Tom Araya: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 00:37, 31 January 2007

Latest revision as of 04:45, 25 July 2025

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{{Short description|Chilean musician}}

{{Persondata

{{Family name hatnote|Araya|Díaz|lang=Spanish}}

|NAME=Araya, Tom

{{Use American English|date=March 2023}}

|ALTERNATIVE NAMES= Tomás Enrique Araya

{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2021}}

|SHORT DESCRIPTION=[[Bassist]] and Vocalist in [[Slayer]]

{{Infobox musical artist

|DATE OF BIRTH= [[June 6]], [[1961]]

| name = Tom Araya

|PLACE OF BIRTH= [[Valparaíso]], [[Chile]]

| image = Araya Slayer München 2016 (6 von 6).jpg

|DATE OF DEATH=

| caption = Araya performing with [[Slayer]] in 2016

|PLACE OF DEATH=

| birth_name = Tomás Enrique Araya Díaz

| alias =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1961|6|6}}<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2022/06/06/Famous-birthdays-for-June-6-Ashley-Park-Sandra-Bernhard/5481654464308/ | title=Famous birthdays for June 6: Ashley Park, Sandra Bernhard | date=2022-06-06 | website=www.upi.com}}</ref>

| birth_place = [[Viña del Mar]], Chile

| origin = [[Los Angeles, California]], U.S.

| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|bass guitar}}

| genre = [[Thrash metal]]

| occupation = Musician

| years_active = {{hlist|1981–2019|2024–present}}

| current_member_of = [[Slayer]]

| website = {{URL|slayer.net}}

}}

{{Guitarist infobox

| name = Tom Araya

| image = [[Image:TomAraya.jpg|190px]]

| caption =

| born = {{flagicon|Chile}} [[June 6]], [[1961]]

| died =

| aliases =

| genre = [[Thrash metal]]

| affiliation = [[Slayer]]

| label = [[American Recordings]]

| notable guitars =

| years = 1981 - present

}}

'''Tom Araya''' (born '''Tomás Enrique Araya''' [[June 6]], [[1961]] in [[Valparaíso]], [[Chile]]) is the [[vocal]]ist and [[bass guitar|bass]]ist of the American [[thrash metal]] band [[Slayer]]. Araya's family moved to the [[United States]] in 1966 as they saw it as the city of opportunity. At the age of eight, Araya picked up the bass guitar and played songs with his older brother, who played the guitar. Araya's first job was as a [[respiratory therapist]] at the local hospital, using his earnings to finance Slayer's debut album ''[[Show No Mercy]]''. Araya was later fired by the hospital after two years, as they would not allow him time off to tour Europe.

'''Tomás Enrique Araya Díaz''' ({{IPA|es|ton aˈɾaʝa|lang}}; born June 6, 1961) is a Chilean-American<!-- he has Chilean citizenship is solis, ius sanguinis per https://www.futuro.cl/2021/06/el-dia-en-que-tom-araya-recibio-homenaje-en-su-natal-vina-del-mar/--><!-- he has U.S. citizenship per https://blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-tom-araya-america-has-become-a-nation-of-crybabies --> musician, best known as the vocalist and bassist of the [[thrash metal]] band [[Slayer]]. He was ranked 58th by ''[[Hit Parader]]'' on their list of the 100 Greatest Metal Vocalists of All Time. Araya, along with [[Kerry King]], are the only members who stayed in the band since its inception.

==Biography==

Araya was born in [[Chile]] as the fourth child in a family of nine. At the age of five, his family moved to [[South Gate, California]], as his parents saw it as the city of opportunity. Rumors circulating the internet state he left because of "political unrest", Araya denied this claim; "that happened in ‘71 and we were already in the United States by that time."<ref name="Exclusive! Interview With Slayer Vocalist/ Bassist Tom Araya ">{{cite web

| title = Exclusive! Interview With Slayer Vocalist/ Bassist Tom Araya

| author = Brian, Davis

| publisher = KNAC.com

| date = 2005-1-4

| url = http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=3456

| accessdate = 2007-01-26 }}</ref>

Araya was employed as a [[respiratory therapist]] in the early 1980s and used his earnings to finance Slayer's debut album ''[[Show No Mercy]]'' (1983). Much of Araya's lyrical content is about [[serial killer]]s, a subject he finds interesting; his first credited lyrical contribution was the [[vampire]]-themed track "At Dawn They Sleep" from 1985's ''[[Hell Awaits]]''.

