On Saturday night, November 30th, at 11PM, the members of Slayer warmly embraced each other and their crew, soaked up their love of their fans, took pictures for the band scrapbook, and exited the stage for one last time in Los Angeles, California at the LA Forum.
Such is the range of emotions that both band and fans experienced in the final show of their 18-month Final Campaign tour (complete with openers Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals, Ministry, and Primus). After nearly four decades, the quartet are supposedly calling it quits on touring, although they will continue to exist as a band. “Thank you for sharing your time with us… time is precious,” said Araya. “I’m gonna miss you guys.”
It was a long, affecting goodbye. Bassist/singer Tom Araya, visibly moved by the shouts of “thank you, Slayer,” looked out across the crowd with misty eyes. Guitarist Kerry King symbolized the completion of his tour of duty by dropping his giant metal chain belt on stage, while the arena’s screen showed close-ups of fans openly sobbing.
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Photo Credit: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com