Slayer have announced their first UK shows in six years. The thrash metal legends will step on a British stage for the first time since their slot at Download Festival in 2019.
Two shows haven been scheduled on the UK leg of their new tour – the first at Blackweir Fields in Cardiff on July 3, and the second at Finsbury Park in London on July 6.
They’ll be bringing a supporting bill stacked with big names. Swedish death metal veterans Amon Amarth, thrash icons Anthrax, sludge metal stars Mastadon, hardcore punk rockers Hatebreed and death metal newcomers Neckbreakker will share the stage with Slayer.
A press release states that the concerts will be “a celebration of everything the iconic band and their fans have built together”, and feature “a career-spanning set, stage production like you’ve never seen before, and a night of pure thrash fury that will be remembered forever.” Slayer’s 2025 tour dates mark the 40th anniversary since the band formed. Their illustrious career has seen them crowned as one of the ‘big four’ bands of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax. These two gigs will be the largest that the rock icons have ever played in the UK. Tickets go on sale this Friday (March 7) at 10am GMT. You can visit their website to buy tickets and view their tour dates.
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Slayer officially retired in 2019, following a final farewell tour that saw dates in Europe, America, Canada, South America and Asia. Last Autumn, the band played their first couple of shows in five years, performing at Riot Fest Chicago and the Aftershock Festival in Sacramento.
Though they may be reuniting onstage, guitarist Kerry King has adamantly stated that this doesn’t mean the band will be getting back together for touring and recording as an active group. Each member of Slayer has remained musically active since their breakup – most recently, Kerry King released his debut studio album, ‘From Hell I Rise‘ in 2024.
Along with their own Slayer UK tour dates, the heavy metal heroes will join as support for Black Sabbath’s ‘Back to the Beginning’ reunion, that has been billed as Ozzy Osbourne’s last-ever live performance.
Taking place at Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham on July 5, the show will feature a legendary lineup including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Pantera, Lamb Of God, Alice in Chains, Mastadon and Anthrax to name a few. You can read our article on that here.
