Today, June 6, 2011, another birthday is shared by two greats of hard rock and metal. Guitarist Steve Vai is 51 and Slayer front man and bass player Tom Araya celebrates his 50th birthday!
Slayer, led by the fearsome and frighteningly talented Tom Araya, has been at the forefront of thrash metal for nearly 30 years. Its aggression, power, and speed is filtered through Araya, whose domineering presence drives the mighty Slayer sound and performance.
25 years ago Slayer dropped an almighty metal bomb. Reign In Blood for me is the greatest and purest thrash metal album. Born in Viña del Mar, Chile on June 6, 1961, Araya’s contribution to music has not gone unnoticed and he recently receive the key to the city of his birth.
For over 30 years guitarist Steve Vai has played with some of the biggest acts in rock and metal. His considerable playing talents have been in high demand over the years and he has appeared on countless recordings with such notable artists as Alice Cooper, Motorhead, Meat Loaf, and even Spinal Tap.
After starting out with Frank Zappa he joined David Lee Roth’s solo band and played in Whitesnake as well as having a very successful run of solo albums.
Many happy returns, Steve and Tom, from all of us at Geeks of Doom!
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Students of the Unusual™ comic cover used with permission of 3BoysProductions
The Mercuri Bros.™ comic cover used with permission of Prodigal Son Press
Happy birthday to both Tom and Steve!!!!
Comment by MadMike — June 7, 2011 @ 1:10 am