Dave Lombardo Recalls Youthful Good Times with Jeff Hanneman

All of this drama with Tim Lambesis has acted as something of a distraction from this month’s other incredibly depressing story — specifically, the untimely death of Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman. But for Hanneman’s loved ones — not just those of us who adored his art, but the people who actually knew him — I’m sure there are no substantial distractions of any kind right now.

Consequently — and very emotionally — Dave Lombardo has posted the below photograph and recollection on his Facebook page:

“This picture was taken at the Troubadour in Hollywood around 1982. Jeff was the guy that shaved his head and shared the music he was so inspired by. I enjoyed Dead Kennedy’s, Circle Jerks, Black Flag and the Germs with him. My drumming was getting faster and Jeff was writing original songs with a Punk attitude. The fusion of Heavy Metal and Punk took over Slayers early mediocre style, hence a new force was born. Thank you Jeff for your inspiring discovery of Punk rock that has continued to shape my personal drumming style.”

For a drummer as great as Lombardo to give Hanneman such credit with regards to his own work is, obviously, a MASSIVE compliment. Furthermore, it speaks to the void that will be created by the loss of Hanneman, both to Slayer and the metal community at large.

Here are a couple of other really great vintage photos that Lombardo has posted since last week:

[via Metal Injection]