Araya's older brother played the [[guitar]], leading to Araya picking up the [[bass guitar]] at the age of eight. The two played [[Beatles]] and [[Rolling Stones]] songs, inspiring his musical interest.<ref name="Exclusive! Interview With Slayer Vocalist/ Bassist Tom Araya "/> In the early 1980's, Araya's eldest sister suggested he enroll as a [[respiratory therapist]]. Araya's father stated he either find a job or enroll in the course. Araya enrolled in a two year technical course, learning about air mixture ratios, [[Venipuncture|drawing blood]], and [[intubate|intubating]].<ref name="Exclusive! Interview With Slayer Vocalist/ Bassist Tom Araya "/>

==Early life==

In 1981 Araya was approached by [[Kerry King]], who asked Araya join his band [[Slayer]]. Araya accepted, using his earnings as a respiratory therapist to finance the band's 1983 debut album ''[[Show No Mercy]]''.<ref name="Live Chat with Tom Araya of Slayer">{{cite web

Tomás Enrique Araya Diaz was born in [[Viña del Mar]], Chile. His family moved to the U.S. when he was five. He grew up in Los Angeles.<ref>[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AASB&p_theme=aasb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAD8C9855C06B73&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "Slayer's metal music gains popularity"]</ref> His older brother, Cisco, played guitar. This inspired Araya to pick up bass at age eight. The two played [[The Beatles|Beatles]] and [[The Rolling Stones|Rolling Stones]] songs, which he would later cite as an influence on his own music.<ref name="Exclusive! Interview With Slayer Vocalist/ Bassist Tom Araya ">{{cite interview|subject=Tom Araya|interviewer=Brian Davis|title=Interview With Slayer Vocalist/ Bassist Tom Araya|url=http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=3456 |work=KNAC.COM|publisher=KNAC|___location=Seattle|date=January 4, 2005|access-date=January 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417081113/http://knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=3456 |archive-date=April 17, 2015 }}</ref>

| title = Live Chat with Tom Araya of Slayer

| author =

In the early 1980s, Araya's eldest sister suggested he enroll in a program to become certified as a [[respiratory therapist]]. Araya's father insisted he either find a job or enroll in the course. Araya enrolled in a two-year technical course, learning about air mixture ratios, [[Venipuncture|drawing blood]], and how to [[intubate]].<ref name="Exclusive! Interview With Slayer Vocalist/ Bassist Tom Araya "/>

== Career ==

[[File:Slayer 1983 press photo.png|thumb|Araya (right) with Slayer in 1983]]

In 1981, Araya was approached by [[Kerry King]], who asked Araya to join his band, [[Slayer]]. Araya accepted, using his earnings as a respiratory therapist to finance the band's 1983 debut album ''[[Show No Mercy]]''.<ref name="Live Chat with Tom Araya of Slayer">{{cite web

| title = Live chat with Tom Araya of Slayer

| publisher = ESPguitars.com

| date =

| url = http://www.espguitars.com/news/news_tomchat.html

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060509030337/http://www.espguitars.com/news/news_tomchat.html

| accessdate = 2006-12-10 }}</ref> On Slayer's first European tour, the hospital would not allow him time off, “We need you to come in today.” They’d call me at 5:00 in the morning and wake my ass up, “Someone’s not coming in, we need you to come in to work.” After a month of not turning up to work the hospital staff stated they would fire him; Araya replied “Well, I guess I’m fired.”<ref name="Exclusive! Interview With Slayer Vocalist/ Bassist Tom Araya "/>

