By late March, Slayer was deep into the Hell Awaits tour and heading into New York City for one of their biggest shows to date: Studio 54. But the notebook entry for March 20 signals a shift: "Venom Gone.” The collaboration with Venom, originally conceived as a shared touring effort, encountered complications as soon as it was set to begin.
Though some performances together did take place, others were delayed, canceled, or altered. The day’s notes reflect the ongoing work of keeping momentum: venue contacts, label addresses, and a route mapped through Queens and Brooklyn. Slayer made sure that despite hurdles, the tour pressed on.
1. Original black pinback button with red and white text reading “Hell Awaits Slayer Tour ’85.” From the Collection of Kathryn and Jeff Hanneman
2. All Access laminated pass featuring Venom’s logo and “USA – 85.” From the Collection of Doug Goodman
3. Candid photograph of Venom's Cronos in performance, 1985. From the Collection of Doug Goodman
VIDEO:
Kerry King remembers his excitement about touring with Venom in this Slaytanic Verses exclusive interview, 2025. From the Collection of Slayer
