In The News: Slayer's Jeff Hanneman Dies of Liver Failure

I have been MIA again. Lots of ideas, but even more writer’s block. When I saw the news today, I knew I had to get my ass in gear and inform the For the Love of Rock and Metal family of a great loss.

Earlier today, Slayer founding member and guitarist Jeff Hanneman passed away. He was suffering from liver failure and was at a local hospital at the time of his death. Hanneman was 49 years old and will always be remembered for the part he played in bringing Slayer to the forefront of metal. He and fellow guitarist Kerry King, singer-bassist Tom Araya and drummer Dave Lombardo started tearing up stages in the early 1980s.

Lately, Hanneman has not been touring regularly with the band. He contracted necrotizing fasciitis following a spider bite in 2011 which has kept him plagued with many health problems since then. Recently, there has been talk that he had been out of touch with the band. Other news outlets are reporting that the liver failure was likely caused by alcohol and not the spider bite and necrotizing fasciitis; however, nothing has been confirmed and either way, it is not a time to speculate. The truth is that metal has lost one of its own and that is all that matters. No need for blame, finger pointing or hate. The only reason I address it at all is because I know there will be questions.

Slayer posted this heart breaking status update on Facebook to notify the fans. Feel free to go to their page and show some love.

"Slayer is devastated to inform that their bandmate and brother, Jeff Hanneman, passed away at about 11AM this morning near his Southern California home. 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.

Our Brother Jeff Hanneman, May He Rest In Peace (1964 - 2013)"