Exodus guitarist Gary Holt appeared on the Rock And Roll Geek Show , hosted by the band's former bassist, Michael Butler . During the interview, Holt was asked about the recent departure of vocalist Steve “Zetro” Souza from the group.
With a transcript via Blabbermouth , Holt says: “People ask [why we fired Zetro], everyone wants to know, because we chose not to tell anyone. All I’ll say is: marriages often don’t work out. And just because you saw a couple in public who seemed happy, that doesn’t mean you know what’s going on at home. I don’t know if the wife is throwing frying pans at his head, or if he’s completely drunk, yelling like crazy and hitting the kids. You don’t know. Just because they go out in public with a smile on their face. We continue to have a lot of respect for Zetro, we have great affection for him, and I feel honored to have made great music alongside him. But I’m also 60 years old, and the five of us need to be on the same page. And now we are.”
Butler suggested that musicians can have different personalities sometimes, and that "people can end up irritating you from time to time," but Holt clarifies: "It's not even about that, because we all irritate each other. It's just that, as you get older, this job, either you still love what you do, or it becomes incredibly difficult… For me, it's not difficult at all. So, whatever the reason, four guys had a reason for doing what we did."
Gary was asked if he called Zetro to let him know about his dismissal. “I’d rather not go into those details. [Laughs] There’s no hatred involved. It’s just that the damn marriage didn’t work out. Sometimes you get along with your ex. Or you don’t hate your ex; you just can’t be married to him anymore… Sometimes the wife still likes him and he’s a good father, but, my God, what a terrible husband. Or what a bad life. But she was good with the kids and was part of the school’s parent-teacher association. Who the hell knows?”
Holt refutes conspiracy theories about Zetro leaving Exodus.
The guitarist also took the opportunity to comment on some of the theories that fans have been raising on social media.
“The funniest thing is that, on the internet, people are creating conspiracy theories about the reason for Zetro's departure,” Holt commented. “[…] There are people saying it has to do with the fact that he recently got married. Like: 'Rob Dukes got married around the time he was fired, and Zetro also got married. Hmm, a pattern?' Man, I have grandchildren. Do you really think I would have a problem with my vocalist being married? That's stupid.”
Holt also recounted an episode where a follower went to his Instagram to present a detailed timeline of the band's relationship with its vocalists over the years. “The first thing he said was, ‘Gary Holt only thinks about money.’ And if you really think firing your vocalist is a path to financial security, you’re completely stoned. What kind of **** logic is that?” the guitarist exclaimed.
The follower allegedly claimed that Exodus fired Paul Baloff after hiring him, which Holt confirmed, explaining that Baloff's life was a mess at the time. "'The band hired Paul [Baloff]. Then fired Paul.' True. Paul was fired. His life was a mess. But, looking back, we ended up being just as messed up as he was," he admitted.
According to Holt, the timeline created by the fan also included inaccurate information, such as the claim that the band fired Baloff again after rehiring him, ignoring the fact that the vocalist passed away in 2002. “Then he said, ‘The band hired Steve Souza. Then fired Steve Souza.’ No, we broke up the band after Force Of Habit . Then he continued, ‘The band rehires Paul Baloff. Then fires Paul Baloff.’ And I was like, ‘He died, man. We didn’t fire him. He died.’”
Despite the harsh tone, Gary claims he responded respectfully. “I was polite and said, ‘Hey, man, let me correct your timeline.’ I didn’t say, ‘Go f*** yourself, man.’ I just said, ‘Let me help you get the chronology right.’”
Rob Dukes' return was a matter of affinity and experience.
Amidst the Exodus lineup overhaul, Gary Holt commented on the decision to bring vocalist Rob Dukes back to the band. The guitarist explained that, at 60 years old, he wasn't willing to gamble on an unknown name to fill the position left by Steve "Zetro" Souza.
“I’m 60 years old. The idea of putting someone unknown in the band simply wasn’t an option,” Holt stated. “I think we all came into contact when that became obvious.” According to the guitarist, the choice of Dukes also involved a question of generational affinity and maturity. “Of course, I could have found some 30-year-old guy who can still jump off the stage, who has a six-pack and isn’t all fat like the rest of us. But I need someone who is closer to my age.”
Exodus accelerates creative process with two albums in production.
Gary Holt revealed details about Exodus' upcoming release — and surprised everyone by announcing that the band is working on not one, but two albums simultaneously.
“Personally, I still have two rhythm guitar tracks to record. Lee [Altus] still has a few too. We’re literally racing against time, trying to record two albums at the same time,” said Holt. “Even if we don’t finish everything now, the second album will be almost ready. Maybe we’ll just need to record some solos or vocals later.”
The guitarist also explained that the idea of speeding up the process comes from a long-held desire: to take a vacation. “Now I’m thinking like this: let’s finish this album, record the guitars and drums for the second… Then, when it’s time to release it, we don’t need to repeat this whole process. Maybe I’ll finally be able to take a vacation. I’ve never had one.”
Asked if all the songs are already written, Holt confirmed: “Yes. We still have a few more to finish, but we compose and record throughout the entire process. We don't stop. Tom Hunting, Lee, and I are writing together, and Lee has contributed a lot.”
According to Holt, Exodus has adopted a more flexible approach to recording: “Many bands go into the studio with the album already finished, record the drums, then move on to the guitars. We don't do that anymore. We keep the drums set up the whole time because sometimes the best comes at the end.”
Recently, Holt finished a new track that, according to him, is one of the most intense he has ever composed. “It’s simply the angriest thing in the world, insanely heavy,” he stated. “When Lee heard my demo, he asked if I was already putting ice on my wrist.” Despite the heaviness, Holt assures that the material offers more than just aggression: “There are some really good songs on there, it’s not just a barrage of violence from beginning to end.” Currently, the band has 18 tracks, with two more in the final stages of production—enough for two full albums.
At 60, Gary Holt also shared a more personal and melancholic view on the intense pace of work: “I see it this way: I’m getting older. And you start thinking about these things, like mortality, what if I died. Between this album and the next, there’s Gary Holt’s last release. May it generate some money, some royalties for my grandchildren, for my children, for my wife. Because, of course, your albums always sell more when you die.”
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