The MetalSucks Podcast The MetalSucks Podcast #25: Slayer's Tom Araya
Nov 4, 2013
Tom Araya, the iconic bassist and vocalist of Slayer, shares his life in small-town Texas and reflects on the profound impact of friend Jeff Hanneman's passing on his songwriting. He discusses the importance of humility in the music scene and the need for bands to drop their egos. The conversation touches on emotional challenges musicians face, from dealing with trolls to the complexities of touring—debating the merits of playing hits versus new material. Araya’s candid insights shine a light on the balance between personal loss and artistic expression.
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Trolls Can Drive Bands Toward Hiatus
- Online trolling deeply affects musicians emotionally, sometimes prompting public break announcements.
- Hosts note caring fans and haters both drive engagement but can push artists toward burnout or hiatus.
Touring Is A Hard Business For Most Bands
- Being a touring band has become a tough business with limited financial upside for most bands.
- Tom and hosts note only top-tier acts reliably earn enough to live solely from touring.
Monetize Beyond Ticket Sales
- Explore multiple revenue streams like crowdfunding, Patreon, and strong merch/art collaborations.
- Invest in iconic design and partner with notable artists to monetize and sustain a band's career.