Throughout the Hell Awaits tour, Slayer took time between gigs to connect with fans at in-store appearances. This entry from April 12 details a return to familiar territory in San Francisco, listing names for guest entry at the Kabuki Theatre and a tightly timed schedule for a 2:30 PM in-store event. Even though mayhem occasionally cracked a window or overwhelmed the staff, these in-stores were pure communion. Slayer showed up for the fans, and the fans showed up hard in return.(One notable name seen on this notebook page is Harald Oimoen, who took the Keystone Palo Alto gig photos that made it to the back cover of Hell Awaits.)
1-2. Candid photos show the band interacting with fans during their in-store promotion at the Record Vault. From the Collection of Kathryn and Jeff Hanneman
3. Handmade flyer promoting an in-store appearance by Venom, Exodus, and Slayer at San Francisco’s Record Vault, April 12, 1985. From the Collection of Doug Goodman