| archive-date = May 9, 2006

| access-date = January 27, 2007 }}</ref> Araya requested time off of work from his employer, the [[Brotman Medical Center]],<ref>{{cite web|last1=Stingley|first1=Mick|title=Rockstar Energy Mayhem Fest Special! Part 2: Platinum Records, Staying Mellow and Michael Jackson: Interview With Tom Araya of Slayer|url=http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=7166|publisher=[[KNAC]]|access-date=February 19, 2016|date=August 21, 2009}}</ref> for Slayer's first European tour in 1984 and was denied; {{"'}}We need you to come in today.' They'd call me at 5:00 in the morning and wake me, 'Someone's not coming in, we need you to come in to work.{{'"}} After a month of sporadic attendance, his employers threatened termination; Araya replied "Well, I guess I'm fired."<ref name="Exclusive! Interview With Slayer Vocalist/ Bassist Tom Araya "/> Along with King, Araya is one of the two original members to remain in Slayer for the entire length of the band's career, having been in the band since 1981.

[[File:Slayer - Tom Araya.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Araya at [[Gods of Metal]] 2008]]

In 2006, Araya underwent [[gallbladder]] surgery, which disrupted [[The Unholy Alliance (tour)|The Unholy Alliance]] tour. Originally set to launch on June 6, the tour was postponed to June 13. Araya was also unable to finish the vocals for a song entitled "Final Six", which was to be included on Slayer's 2006 album ''[[Christ Illusion]]''; later released on the special edition of the album.<ref name="SLAYER Frontman Undergoes Gallbladder Surgery, Band Reschedule Early 'Unholy Alliance' Dates">{{cite news

|title = Slayer Frontman Undergoes Gallbladder Surgery, Band Reschedule Early 'Unholy Alliance' Dates

|work = Blabbermouth.net

|date = May 10, 2006

|url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=52111

|access-date = January 9, 2007

|url-status = dead

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930235648/https://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=52111

|archive-date = September 30, 2007

|df = mdy-all

}}</ref> Araya brought his children on the tour stating "it's kind of cool to expose them at such a young age. My first concert, I was, like, 17."<ref name="A feel-good, family side to Slayer's heavy-metal assault"/>

"We [Slayer] have been fortunate- fortunate enough to have lasted as long as we have because a lot of bands don't last that long."

Slayer announced in January 2010 that back surgery had been scheduled for Araya and that the planned tour would be canceled through April of that year. Araya was known for his aggressive [[headbanging]] and began experiencing back problems while the band was on tour in Australia/New Zealand/Japan in October 2009. He had an [[anterior cervical discectomy and fusion]], saying "It seems to have done the trick but I can't headbang anymore."<ref>[[Geoff Barton|Barton, Geoff]]: "The Big Four reunite"; ''[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]]'' #148, August 2010, p19</ref><ref name="Slayer's Dave Lombardo: Tom Araya Is Recovering Extremely Quickly">{{cite web|title=Dave Lombardo: "Tom Araya Is Recovering Extremely Quickly|publisher=metalhammer.co.uk

Slayer was one of the headlining acts at the 1991 "Clash of the Titans" tour, with [[Megadeth]], [[Anthrax (band)|Anthrax]], and [[Alice in Chains]]. Megadeth guitarist [[Dave Mustaine]] proceeded to tell Araya "He liked it when Tom was sucking his dick."; Araya rebutted calling him a "[[homosexual|homo]]".<ref name="Clash of the Titans">{{cite web

| title date= Clash ofMarch the12, Titans2010

| url= http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/slayers-dave-lombardo-tom-araya-is-recovering-extremely-quickly/ |access-date=May 27, 2010}}</ref> As a result of his surgery, Araya has significantly tempered his once aggressive on-stage movement, now remaining relatively still during performances. He has stated that he misses headbanging and the "physical connection."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kielty |first1=Martin |date=April 6, 2016 |title=Slayer frontman Tom Araya still misses headbanging |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/slayer-frontman-tom-araya-still-misses-headbanging |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530212118/https://www.loudersound.com/news/slayer-frontman-tom-araya-still-misses-headbanging |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |access-date=17 March 2022 |website=Metal Hammer}}</ref>

| author = Kuipers, Dean

| publisher = Rockmetal

| date = 1991-3

| url = http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/articles_spin1991.html

| accessdate = 2006-01-18 }}</ref> The exchange of words resulted into a long running feud between the two bands. Araya had a guest appearance on Alice in Chain's 1992 album ''[[Dirt (album)|Dirt]]'' on the track "Iron Gland". "I just screamed on it. [[Jerry Cantrell|Jerry]] asked me to come in and scream, “I am Iron Gland!” and that was it."<ref name="Exclusive! Interview With Slayer Vocalist/ Bassist Tom Araya"/>

