Video footage available of Slayer’s first reunion show

Legendary thrash metal band Slayer performed live for the first time since 2019 when they decided to call it quits. All indications had been that the respected Big Four member had already called it quits after their farewell tour ended several years prior. But the group unexpectedly revealed early in 2024 that they will be getting back together for three festival gigs. The first set was performed at this year’s “Riot Fest” in Chicago, Illinois. Co-founders of the band Kerry King (guitars) and Tom Araya (vocals/bass) had not maintained much personal contact after disbanding the band, so questions about their reasons for coming back quickly arose. Guitarist Gary Holt and drummer Paul Bostaph made a comeback as the previously stated duo. This coming weekend, on September 27th, Slayer will return to the stage as part of Louisville, Kentucky’s annual “Louder Than Life” festival. There will be a headline performance at this year’s “Aftershock” festival opening on October 10 at Discovery Park in Sacramento, California. The band’s live comeback is probably not over after these three performances since King has stated that he is willing to play live gigs in the future. Nevertheless, it appears that full-fledged touring is no longer an option.

Setlist:

1. South Of Heaven
2. Reborn
3. Blood Red
4. Postmortem
5. Repentless
6. Payback
7. Temptation
8. Jihad
9. Seasons In The Abyss
10. Born Of Fire
11. War Ensemble
12. Hate Worldwide
13. Disciple
14. Dead Skin Mask
15. Hell Awaits
16. 213 (first time live since 1998)
17. Mandatory Suicide
18. Raining Blood