LIVE ASSAULTS: MINNEAPOLIS 1986

Slayer’s first assault on Minneapolis landed November 16, 1986, at First Avenue, a venue widely known for the filming of Purple Rain, but equally vital as a proving ground for underground acts. Lars Ulrich described Minneapolis as one of the “pockets in the middle of the country that were more progressive and more ahead of the curve musically,” noting that First Avenue’s willingness to bring in more cutting-edge bands “was a big reason why.”

With Overkill opening, the all-ages show began at 2:00 PM and dove quickly into daytime chaos. One fan recalled that “people ripped the doors off the building.” Tom Araya noted in the introduction for “At Dawn They Sleep” that ironically, it was still light outside. 

The venue was packed with notable Minneapolis metalheads and punks, including members of Impaler, Kublai Khan, Powermad, Vile, Iron Fist, and The Coup de Grace.

The setlist captured Slayer in full Reign in Blood ascendancy, featuring nine of the album’s ten tracks, opening with “Raining Blood” and “Angel of Death” and closing with “Jesus Saves.” Released only a month earlier, Reign in Blood marked the band’s first Billboard 200 appearance, achieved without the benefit of radio airplay.

Slayer returned to First Avenue two years later, nearly to the day, sharing the bill with Motörhead and Overkill in support of South of Heaven.

1-8. Slayer plays their first show in Minneapolis, at First Avenue, November 16, 1986. Photos: Dave Benson From the Collection of Dave Benson

9-13. First Avenue, November 16, 1986. Photos: John Stradinger From the Collection of John Stradinger

14-15. Flyers promoting the First Avenue Slayer show, 1986. From the Collection of John Stradinger and Slayer

16-17. Special guests Overkill playing at First Avenue, November 16, 1986. Photos: John Stradinger. From the Collection of John Stradinger

18. Ticket stub from the November 1986 Slayer gig at First Avenue. From the Collection of John Stradinger

19. First Avenue calendar for November and December 1986. Slayer’s gig is listed in the upper right corner. From the Collection of John Stradinger

AUDIO: Four songs from the November 16, 1986 Slayer gig at First Avenue. From the Collection of John Stradinger