LOMBARDO Was 'Shocked' By ARAYA's Absence And KING's 'Self-Centered Stories' At HANNEMAN Memorial

Mark Ashby of Planet Mosh recently conducted an e-mail interview with former SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo. A couple of excerpts from the question-and-answer session follow below.

On his most recent split with SLAYER and how it was handled:

Lombardo: "This could have been an easy fix. I wasn't asking for anything other than to be treated equally. I'm sure I've made mistakes along the way, but my intention was never to leave. Who would do that in the golden years of a band? Where we stand now disgusts me. [Late SLAYER guitarist] Jeff [Hanneman] didn't want this — and neither did I."

On SLAYER bassist/vocalist Tom Araya's recent comment that Lombardo was "a working member of the band" and not a partner:

Lombardo: "It's sickening. I left the band in '92 to be at home for the birth of my son, period. One show changed the course of this band. Tom has forgotten history… swallowed the stories that have been created throughout the years to sell tickets. If it weren't for me, SLAYER would not exist. I approached Kerry [King, guitar] to start this band. Somehow they have forgotten that."

On whether he regrets his original Facebook post — called a "rant" by Araya — in which Dave revealed details that, according to Tom, were "legally binding and private":

Lombardo: "No. My 'ranting' on Facebook still stands because it's accurate."

On his current relationship with Tom Araya and Kerry King:

Lombardo: "Sadly, non-existent."

On his relationship with Jeff Hanneman:

Lombardo: "I didn't see Jeff for a few months before he passed, but we had many texts and phone calls right up until [then]. He really didn't let anyone too close to his everyday life. But when we spoke, it was like no time had passed; a lot of laughter. I couldn't ask for anything more than what my relationship was with Jeff. It was amazing."

On whether he was surprised by the apparent coldness which his former bandmates, and especially Kerry, showed after Jeff's death:

Lombardo: "I was shocked that Tom didn't show up to the memorial. It was uncomfortable for me to be there, given what was going on with the band, but I still showed up. I was equally shocked at Kerry's self-centered stories. None of his stories described the kind of human being Jeff was."

Read the entire interview at Planet Mosh.