Jeff Hanneman, guitarist and a founding member of thrash metal pioneers Slayer, died last Thursday, May 2. He was 49. Hanneman, who was hospitalized at the time of his passing, suffered liver failure, which may have been brought on after he contracted the flesh eating disease necrotizing fasciitis in his right arm, presumably from a spider bite. He’d been on hiatus from the band since 2011, after he underwent a medically-induced coma and skin grafts in his struggles to recover. He is survived by his wife Kathy.
Jeff’s many friends, peers and fans in the metal world paid tribute to him as news of his passing spread:
Charlie Benante (Anthrax): “Jeff had a great f***ing laugh; I heard it quite a bit throughout the years. The man who wrote such lyrics as ‘feel the knife pierce you intensely’ had a great sense if humor. I will remember him for the music he gave and the intensity he brought our metal world.”
James Hetfield (Metallica) interviewed at the recent Revolver Golden Gods Awards show: “It’s always difficult when you lose a metal brother, especially one that grew up in your area, grew up in your time zone, same genre, same goals in life… same everything. And to see someone go too early always sucks. It’s not the first time for us, but it’s never easy… never easy. And God bless him, and R.I.P. Jeff Hanneman.”
Alex Skolnick (Testament): “Jeff had a subtle sense of humor that was all his own, and though he was a bit more reserved than the rest of the Slayer camp, he viewed life as a party to be enjoyed to its fullest.”
Dave Lombardo (Slayer founding member, estranged drummer): “I’m deeply saddened, shocked and speechless. It’s difficult for me to write my feelings at this moment. My heart goes out to Kathy Hanneman.”
Gary Holt (Exodus; he’d also filled in for Hanneman with Slayer during his absence): “I’m at a loss for words. The news yesterday of Jeff’s passing hit me like a ton of bricks. Totally devastating sadness is all I have right now. ‘In shock’ are the best words I can come up with to describe how I’m feeling…Jeff, it’s been an honor, my brother, to TRY my best to honor your songs best I could. There is only one Jeff Hanneman. All I ever could HOPE to do was play those songs you wrote with the conviction with which you played and wrote them, ’cause there is only one of you; that mold was broken long ago. My old friend, we had some amazing times on the greatest shows and tours I’ve ever done (Venom, Slayer, Exodus, anyone?), young and hungry thrashers out to lay waste to everything, and had the best time ever while doing it. Exactly why we all started playing in the first place. Much love and respect, and my deepest condolences to the Hanneman family and the whole Slayer family. Gone but NEVER forgotten and always missed. R.I.P.”
Dave Mustaine (Megadeth): “We send our condolences and deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and fans of Jeff Hanneman. Our hearts go out to his brothers in Slayer. Tonight one less star will be shining and sadly, the stage got just a little bit darker. Jeff Hanneman1964-2013.”
Slash (ex-Guns N’ Roses): “Tragic & shocking news about Jeff Hanneman. He is going to missed by so many. What a sad day for metal. RIP man.”
Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue): “Just heard the sad news about Jeff Hanneman of Slayer. My condolences to his family, the band and all his friends and fans. RIP.”
jeff hanneman was a great guitarist and a great person. he loved his fans and always gave a 110 precent in his music he will be missed my heart and condolences go out to his wife and family. rip jeff you are loved and will be missed.