Kerry Ray Parmar King (born June 3, 1964) is an American musician, best known as the co-lead guitarist and songwriter of the thrash metal band Slayer.
He co-founded Slayer with Jeff Hanneman in 1981 and is one of two members, along with Tom Araya, to remain with the band throughout its 44-year existence (excluding the 2019–2024 hiatus). King is also a solo artist, releasing his debut album From Hell I Rise in May 2024.
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Kerry King Net Worth
Kerry King has a net worth of $12 million. He contributed a guitar solo on the title track of the 2010 album Witchkrieg by the Swedish blackened thrash band Witchery and appeared in the music video performing the solo.
He also appeared in the 2009 movie Brooklyn’s Finest as a member of a SWAT team led by Ethan Hawke’s character. In 2022, King appeared in the comedy horror film Studio 666 as Krug.
Early Life
The youngest of three children, Kerry King was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. His father worked as an aircraft parts inspector, and his mother was employed by a telephone company.
At the age of thirteen, King began learning guitar at his father’s urging, saying, “…my dad was trying to get me out of the wrong circles and give me a hobby.” He attended three different high schools and achieved excellent grades, even winning an academic award at one of them.
Career
In March 2020, Kerry King revealed in a Guitar World interview about his Dean Guitars endorsement that he was working on new material for his first project since Slayer’s disbandment, stating, “Dean didn’t sign me for nothing!” In August 2020, he told the Dean Guitars YouTube channel that he had “more than two records’ worth of music.”
It was later confirmed that King and former Slayer bandmate Paul Bostaph were developing a project that would “sound like Slayer without being Slayer — but not intentionally so.”
Personal Life
Kerry King has been twice divorced and has a daughter, Shyanne Kymberlee King, with his first wife; his current wife is Ayesha King. He states he has never done drugs, though he admits, “I’m quite an experienced drinker.”
Before 2020, King lived in California for most of his life. Around 1987, he relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, where he was a neighbor of Judas Priest singer Rob Halford. By the early 2000s, King had moved back to Los Angeles, later relocating again.
Is Kerry King religious?
Kerry King identifies as an atheist. He has said, “This world isn’t perfect. So I just put things out on the table and hopefully get people thinking about their own life and figure things out for themselves,” and emphasizes, “first and foremost, I always say I am an atheist.”
Conclusion
Kerry King’s journey from a young guitar player to a metal icon is a story of relentless passion, dedication, and a refusal to conform. As Slayer has taken its final bow, King’s legacy within the metal genre remains indelible, with his contributions continuing to influence and inspire.
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FAQs about Kerry King
- What made Kerry King pursue music? Kerry’s passion for music was ignited at a young age, heavily influenced by his father’s musical tastes and his drive to create something unique in the metal scene.
- How has Slayer’s music impacted the metal genre? Slayer’s music, known for its speed, aggression, and thematic depth, has been pivotal in defining the thrash metal genre, influencing countless bands and musicians.
- What are Kerry King’s views on religion? Kerry King is a vocal antitheist, using his platform and music to express his skepticism and opposition to organized religion.
- What does Kerry King do outside of music? Beyond music, King is an avid collector of snakes and has a keen interest in tattoos, often showcasing his personal beliefs and experiences through his extensive body art.
- How did Kerry King contribute to Slayer’s success? King’s aggressive playing style, songwriting, and thematic contributions were central to Slayer’s success, helping the band secure its place as one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax.
