Gary Holt, the renowned guitarist of Exodus, recently shared his excitement about the band’s newly released live album, “British Disaster: The Battle of ’89 (Live at the Astoria).” This album, recorded 35 years ago, has prompted Holt to rethink the band’s future setlists, reflecting on the energy and intensity of their performance during the late ’80s.
During an appearance on Full Metal Jackie’s weekend radio show, Holt expressed his enthusiasm for the album, stating, “The band was playing it as high a level as we ever have.” He reminisced about the raw energy of the band at that time, emphasizing that the recording is entirely live, with no overdubs. This authenticity captures the essence of Exodus during a pivotal moment in thrash metal history.
The discovery of the long-lost master tapes from the 1989 performance at the Astoria in London was a pleasant surprise for the band. Holt recounted how they stumbled upon the tapes, which had been stored at their former manager’s house for years. The excitement of hearing the recordings again was palpable, as Holt noted, “We were shocked at what we heard.” The band felt compelled to share this piece of their history with fans, leading to the release of the album.
Holt highlighted the uniqueness of this live album compared to typical releases. Many bands record live albums to fulfill contractual obligations or to polish their sound, but this album stands out as a genuine snapshot of a moment in time. The rawness of the recording reflects the band’s youthful exuberance and commitment to their craft.
As Holt listened to the album during the mixing process, he found himself transported back to that era. The intensity of the performance and the ferocity of the songs made him reconsider the band’s current setlists. “It’s making me rethink our setlists in the future,” he admitted, indicating that some of the songs from the album might make a return to their live performances.
The conversation also touched on Holt’s return to Slayer for a few festival dates this year. After the band’s final tour, which seemed to mark the end of an era, Holt expressed his excitement about playing together again, even if it’s just for a limited number of shows. He is currently in the process of relearning many of the songs, preparing for the possibility of playing tracks he hasn’t touched in years.
Holt’s dedication to his craft is evident in his approach to both Exodus and Slayer. He is currently working on new material for Exodus, emphasizing the importance of taking the time to create quality music. The band had initially planned to enter the studio soon, but they decided to push back their timeline to ensure they deliver the best possible product.
With ten songs in the works and contributions from fellow band members, Holt is optimistic about the future of Exodus. He believes that the new material will reflect the band’s evolution while staying true to their thrash metal roots. The anticipation for the new album is building, and Holt is committed to making it a worthwhile addition to their discography.
As Holt reflects on the past and looks toward the future, the release of “British Disaster: The Battle of ’89” serves as a reminder of the band’s legacy and the impact they have had on the thrash metal scene. The energy captured in the live album is a testament to the band’s enduring spirit and their dedication to pushing the boundaries of their music.
In conclusion, Gary Holt’s insights into the new live album and the future of Exodus reveal a deep passion for music and a commitment to authenticity. The rediscovery of the 1989 performance has not only reignited memories of the band’s early days but has also inspired a fresh perspective on their live shows. As Holt continues to write new material and prepare for upcoming performances, fans can look forward to an exciting chapter in the history of Exodus.
Source: Full Metal Jackie
