Exodus Gary Holt was interviewed by Let There Be Talk, talking about Dave Lombardo being fired from Slayer.
Asked about Lombardo’s abrupt firing, Holt replied (transcribed by Ultimate-guitar):
“Well, it was made less tough because we were getting a guy [Paul Bostaph, who also played in Exodus] that I’ve known for a large chunk of my musical life and who I have recorded an album with before [2005’s ‘Shovel Headed Kill Machine’].
“It’s one of those things that was shocking; it was, like, I get a call, ‘Dave’s out.’
“And in Slayer, I wasn’t a decision-maker – it’s not my job. It’s different, the whole different thing like – if it happened in a band that I’m one of the controlling members of…
“So it s*cked because Dave and I, we were like afternoon day-off compatriots, you know? We’d go out hunting down kebabs and beers on a summer day off in Germany. But, like I said, I’ve known Paul, I’ve recorded with Paul, so it was an easy adjustment.
“Before Paul came back, John Dette was doing the Australian dates [in 2013], and he asked who wants to come down and rehearse, different drummer; I said, ‘Nah.’ Truthfully, I haven’t rehearsed with Slayer in years, I’d f*cking do my homework, you know?
“If you know the songs and you know them, you’re f*cking set, as long as you f*cking do your studying, you know? It’s like studying for a final exam. If you’re partying and hitting the frat parties, you’re gonna f*ck up; if you’re f*cking hitting the books, you’re gonna do fine.
“As long as Kerry [King, guitar] is tight with Dave or this small stint with John or the years with Paul, I’m fine, because as long as they’re tight, I’m playing with both of them anyways.”