy for the past thirty years,” King admitted. “Starting over means lower billing, less money, and ensuring everyone in my band gets paid enough for their time.”
Despite the challenges, King remains determined. “I never considered giving up. Each album could be your last, so you have to treat it like it’s the most important one,” he said. “I’m confident in our music, and I believe fans will enjoy it.”
He also shared a humorous twist to his upcoming European solo show coinciding with his 60th birthday. “It’s ironic to celebrate 40 years in the business by starting a new band. Our first European show falls on my birthday at the only venue I’ve ever canceled a show at.”
King’s new band features Mark Osegueda from Death Angel, Paul Bostaph from Slayer, Phil Demmel from Vio-Lence and Machine Head, and Kyle Sanders from Hellyeah. You can catch King on tour with Lamb Of God and Mastodon, playing their full 2004 albums, and Malevolence at various locations.
7/19 Grand Prairie, TX Texas Trust CU Theatre
7/20 Austin, TX Germania Insurance Amphitheater
7/21 Houston, TX 713 Music Hall
7/23 Jacksonville, FL Daily’s Place
7/24 Orlando, FL Orlando Amphitheater
7/25 Alpharetta, GA Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
7/27 Raleigh, NC Red Hat Amphitheater
7/28 Richmond, VA Virginia Credit Union LIVE!
7/30 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE
7/31 London, ON Budweiser Gardens
8/1 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
8/3 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
8/4 Manchester, NH SNHU Arena
8/6 Bangor, ME Maine Savings Amphitheatre
8/8 Reading, PA Santander Arena (w/ Unearth, no Malevolence)
8/9 Cleveland, OH Jacobs Pavilion (w/ Unearth, no Malevolence)
8/10 Sterling Heights, MI Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre @ Freedom Hill (w/ Unearth, no Malevolence)
8/13 Moorhead, MN Bluestem Center For The Arts Amphitheater
8/15 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome
8/16 Penticton, BC South Okanagan Events Centre
8/17 Kent, WA accesso ShoWare Center
8/18 Portland, OR Theater of the Clouds
8/21 Los Angeles, CA The Kia Forum
8/23 Phoenix, AZ Arizona Financial Theatre
8/24 Rio Rancho, NM Rio Rancho Events Center
8/25 El Paso, TX El Paso County Coliseum
8/27 Magna, UT The Great Saltair
8/29 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre
8/31 Omaha, NE The Astro Amphitheater
