Gary Holt – New Book, Exodus’ Journey, New Album, and His Legacy with Slayer

*00:00* – Welcome and Gary’s current work on the new Exodus album *01:12* – The songwriting process: Becoming the "thrash metal Queen” *03:32* – The different eras and vocalists of Exodus *05:36* – Growing as a songwriter and maintaining speed at 60 *06:40* – Dealing with chronic "heavy metal elbow" and physical therapy *09:32* – James Hetfield and the "art of the cheat" in downpicking *10:20* – Being a "musical sponge": From Prince to Madonna and beyond *12:05* – The signed Air Supply poster and Gary’s diverse musical tastes *14:35* – Staying inspired by the new generation of metal bands *15:35* – Gary’s favorite Slayer riffs to play (starting with *Hell Awaits*) *16:20* – The "impossible question": Gary’s favorite Exodus riffs *17:50* – His new book *A Fabulous Disaster*: Highs, lows, and redemption *19:15* – The process of peeling back the scabs to tell his life story *22:15* – Why Exodus still carries a "chip on their shoulder” *23:55* – The physical toll of headbanging: "My turn for spinal surgery” *25:35* – The financial and career impact of playing with Slayer *26:00* – The "Hustle": Gary packing and shipping his own merch at home *28:00* – The story behind the "Kill the Kardashians” shirt *30:10* – Surviving the "methamphetamine era" of the band *31:30* – The "illegitimate grandchild": Gary’s honest thoughts on Let There Be Blood *33:50* – Guitar design: Being active in the ESP and LTD signature lines *34:30* – Gear talk: Why Gary prefers tube amps but travels with modelers *38:00* – The "Secret Sauce": Gary’s one must-have pedal *38:35* – The Jackson "Red Sticker" guitar and buying his history back *39:15* – The origin of the "Toxic Waltz" and a crossword puzzle *42:45* – Life as a "traveling pop-up store" and the reality of touring today *45:00* – Rehearsing for the Slayer return shows: "We did not suck” *47:30* – The timeline for the new Exodus album