Slayer set to bring final tour to Birmingham

But now, after nearly 37 years, the band is coming to an end.

Late last year Slayer announced that they will undertake one last tour round the world – including a headline at Arena Birmingham on Wednesday – to thank their fans for all of their support over the years.

They’ll be hitting Brum with Lamb of God, Anthrax and Obituary in support.

Not everyone buys into the idea that it’ll be the band’s last tour, however.

Pantera singer Philip Anselmo said: “Put it this way: There’s a lot of bands that have claimed they’re doing one last tour. It’s called smart business, to a degree. So I’ll believe it if it happens. But when I was a young man, Slayer changed my life — so whatever they decide all I can do is extend my love and admiration for the fellas in the band and wish them the best.”

Cradle Of Filth frontman Dani Filth says he doesn’t believe Slayer’s final tour will be their last either.

“I don’t believe it for an instant. I fell for the Ozzy Osbourne ‘touring for the last time’. I think Scorpions have done it.

“We’ll see. I mean, if the money’s right, people come out of retirement. Maybe it’s another way to boost their sales a bit by announcing the last tour.”

“I hope it’s not their last tour. It would be a bit sad if it is. I think the same applies to them as with people like Glenn Danzig, ‘Do I need to be doing it? Am I comfortable?’ “They’re probably comfortable enough to be close to retirement. They get paid well for gigs. I think they’ll be all right.”

Slayer formed in 1981. Their musical style made them one of the founding ‘big four’ bands of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax.