Slayer Explain Rock Star Social Etiquette

Slayer have achieved fame on a worldwide scale. And in the last few years, the band has been able to play in previously unwelcoming countries. "We've had offers from strange parts of the world," singer Tom Araya told Brave Words. "Because it seems to be acceptable now to have hard rock bands play in a certain country."

When the band arrives, Araya tends to avoid being too accessible to Slayer's fans. "I don't mind hanging out in a room full of people, if they are going to act like people and just talk and enjoy each other's company," he says. "As opposed to acting like they'll never get this opportunity ever again and ruin it for everybody. That's when I leave."

Good to know, for those of you who might have the opportunity to meet Araya during Slayer's upcoming tour.

It was a surprise to learn that, in all of these years, Araya hasn't gone further than a formal introduction with his idol, Ozzy Osbourne. He commented further on the social etiquette between rock legends, saying, "You smile and cordially nod. There's not much else you can do, and there's no need for it. Not for me."