Kerry King: The thrash metal icon who once refused to be bullied by a gorilla
In short: Beyond his four-decade tenure as the co-lead guitarist of Slayer, Kerry King is a man of surprising contradictions. He is an antitheist who collects snakes, a math whiz who traded a Fender for a BC Rich, and a musician who once insisted on physically dominating a gorilla during a music video shoot.
Born in Los Angeles in 1964, Kerry Ray King was encouraged by his father to take up guitar as a teenager to steer him toward productive hobbies. A high-achieving student who excelled in mathematics, King eventually co-founded Slayer in 1981 alongside Jeff Hanneman and Tom Araya. His early musical development was heavily influenced by the aggressive sounds of Venom, Judas Priest, and Van Halen. This foundation helped define the thrash metal genre, a term that emerged as the band's dark, angular, and chaotic sound gained traction throughout the 1980s.
King’s career is marked by a fierce independence. In 1984, he briefly played with Megadeth but ultimately chose to remain with Slayer, a decision that cemented his legacy. His work is characterized by a disdain for organized religion—a theme he frequently explores in his lyrics—and a refusal to conform to industry expectations. This was famously illustrated during the filming of the Beastie Boys' 'No Sleep till Brooklyn' video. When producers suggested King be knocked offstage by a gorilla, he refused, insisting that if anyone were to be knocked offstage, it would be him doing the knocking.
Following Slayer's disbandment, King launched a solo career with his 2024 debut album, From Hell I Rise. He continues to maintain a rigorous work ethic, recording new material with former bandmate Paul Bostaph and touring extensively. Despite his intense public persona, King remains a private individual who has lived in various cities, including Phoenix and New York, and maintains a dedicated interest in herpetology through his nursery, Psychotic Exotics. Whether performing at WrestleMania or collaborating with artists like Marilyn Manson and Pantera, King remains a singular figure in heavy metal, defined by his technical precision and uncompromising artistic vision.
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