BILLY SHEEHAN On Playing SLAYER And EXODUS Songs: 'It's Like Being On Another Planet'

September 11, 2012

Three of the leading gear/technology companies for both musicians and consumers alike returned last Friday (September 7) with their successful "Metal Masters" clinic series. "Metal Masters 4" brought back some of the classic "masters" while adding a few new members to the list. Friday night's main band comprised of Philip Anselmo (DOWN, ex-PANTERA),Kerry King (SLAYER),Dave Lombardo (SLAYER),Scott Ian (ANTHRAX),Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX),Frank Bello (ANTHRAX) and newly added masters Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG, DAVID LEE ROTH) and Gary Holt (EXODUS, SLAYER).

In a pre-show interview with Artisan News, Sheehan and the other musicians spoke about what it was like for Billy to come in and play heavier stuff than he is used to.

"I've been prepped," said Sheehan. "And it's great. I actually love it. It's like being on another planet. It's like an adventure into another land, and it's really cool. It's challenging to play this stuff."

Added Bello: "It's great seeing [Billy] come into this world, and step up as he did. I mean, Billy Sheehan is playing [chuckles] he's playing SLAYER and EXODUS tonight — without a pick. Just think about those lines right there. He totally kicks ass in it, too. The guy stepped up to it, and you can't ask for more than that. So for these kids, seeing a treat like that, man, it's a good time."

Said Holt: "[If you had told me that] this guy here [pointing at Billy], who is one of the greatest musicians in rock history, would be standing there watching my fingers as I'm playing [EXODUS's song] 'Piranha', I would have called you a stone-faced liar and said, 'Get outta here!'"

The following songs were performed:

* "Room For One More" (w/ Frank Bello on lead vocals) (ANTHRAX)
* "Mouth For War" (PANTERA)
* "Five Minutes Alone" (PANTERA)
* "A New Level" (PANTERA)
* "Chemical Warfare" (SLAYER)
* "War Ensemble" (SLAYER)
* "Goddamn Electric" (PANTERA)
* "Sergeant D & The S.O.D." (STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH)
* "Kill Yourself" (STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH)
* "Angel Of Death" (SLAYER)
* "Strike Of The Beast" (EXODUS)
* "Raining Blood" (SLAYER)
* "Fucking Hostile" (PANTERA)

The entire event was streamed live via Ustream and can now be seen below.

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