Kerry King Net Worth

Kerry King’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Slayer Guitarist’s Life and Career

Kerry King, the co-founder, co-lead guitarist, and songwriter of the iconic thrash metal band Slayer, has left an indelible mark on the world of heavy music. Beyond his musical prowess, fans often wonder about the financial success of this influential musician. This article delves into Kerry King’s career, influences, personal life, and real estate holdings to provide a comprehensive overview.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Kerry King was born as the youngest of three children on June 3, 1964, in Los Angeles, California. His upbringing was modest; his mother worked for a telephone company, and his father inspected aircraft parts. At the age of 13, King’s father encouraged him to begin learning guitar, providing him with a Gibson ES-175. This early exposure to music laid the foundation for his future career. During his teenage years, King attended three different high schools, maintaining good grades amidst his developing musical interests.

Slayer: Reigning in Blood and Beyond

King’s musical journey took a significant turn when he met Tom Araya through the guitarist in his first band. Araya lived just a block away, which led to the two jamming together. In 1981, King crossed paths with guitarist Jeff Hanneman at an audition for a southern rock band, sparking another musical partnership. The addition of neighborhood drummer Dave Lombardo completed the lineup, and Slayer was born.

Initially, Slayer performed covers of metal songs, developing an image characterized by Satanic themes. Their breakthrough came when record executive Brian Slagel witnessed their rendition of Iron Maiden’s “Phantom of the Opera” and signed them to Metal Blade Records. Slayer’s debut studio album, “Show No Mercy,” released in late 1983, despite initial criticism for its production quality, became Metal Blade’s best-selling release. Further releases, including the EP “Haunting the Chapel” and the live album “Live Undead” in 1984, and the studio album “Hell Awaits” in 1985, solidified their presence in the metal scene. The release of “Reign in Blood” in 1986 marked a pivotal moment, helping Slayer reach a broader audience and significantly influencing the thrash metal sound of the late 1980s. Their fourth studio album, “South of Heaven,” followed in 1988, continuing their streak of successful releases.

The band entered the 1990s with “Seasons in the Abyss” in 1990, followed by the double live album “Decade of Aggression” in 1991. Even as heavy metal’s popularity waned, Slayer maintained their relevance, releasing albums like “Divine Intervention,” “Undisputed Attitude,” and “Diabolus in Musica.” The new millennium brought “God Hates Us All” in 2001, which reached number 28 on the Billboard 200. After a hiatus, the band released the limited-release EP “Eternal Pyre” in 2006, followed by their tenth studio album, “Christ Illusion,” which debuted at number five on the Billboard 200. Songs from this album, “Eyes of the Insane” and “Final Six,” earned Grammy Awards. Slayer’s final studio album, “Repentless,” was released in 2015, the only one recorded without Jeff Hanneman, who had passed away in 2013. Slayer embarked on a farewell tour from May 2018 to November 2019, culminating in the band’s disbandment, marking the end of an era in thrash metal.

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Beyond Slayer: Guest Appearances and Film

Kerry King’s influence extends beyond Slayer. In the mid-1980s, he performed with the thrash metal band Megadeth. He has also made guest appearances on songs by various artists, including:

• Beastie Boys’ “No Sleep till Brooklyn” and “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)”
• Pantera’s “Goddamn Electric”
• Sum 41’s “It’s What We’re All About”
• Witchery’s “Witchkrieg”

Additionally, King has ventured into acting, appearing in the movies “Brooklyn’s Finest” and “Studio 666,” showcasing his versatility.

Style and Influences: Defining a Genre

With Slayer, King helped create a fast and aggressive musical style that became synonymous with thrash metal, alongside bands like Megadeth, Metallica, and Anthrax. He and Jeff Hanneman were known for their chaotic, shrieking guitar solos, which were a hallmark of Slayer’s sound. King was also responsible for the band’s provocative lyrics, which explored themes like genocide, terrorism, fascism, and religious extremism. His influences are broad, spanning across various heavy metal bands.

King has cited the following as his biggest influences:

• Iron Maiden
• Black Sabbath
• Judas Priest
• Venom
• Ted Nugent
• Ritchie Blackmore
• Dave Murray
• Eddie Van Halen
• Randy Rhoads

Personal Life: Antitheism, Reptiles, and Tattoos

King’s personal life reflects his multifaceted personality. He has a daughter, Shyanne, from his first marriage. After a divorce, he married Ayesha, who remains his wife. King has lived in California for most of his life, with brief periods in Phoenix, Arizona, and later, Riverside County. In 2020, he and Ayesha purchased a home in Las Vegas, Nevada, and more recently resided in New York City.

King is known for his antitheistic views, often expressing his skepticism of organized religion. His interests extend beyond music; he is an avid collector of snakes, owning a reptile house and herpetology nursery. Another notable aspect of his personal life is his extensive collection of tattoos, which have gradually expanded across his body over the decades.

Real Estate: Kerry King’s Properties

In 2020, Kerry King invested in a newly constructed mansion in Las Vegas, paying $3.8 million. In May 2023, he listed this property for sale at $4.3 million, indicating his interest in real estate investments. Below is a video tour of the property:

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Conclusion

Kerry King’s career with Slayer has solidified his place in music history. His influences, personal life, and real estate ventures offer a glimpse into the life of a metal icon. From the early days of Slayer to his diverse projects, King’s impact on the genre is undeniable.