SLAYER's Tom Araya: "I Can't Really See Myself Doing This At A Later Age"
August 6, 2007, 16 years ago
Worcester Magazine's Michael Baronas recently spoke with SLAYER bassist/singer Tom Araya. The following is an excerpt from the article:
History has shown those who precede Slayer don't have an easy time of it, as rabid fans have been known to chant the band's name throughout entire sets of opening acts. While on one hand it will be a blessing for MARILYN MANSON that Araya and company will go on first each and every night, following a performance by the most potent live band in metal's history isn't going to be a cakewalk.
"A lot of bands opt for us closing, but there have been a few that wanted to close, like the SLIPKNOT tour we did in 2004," Araya says. "We always look at the opening spot as a prime-time spot, you know what I mean? Everybody's there for prime time, which is 8 or 9 o'clock. We have no qualms as far as opening for anybody, because that means that they have to follow." Araya continues, confidently declaring, "I don't want to sound big-headed, but to us, that's considered signing your death warrant. I think that Manson's got his work cut out for him."The 46-year-old singer/bassist does admit after spending more than half of his life entrenched within a band as aggressive as Slayer, that the end of the road may loom on the horizon. "Well, there have been remarks made about seeing an old man head-bang," laughs Araya. "And I have to agree. I think the Stones can do that, probably go out and do their stuff in their 80s, but it just wouldn't look right [for us], you know what I mean?
"It's actually pretty strenuous," he continues, "that's why I don't see it going any further than a certain point in time. We have one more record to do, which is our deal with [super producer Rick] Rubin, and we'll have to sit down and discuss the future. But I can't really see myself doing this at a later age."Read the full story at Worcester Magazine.
