Sad news to report. Iconic thrash guitarist Jeff Hanneman of Slayer has died at age 49. The band made the announcement via Facebook and said, "Slayer is devastated to inform that their bandmate and brother, Jeff Hanneman, passed away at about 11AM this morning near his Southern California home. Hanneman was in an area hospital when he suffered liver failure. He is survived by his wife Kathy, his sister Kathy and his brothers Michael and Larry, and will be sorely missed.
Our Brother Jeff Hanneman, May He Rest In Peace (1964 - 2013)"
Hanneman contributed not just signature licks, but many of the bands lyrics, including the controversial song, "Angel of Death." In 2011, he contracted necrotizing fasciitis commonly known as a flesh eating disease, according to the band, doctors say that it likely originated from a spider bite. This forced Hanneman to be sidelined from the band from that moment on to be replaced with guitarist Pat O'Brien.
Our thoughts go to Hanneman's family, friends, and of course, Slayer. May he forever spend the rest of his seasons in the abyss.
Hanneman contributed not just signature licks, but many of the bands lyrics, including the controversial song, "Angel of Death." In 2011, he contracted necrotizing fasciitis commonly known as a flesh eating disease, according to the band, doctors say that it likely originated from a spider bite. This forced Hanneman to be sidelined from the band from that moment on to be replaced with guitarist Pat O'Brien.
Our thoughts go to Hanneman's family, friends, and of course, Slayer. May he forever spend the rest of his seasons in the abyss.