Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman dies aged 49

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Founding member of thrash metal giants succumbs to liver failure

Jeff Hanneman in 2001
Jeff Hanneman in 2001 (Image credit: Stacy Kranitz/Corbis)

Jeff Hanneman, a founding member of the legendary thrash metal band Slayer, died earlier today of liver failure. He was 49 years old.

Heidi Robinson-Fitzgerald, the group's longtime publicist, confirmed the news in a statement which reads:

"Slayer is devastated to inform that their bandmate and brother, Jeff Hanneman, passed away at about 11AM this morning near his Southern California home. He was 49. Hanneman was in an area hospital when he suffered liver failure. He is survived by his wife Kathy, his sister Kathy and his brothers Michael and Larry, and will be sorely missed."

Hanneman's unique lead/rhythm guitar style, which complemented that of fellow lead/rhythm player Kerry King, was an indelible part of the Slayer sound. Hanneman composed the music for many of the band's fan favorites, songs such as Angel Of Death, South of Heaven, War Ensemble, Raining Blood and Seasons In The Abyss.

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Joe Bosso
Joe Bosso

Joe is a freelance journalist who has, over the past few decades, interviewed hundreds of guitarists for Guitar World, Guitar Player, MusicRadar and Classic Rock. He is also a former editor of Guitar World, contributing writer for Guitar Aficionado and VP of A&R for Island Records. He’s an enthusiastic guitarist, but he’s nowhere near the likes of the people he interviews. Surprisingly, his skills are more suited to the drums. If you need a drummer for your Beatles tribute band, look him up.