SLAYER/EXODUS Guitarist GARY HOLT Pays Tribute To His Deceased Father: 'This Man Was A God Among Men'

SLAYER and EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt has paid tribute to his deceased father, crediting him with teaching him everything he "needed to know about being a man."

Holt missed the last few shows of SLAYER's recently completed European tour in order to return home and be with his father before he passed away. He was replaced on the trek by former MACHINE HEAD and VIO-LENCE guitarist Phil Demmel.

On December 17, Holt posted an Instagram photo of his father and wrote in an accompanying message: "Today I lost my hero, the greatest man I've ever known or will know. Billie Charles Holt passed away this evening, with my mom and all his kids present, knowing he was loved and respected more than anyone.

"This man was a god among men. He taught me everything I ever needed to know about being a MAN. Lessons that took a long time for me to realize the truth behind them all. He built the family home by hand and paved the sidewalk of my street when it was just dirt. True greatness. I fed him his last meal. He wanted to rest, and passed in his sleep later.

"I love you, dad. I'm broken. What feels like beyond repair at this moment. But he's no longer in pain.

"Thank you to all who ever sent me positive vibes and whoever wished me well during this trying time. Thank you [Phil Demmel] for aiding me to get home to enjoy what was one of his last 'good' days he had, that and the day he had with my daughters. Thank you to my bandmates in both bands who had my back in every way. Thanks to my brothers and my sister and entire family for bringing strength in this family unit.

"This is shattering. I feel empty and lost. [Lisa]," referring to his wife, "thank you for keeping me from imploding. Super thanks to my niece Ashley. You were the single greatest gift to your grandfather's care and comfort.

"Dad, I'll try to live up to your standards in every way. July 6,1933-December 17,2018. Love you forever. This hurts so much."

Holt joined EXODUS in 1981 shortly after their formation, and has been the band's main songwriter ever since. Holt has performed on every EXODUS album, and is considered highly influential in the world of thrash metal. In 2011, he began filling in for SLAYER guitarist Jeff Hanneman at live shows, and became the band's full-time co-guitarist as of 2013, while remaining a member of EXODUS. In October 2014, EXODUS released its tenth studio album, "Blood In Blood Out", on the Nuclear Blast label.