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Live Review

SLAYER

Date	20 Jul 2010
Venue	Nottingham Rock City

Slayer
Rock City, Nottingham
31/05/10.

Yes Rock City in Nottingham, have booked Slayer in 2010. This is not a dream. It is the real Slayer and not some cover band (see pics below).

After a few reschedules due to Tom Ayra’s back problems we have finally come to the night every thrash fan in Nottingham has been waiting for, Slayer in rock city.

The day for a lucky few starts in a musical instrument shop just on the outskirts of the city where Kerry King is in attendance signing anything you want him to. I was lucky enough to be one of the few that got to attend this event. I also took my son with me so he could meet one for his idols. And also have his cds signed. Kerry was happy to have his picture taken with fans that wanted it and spent time with all of us in turn.

Upon entering the venue and looking at the vast array of merchandise on sale we head into an already crowded and pitch black main hall. We find a place near to the front of the stage to watch support band The Haunted. I must admit at this point that I’m not familiar with their songs as I have only got one of their albums and it hasn’t been played in a very long time. But after last night’s performance I shall have to play it again. They are a very good band to support Slayer as they got the already electric crowd fired up even more with their blend of styles. With a few songs left of the set there were already circle and slam pits developing. I have seen this band a few times over the years supporting other bands and at Wacken 2008 and i think that tonight was the best I have ever seen them. On any other night they would have stole the show. But up against the mighty slayer there is only one way the crowd are going to fall.

After a brief pause for the road crew to do their thing. And the crowd to chant SLAYER! SLAYER! SLAYER! The lights go out once again and smoke billows onstage, the intro tape kicks in and the already manic crowd gets even more frenzied, me included. Slayer walks on to the loudest roar I have ever heard in rock city. They start with “World Painted Blood” and this marks their intent for the rest of the set. The pit never stops moving and the band are in fine form blasting through such classic songs as “expendable youth”, ”War ensemble” “Mandatory Suicide” , Raining blood Other song contained in the set include “Aggressive Perfector”, “Jihad”,.

Just when you think that Slayer has played everything that you want the end the show with the all time favourite slayer songs “South of Heaven” and “Angel of Death”. These two songs made the already huge moshpit even bigger and crazier. As you can see from the photo below Tom Araya was loving the show and having a great time. Kerry King changed guitars quite a few time over the course of the set. Jeff Hannaman looked to be having fun. Dave Lombardo interacted with the crowd between songs when the time allowed by standing up behind his kit and shouting and throwing his sticks in the air.
This show rounded of a very good day in the life of this metal fan. Taking my son to meet one of his idol’s in the afternoon to seeing the very same man show us all how it’s done in the evening was something that I shall never forget and shall treasure forever.

I’m often asked why I travel all over for concerts and see bands more than once over the years. Well I can safely say that this day 31st May 2010 is the reason why and why I will continue to do this for many more years to come.

Review by Phil Reed
Photos by Phil Reed & Joe Titterington