'70s Rock Band Says It Won't Play Forever: 'Don't Wanna Die on Stage'
When Megadeth announced earlier this year that they were retiring after more than four decades together, the news hit thrash metal fans hard. With Exodus having been at it since 1979, many are now asking whether the California band will be the next to go.
The question was recently put to Gary Holt in an interview with Fistful of Metal. And while Exodus aren't nearing the finish line just yet, Holt admitted he's given the band's eventual end some thought.
"Well, I don't wanna die on stage," Holt said, according to Pennlive. "I've spent a lot of time thinking about my own mortality, but I need at least another 25 years with my children and grandchildren."
"I'm doing everything I can to get to this point, as I've been sober for the last five years, and if Exodus gets to that point where we know it's time, then we may take the route that our friends have and are taking, or perhaps we'll just end it. Who knows?"
Holt, who also spent time playing with Slayer, has been with Exodus since 1981. He is the only member to appear on all 12 of the band's studio albums, including their latest record Goliath, which came out in March.
"This is a huge part of our lives," he continued. "When my day comes and I can't do this anymore, I have a lot of great memories."
"I'm sure we'll celebrate the right way, whenever that day comes, unless it's something drastic like losing both of my arms in a [expletive] up agricultural accident. But for now, Exodus is stronger than ever before, and this album [‘Goliath'] is proof that we have a lot more gas in the tank."
The band has been proving that point on the road lately. Exodus just finished touring alongside Sepultura, who will play their final show ever in November. Rather than take a break, the band headed straight back to their hometown.
With just a few days notice, Exodus announced a pop-up show at the newly reopened Mabuhay Gardens in San Francisco for May 30. The iconic venue had been closed for nearly 40 years and tickets were gone within three hours.
"When one of the clubs you started this out at reopens, you play there," Holt said. "You return to the scene of past crimes. You once again darken their doorstep and crush everything and everyone to the ground. The Mabuhay Gardens. The Fab Mab. OUR Mab. Open once again and Exodus knew we must heed the call! One night only. We will once again call this hallowed venue home. As old school as it will ever get. See you there!"
Although Exodus had not played Mabuhay Gardens since 1986, the venue has always meant something special to the band.
In February 1983, during one of Kirk Hammett's final shows with Exodus before leaving to join Metallica, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich and Dave Mustaine reportedly jumped onstage for an impromptu appearance that has become a moment thrash metal fans in the Bay Area have never forgotten.
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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 9:06 AM.