As Hell Awaits gained traction, so did rumors of Slayer’s connection to Hell itself. This notebook entry captures a day in New York City: a confirmed load-in at L’Amour East in Queens, a scheduled interview with music journalist Mike Schutzman, and a note about the upcoming video shoot at Studio 54. But the band’s presence in NYC didn’t just draw fans and press. It drew protesters.
Longtime friend Doug Goodman, who acted as tour manager in the early years, recalled that none of the protestors had never even heard the music; they were reacting to the album art. “Haven't you ever seen a horror movie? There are better things to protest than a metal band.” He also noted that the era’s Satanic Panic only helped fuel interest. “It was the best thing that could have happened to metal in general, not just to Slayer. Those stickers sold lots of records.”
1-4. Labeled “NYC Christians” on the back, this group photo shows several protestors who ended up in friendly conversation with the band. Tour manager and friend Doug Goodman recalled joking around with one set of protestors from Winnipeg. From the Collection of Doug Goodman
5. Dated September 25, 1985 (months after the notebook entry), this settlement sheet from L’Amour lists Slayer and Megadeth as co-headliners. A total of 1,573 tickets were sold. From the Collection of Tom Araya
6-7. Two-page handwritten letter from a man in Tulsa, OK. The author cites scripture, warns of Satan’s influence, and urges the band to choose Christ over darkness. From the Collection of Doug Goodman
