Behind the Lens: Slayer’s Farewell Tour

Slayer Hits OKC’s Zoo Amphitheater with Anthrax & Lamb of God

Founding member of Slayer, Vocalist and Bassist Tom Araya — Photo:Michael Young

Scroll through the pages of Artist Waves you’ll soon figure out that we try to tell stories behind the art. For me that’s usually centered around my photography. I prefer my photos telling the story, but here goes…

It’s Saturday August 11th, I’m standing on a beach in Seattle getting ready to photograph grunge legends Mudhoney at the SubPop Records 30th annivarsary party.

A message pops up on my phone, “Reminder! Anthrax is heading to Oklahoma City August 16 as part of Slayer’s Farewell Tour”. The message is from an acquaintance with the Anthrax tour and includes an invite to photograph the show.

I do some quick math in my head, ‘’’Flight in 3 days- 14th, Slayer/Anthrax on 16th… Yeah I can do that!…Slayer’s Final Tour, Anthrax and Lamb of God opening, hell yes I’m available for that!

As I get back to what I was doing, listening to good music and capturing a few images. It hits me like a brick, a heavy fucking thrash metal brick!

I’m photographing Legends of the Seattle Grunge Sound today and in five days I’m shooting Legends of Thrash Metal, Slayer! Two extremes, but both leaders and creative founders of their particular musical branch of the big Rock & Roll family tree. Now I just got to get to Oklahoma City to make this a week to remember!

Founding member of Slayer, Guitarist Kerry King bringing it at OKC Zoo Amphitheater — Photo:Michael Young

Okay I’ll save you most of the gory travel details, but after delays, cancelled flights, vouchers, trains, & automobiles…etc…I arrive at the Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheater just before Anthrax takes the stage. The heavy metal is brewing around the venue with throngs of smiling faces sporting various metal tour shirts. What struck me most was the diversity in age of fans coming out for the show, from teenagers to those that might have caught Slayer’s first tour back in 1981.

After another short delay at Will Call, I finally make it passed security and into the photo pit. Anthrax is half way through their opening iconic metal classic “Caught in a Mosh” as I position myself for my first shots. I see vocalist Joey Belladonna making eye contact with me, he slides over behind Scott Ian and flips the finger, I focus in, squeeze the shutter capturing the moment. All the traveling headaches faded away. I was finally home, behind the lens. Thanks Joey!

Anthrax Vocalist Joey Belladonna & Guitarist Scott Ian — Photo:Michael Young

Formed in NYC in 1981, Anthrax is Frank Bello on bass, Joey Belladonna vocals, Charlie Benante drums, Jonathan Donis & Scott Ian on guitars.

Scott Ian — The Energizer Bunny of Rock! — Photo:Michael Young

If you have a chance to go see these guys live, don’t pass it up. They always bring it! Doesn’t seem to matter to them if they’re playing an intimate venue, a huge South American festival, Headliners, or Opening for Slayer on their final tour. They just rock!

Formed in Richmond, Virginia in 1994 the group is bassist John Campbell, drummer Chris Adler, vocalist Randy Blythe, and guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler.

“They tell me I can’t use profanity here or we’ll be fined, Well Fuck, they just took half my FUCKING vocabulary away” Lamb of God vocalist Randy Blythe commenting on OKC Zoo’s no profanity policy. (That could be a story all by itself)

Moral to this story? and WTF does this have to do with the show? Look man, I went through a lot of headaches to get to this show and it was still way worth it, I’d do it all over again. So, I garuntee it will be way easier for you to buy a ticket and go see this historical tour when it comes to your area.

Doesn’t matter what sort of Rock & Roll you like. Go see this show! Then you can get a big black marker out and make a giant CHECK MARK in the box that reads, “Yes, I Saw Fucking Slayer on their Final Tour!”

Plus, you were warned, I’m not the greatest writer 😉 ..Remember, my coulmn is called “Behind the Lens”, So enjoy the images!