On May 20, 2010, Slayer confirmed that they would play two songs on TV for ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]''<ref name="Slayer: Jimmy Kimmel Tonight">{{cite web|title=Jimmy Kimmel Tonight|publisher=slayer.net|date=May 20, 2010|url=http://www.slayer.net/us/news/jimmy-kimmel-tonight|access-date=May 27, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523054854/http://www.slayer.net/us/news/jimmy-kimmel-tonight|archive-date=May 23, 2010}}</ref>

Araya lives in [[Buffalo, Texas]], on a [[ranch]] with his wife and two children.<ref name="A feel-good, family side to Slayer's heavy-metal assault">{{cite web

| title = A feel-good, family side to Slayer's heavy-metal assault

In 2014, Araya made a cameo in the heavy metal horror film ''Hairmetal Shotgun Zombie Massacre: The Movie'', directed by Joshua Allan Vargas.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bellino |first=Emily |date=2019-02-08 |title=Watch a New Trailer for 'Hair Metal Shotgun Zombie Massacre' featuring Tom Araya |url=https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2019/02/08/watch-a-new-trailer-for-hair-metal-shotgun-zombie-massacre-featuring-tom-araya/ |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=[[Decibel Magazine]]}}</ref>

| author = Nailen, Dan

| publisher = [[The Salt Lake Tribune]]

From May 2018 to November 2019, with the last show being in their hometown Los Angeles, Slayer embarked on what they called their [[Slayer Farewell Tour|final world tour]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hill|first1=John|title=BREAKING NEWS: Slayer Announce Farewell Tour|url=http://loudwire.com/breaking-news-slayer-announce-farewell-tour/|website=Loudwire|access-date=January 22, 2018|date=December 2, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-announces-the-final-campaign-tour-dates-with-primus-ministry-and-philip-h-anselmo-the-illegals/|title=SLAYER Announces 'The Final Campaign' Tour Dates With PRIMUS, MINISTRY And PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=July 9, 2019|access-date=December 2, 2019}}</ref> and dissolved.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/there-is-not-a-chance-in-hell-slayer-will-ever-reunite-says-kerry-kings-wife/|title=There Is 'Not A Chance In Hell' SLAYER Will Ever Reunite, Says KERRY KING's Wife|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=December 2, 2019|access-date=December 2, 2019}}</ref>

| date = 2007-1-25

| url = http://www.sltrib.com/ci_5089009

Following the conclusion of Slayer's farewell tour, Araya remained out of the public eye for several years.

| accessdate = 2007-01-28 }}</ref> Araya helps his wife with the farm work, including looking after five cows and chickens, and often sings country songs to help keep his "singing chops up".<ref name="Slayer attracts a new generation of fans">{{cite web

In February of 2024, just weeks after [[Kerry King]] stated that he had not spoken to Araya since the conclusion of Slayer's farewell tour, Slayer announced that they would be reuniting for two reunion shows in the fall of that year. Araya stated, "Nothing compares to the 90 minutes when we're onstage playing live, sharing that intense energy with our fans."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://loudwire.com/slayer-officially-reunite-announce-first-show/ | title=Slayer Officially Reunite, Announce First Shows | website=[[Loudwire]] | date=February 21, 2024 }}</ref>

===Lyrics===

[[File:14-06-08 RiP Slayer Tom Araya 1.JPG|thumb|upright|Araya performing at [[Rock im Park]] 2014]]

