As the year winds down and we all get ready to spend time with our loved ones, it’s only natural that we’re all likely going to reflect on the year that was 2023. For some of us it was a year of progress and prosperity, for others it was 12 months filled with problems and drama, and for Exodus guitarist Gary Holt, it sounds like it was a healthy mix of both.
Reflecting on the last year via social media, Holt admitted that the past 12 months have been a roller coaster of sorts, one minute providing soaring peaks, only for some pretty rough valleys to hit him around the corner.
“This year has been the hardest I’ve ever dealt with yet massively rewarding. The most injured I’ve ever been on tour.
“Started the year with a horrible fall off the bus, slipping on an icy step, thought I broke my pelvis. No break. Worst pain ever. For weeks. Keep playing. Had to rescue my brother from an Italian hospital after a horrible accident. Mass turmoil, drama and stress. Had to cancel Europe for my own mental well being. Sucked. Fuck my neck up at Blue Ridge rock fest. Still fucked up four months later. Find a way to do what I gotta do, even if banging my head harder than all was not on the table. But also. Made amazing new friends in my tour mates. Played shows that told all of @exodusbandofficial that something really cool is happening with this band. We are driven. We care about nothing but crushing you. Fans. Other bands. No matter. We will destroy all.
“[Exodus’ latest album] Persona Non Grata was a milestone for us. Time to crush it.
“To all who say they’re about to make the metal record of the year? Hold my NA beer!
“Thank you to everyone, most of all our band management and crew. Family time. Then time to finish the songs for this next record! The work to deliver the beatings continues.”
Given everything that’s happened to him, it’s great to see that he remains optimistic. That situation with his brother sounded incredibly difficult. And not being able to headbang anymore is a rude realization too many metalheads learn as they get older, so we feel him there.
Still, his comment that other bands planning to make a killer album next year needs to “hold my NA beer” begs the question — we gettin’ new tunes with Holt on guitar? Even more new Exodus? Whatever 2024 brings, we’re happy to see how it all pans out.