Kerry King Reflects on Nearly Joining Other Bands, Talks Tour Plans and Solo Album
In a recent interview with Metal Hammer, Slayer’s iconic guitarist Kerry King opened up about fan questions, delving into topics that ranged from bands he almost joined to his upcoming North American headline tour with his new band. Known for his distinct, aggressive playing style and his decades-long influence on the metal scene, King has been vocal about his love for heavy music and the bands that have inspired him. This interview provided fans with insights into King’s musical journey and how things might have been different if he’d joined another legendary band.
What Could Have Been: Bands Kerry King Almost Joined
During the interview, a fan from Instagram asked King which band he would have chosen to play with if he hadn’t been in Slayer. King’s response gave fans a peek into some intriguing possibilities. He revealed that he was “almost in Megadeth” and reflected on how that decision could have altered both his and Megadeth’s trajectory. King noted that if he and Megadeth’s frontman, Dave Mustaine, could have co-existed for an extended period, it would have changed the band’s sound significantly.
“I’m not saying I’d have made them better – I’d have made them different,” King explained. His comment left fans wondering what a King-Mustaine collaboration might have sounded like, especially during Megadeth’s early years when both Slayer and Megadeth were defining the thrash metal genre.
King also mentioned a surprising conversation with Mercyful Fate guitarist Hank Shermann. He recounted a moment backstage in Las Vegas when he casually mentioned that he thought the band might have approached him to join at some point. “I’m a huge Mercyful Fate fan so I’d have done that in a heartbeat,” King shared. Shermann was reportedly stunned, expressing that it had “never even occurred” to him. King’s admiration for Mercyful Fate goes way back, as they were pioneers of the metal sound that influenced bands like Slayer.
Another hypothetical choice for King was Judas Priest, one of the most respected names in heavy metal. King admitted that if he’d ever had the chance to join them temporarily, it would have been “the hardest ‘no’ of my life.” His reason was rooted in respect for Judas Priest’s unique twin-guitar sound, which he didn’t feel could be replicated with just one guitarist, especially during the brief time when guitarist Richie Faulkner was sidelined due to health issues. King’s respect for Judas Priest’s music highlighted his deep appreciation for the dual-guitar approach and the integrity of the sound that defines Priest.
Kerry King’s New Musical Chapter and Upcoming North American Tour
With Slayer retired, King has been focusing on his solo project, which is set to hit the road in 2025 with a headline tour across North America. The tour will support King’s debut solo album, From Hell I Rise, a record that fans have been eagerly awaiting. King’s new band features some powerhouse musicians: drummer Paul Bostaph (also from Slayer), bassist Kyle Sanders (from Hellyeah), guitarist Phil Demmel (formerly of Machine Head), and vocalist Mark Osegueda (from Death Angel). Together, they are set to bring an explosive live experience that combines King’s signature thrash riffs with the raw energy of his supporting lineup.
The tour kicks off on January 15 in San Francisco and wraps up on February 22 in Las Vegas, covering 28 dates across major cities in the U.S. and Canada. Joining King on tour will be Municipal Waste as the special guest, and Alien Weaponry as support, promising fans a night filled with high-energy performances from some of the most exciting names in metal.
Reflecting on his return to the stage, King noted that getting back on the road after Slayer’s retirement wasn’t exactly seamless. “Getting back on the road for the first time in five years wasn’t exactly like riding a bike, that’s for sure,” he said. After decades of relentless touring with Slayer, the break following their retirement was an unusual change for King, and he admitted it took some time to get back into the groove. He has, however, already done a few successful tours with his new band, including in the UK, Europe, and the U.S. alongside Lamb of God and Mastodon.
This upcoming headline tour is special for King, as it gives him the chance to play a longer set and explore more of his new material. He hinted that fans could expect some surprises in the setlist, including potentially an additional Slayer song and a cover or two.
Tour Dates and Venues
The tour dates for the North American Headline Tour 2025 are as follows:
- January 15 – The Regency Ballroom, San Francisco, CA
- January 17 – Spokane Live Casino, Spokane, WA
- January 18 – Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA
- January 19 – Roseland Theater, Portland, OR
- January 20 – Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC
- January 22 – The Palace Theatre, Calgary, AB
- January 23 – Midway Music Hall, Edmonton, AB
- January 25 – Burton Cummings Theatre, Winnipeg, MB
- January 26 – The Fillmore, Minneapolis, MN
- January 28 – The Rave, Milwaukee, WI
- January 30 – The Majestic Theater, Detroit, MI
- January 31 – House of Blues, Cleveland, OH
- February 1 – Danforth Music Hall, Toronto, ON
- February 2 – L’Olympia, Montreal, QC
- February 4 – Royale, Boston, MA
- February 5 – Theatre of the Living Arts, Philadelphia, PA
- February 7 – Irving Plaza, New York, NY
- February 8 – Baltimore Soundstage, Baltimore, MD
- February 10 – Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta, GA
- February 11 – Jannus Live, St. Petersburg, FL
- February 13 – House of Blues, Houston, TX
- February 14 – Emo’s, Austin, TX
- February 15 – The Studio at the Factory, Dallas, TX
- February 17 – Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO
- February 18 – Sunshine Theater, Albuquerque, NM
- February 19 – The Nile Theater, Phoenix, AZ
- February 21 – House of Blues, Las Vegas, NV
- February 22 – The Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
“Where I Reign” Music Video: A Glimpse into the Band’s Intensity
King recently released a music video for “Where I Reign,” a track from From Hell I Rise. Shot in black and white, the video showcases the band in a raw, live setting, with an intensity that mirrors the song’s power. Directed by Jim Louvau, the video captures the visceral energy King and his band bring to their performances. Louvau, who had also directed King’s previous videos for “Residue” and “Toxic,” explained that he wanted to emphasize the fury and energy of the band, highlighting the unfiltered emotion they pour into their shows.
“I wanted to capture the fury and the energy of the band in a live setting,” Louvau stated. “An intensity that is matched from a visual standpoint that matches the intensity of the song and the energy that the band brings each and every night on tour, and I think we were able to do that.” The video also incorporates still photos that show motion and energy, adding a unique dynamic to the live footage.
For King, these videos represent the launch of a new chapter. As one of the most recognized faces in metal, his transition from Slayer to a solo career has been closely watched by fans and critics alike. His work in Slayer created an iconic legacy, but From Hell I Rise is quickly establishing King as a solo artist with his own voice and vision.
A New Era for Kerry King and Metal Fans
Kerry King’s recent reflections in Metal Hammer gave fans a rare glimpse into his “what if” scenarios, but ultimately, he seems content with where his journey has led him. His potential collaborations with Megadeth, Mercyful Fate, and Judas Priest may remain fantasies, yet his appreciation and respect for these legendary bands speak to the interconnectedness of the metal world. King’s upcoming tour and new music are an exciting testament to his resilience and continued passion for heavy music.
As King prepares to hit the road, fans are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable series of shows. The 2025 headline tour is not only a return to the stage for King but a celebration of the enduring power of metal, bringing together a new generation of fans with those who have followed King’s journey from Slayer to his present-day solo career.
With From Hell I Rise and his new band, Kerry King is forging a new path, one that honors his roots while boldly pushing forward into the future. For fans, this tour is more than just a concert; it’s a chance to witness a legend in his element, bringing his music to life with the intensity, power, and authenticity that have made him a metal icon.
