Slayer was formed in 1981 in Huntington Park, Los Angeles County, California, by guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman with bassist-vocalist Tom Araya and drummer Dave Lombardo. They came up playing covers in Southern California clubs before quickly honing the ultra-fast, aggressive sound that defined the band’s identity.
The classic members came from across the greater LA area and beyond. Tom Araya was born in Viña del Mar, Chile, and grew up in South Gate, California. Dave Lombardo was born in Havana, Cuba, and moved to South Gate as a child. Jeff Hanneman was from Long Beach, California, and Kerry King grew up in the Los Angeles area. Later long-serving members included drummer Paul Bostaph (from Newark, California) and guitarist Gary Holt (from Richmond, California).
Today, the members are spread out. Tom Araya lives on a ranch near Buffalo, Texas. Kerry King spent several years in Las Vegas and, by 2021, had purchased a home in New York City (Tribeca); interviews in 2024 note his relocation from Las Vegas to New York. Dave Lombardo is based in the Los Angeles area, active with multiple projects. Paul Bostaph remains US-based following long stints with Slayer and other bands.
One original member has died. Jeff Hanneman (1964–2013) passed away on 2 May 2013; the cause of death was alcohol-related cirrhosis. He is interred at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona del Mar, Orange County, California. A public memorial for Hanneman was held later that month at the Hollywood Palladium.
SLAYER LOCATIONS
GRAVES
STUDIOS
Eldorado Recording Studios (Hell Awaits)
Sound City Studios (Divine Intervention)
The Warehouse Studio (God Hates Us All)
Back to Band Locations.