Thrash metal legend Gary Holt (Exodus) who has been touring with Slayer since Jeff Hanneman passed away in 2013, has announced his departure from the current European farewell tour of Slayer. Holt’s father is gravely ill and Holt has been performing of late with this weighing on him for some time. Holt made the announcement in a post on social media and has the full support of his band. Former Machine Head guitarist Phil Demmel, fresh off his final tour with that band will step in for the remaining dates. Demmel will take over tonight (December 3rd) in Copenhagen, Denmark. Holt will fly home.