Exodus’ Gary Holt: New Live Album Makes Me Rethink Setlists

Discovering the masters for Exodus’ live album, British Disaster: The Battle of ’89 (Live at the Astoria), has made Gary Holt reconsider the band’s future setlists. Gary Holt shared his excitement about the band’s newly unearthed live album during his guest appearance on Full Metal Jackie’s weekend radio show.

Holt expressed enthusiasm about the energy of his band upon uncovering the masters from a 1989 performance, saying, “The band was playing at as high a level as we ever have.”

He also touched on his return to Slayer for a few dates this year and updated fans on plans for new Exodus music.

It’s Full Metal Jackie. I’m thrilled to have Gary Holt with us this week. Exodus has released a new live album, British Disaster: The Battle of ’89 (Live at the Astoria). Recorded 35 years ago at the Astoria in London, it offers a special glimpse into the golden age of thrash metal. Gary, what does this album capture about that time and the rise of the genre?

Exodus? It shows that we were badass. Listen to it – it’s completely live, no overdubs, and this was 1989. What you hear is performed by four guys who were moving everywhere because we were young and full of energy. That’s what Exodus was all about.

When we found these long-forgotten master tapes, we thought, “Let’s hear them.” We were stunned by what we heard because I remember that show vividly. The band was performing at its peak.

After listening, we knew we had to release it. It’s really good. Many bands record live albums intentionally, but this was decades-old and forgotten.

Exodus’ new live album, British Disaster: The Battle of ’89 (Live at the Astoria), comes from a multi-track recording made in England in 1989. Where were those tape reels that they only surfaced now?

They were with our former manager all this time. She reached out saying, “I have these masters, do you want them?” And we were like, “From what?” She reminded us about that Astoria show. The rest, as they say, is history. Chris “Zeuss” Harris mixed it, and it blew me away.

Many live albums are “fixed” or recorded to meet contractual obligations, but this one was genuine. We didn’t have a mobile truck following us around recording shows. Multi-track recordings are rare for us, so this one is unique. It’s fierce and savage. We play songs faster back then; now, we slow them a bit as I’m 60.

Gary, this live album is raw, exactly as recorded. Why was it important to leave it unpolished?

If we recorded a live album last year, we could clean it up because we have our current guitar sounds and playing styles. But you can’t replicate what you did back then. Re-recording would mean it’s no longer live. It’s just the sound of us at our musical peak.

Gary, back in the ’80s, Exodus and other thrash bands were upstart, irreverent kids. What remains from that time on British Disaster that continues to influence your music and mindset?

Thrash metal is still something I love. With each album, the songs get harder to play because I want to keep pushing the envelope. The band’s sound in 1989 was driven and intense. There are many great songs on this live album that we haven’t played in so long. It’s making me rethink our future setlists, and we’ll have to bring some of these songs back.

Does listening to this take you back to that time?

Absolutely. I listened during the mixing stages, but typically, like any album, I don’t listen to it when it’s done. This one, I’ll have to revisit, play it in the car, and listen uninterrupted.

Gary, let’s talk about Slayer for a moment. Slayer is set to play several festivals later this year, five years after a final tour that seemed to close that chapter. What makes reuniting for a few shows exciting?

It’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m relearning how to play most of the stuff. I don’t need tutorials for “South of Heaven,” “Seasons in the Abyss,” or “Raining Blood,” but for other songs, I need to be prepared. Muscle memory isn’t what it used to be, but it’s exciting.

Playing the final performance of “Angel of Death” was emotional, thinking it would never happen again. Getting three more nights to play these songs will be incredible. It’s going to be heavy and fun.

Gary, what is ahead for Exodus regarding new music and plans for the rest of the year?

I’m writing the new record now. We intended to go into the studio soon but realized we need more time. Rushing it would be a mistake. Due to touring commitments, we’ll start properly at the beginning of next year.

The songs are coming along great. Taking our time will be worth it. The last album turned out well due to the extra time during the pandemic. Rushing a follow-up to Persona Non Grata would be foolish. I’ve got ten songs, and Lee [Altus] has some ideas.

Does it look like a new Exodus record will be out next year?

Yes, definitely next year, though it might be later than we initially hoped.

Source: Full Metal Jackie’s weekend radio show.