Araya's interest in [[serial killer]]s serves as inspiration for many of his lyrics, such as "213" about [[Jeffrey Dahmer]] and "[[Dead Skin Mask]]" about [[Ed Gein]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.planbmag.com/content/view/440/42/ |title=Interview with Slayer|access-date=June 15, 2009|author=Stannard, Joe|work=[[Plan B (magazine)|Plan B]]|publisher=Frances Morgan|url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061217140905/http://www.planbmag.com/content/view/440/42/ |archive-date=December 17, 2006}}</ref><ref name="Jeffrey Dahmer">{{cite web|title=Jeffrey Dahmer

| publisher=ohiohistorycentral.org

| url= http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=1781 |access-date=January 30, 2007}}</ref> He stated "I'm trying to see where these guys are coming from so maybe I'll understand. It's always kind of intrigued me..."<ref name="Exclusive! Interview With Slayer Vocalist/ Bassist Tom Araya "/>

Araya wrote the lyrics for the [[Grammy Award]]-winning song "[[Eyes of the Insane]]" from Slayer's 2006 album ''[[Christ Illusion]]''. The lyrics were inspired by an article in the ''[[Texas Monthly]]'' about the casualties of war and the experiences of soldiers coping with [[physical trauma|physical]] and [[psychological trauma]]. Araya stated, "At points in their tour of Iraq, they need help and the military tends to ignore that, they kind of brush it under the mat and hopes it goes away. They try to make everything seem hunky dory and fine and dandy, when in actuality there is a lot of stuff going on that people can't handle. There's a lot of soldiers coming home with mental anguish. And the sad part is, we heard about post-traumatic stress after [[Vietnam War|Vietnam]] and the [[Gulf War|first Gulf War]] and the military seems to want to wipe the slate clean with every new war."<ref name="Songs About God and Satan – Part 2: An Interview With Slayer's Tom Araya ">{{cite interview|subject=Tom Araya|interviewer=Peter Atkinson|title=About God and Satan – Part 2: An Interview With Slayer's Tom Araya|url=http://knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=4576 |work=KNAC.COM|publisher=KNAC|date=May 3, 2006|access-date=January 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614073000/http://knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=4576 |archive-date=June 14, 2015 }}</ref>

==Personal life==

Araya has a brother, Juan "Johnny" Araya, who currently plays bass in the [[melodic death metal]] band [[Thine Eyes Bleed]]. He has also occasionally worked as a [[roadie]] for Slayer.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Loudwire |title=Slayer's Tom Araya - Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e0QlzMlO_M |website=YouTube |date=March 9, 2016 |access-date=May 11, 2021}}</ref><ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/GlvaYmvyDmk Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140102190132/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlvaYmvyDmk&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |last1=Premier Guitar |title=Rig Rundown - Slayer |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlvaYmvyDmk |website=YouTube |date=December 25, 2013 |access-date=May 11, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Araya resides in [[Texas]], where he owns a ranch with his wife Sandra Araya and two children, daughter Ariel Asa Araya (b. 1996) and son Tomas Enrique Araya Jr. (b. 1998).<ref name="A feel-good, family side to Slayer's heavy-metal assault">{{cite news|title=A feel-good, family side to Slayer's heavy-metal assault

| author= Nailen, Dan

| newspaper= [[The Salt Lake Tribune]]

| date= January 26, 2007

| url= http://www.sltrib.com/ci_5089009 |access-date=January 28, 2007}}</ref> He and his wife run a family ranch that includes 60+ head of cattle among other ranch animals. Araya reports that he sings country songs to help keep his "singing chops up".<ref name="Slayer attracts a new generation of fans">{{cite web

| title = Slayer attracts a new generation of fans

| author = Glessner, David

| publisher = MySA.com

| date = September 8, 1999 | url = http://www.mysanantonio.com/entertainment/music/stories/MYSA062306.WK.slayer.5106915.html

| date = 22-6-2006

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070929104356/http://www.mysanantonio.com/entertainment/music/stories/MYSA062306.WK.slayer.5106915.html

| accessdate archive-date=September 29, 2007| access-01-date = January 30, 2007 }}</ref> Araya and his wife areenjoy fanshorror of scary movie [[remakes]];films such as ''[[The Amityville Horror (20051979 film)|The Amityville Horror]]'' and ''[[The Texas ChainsawChain Massacre (2003 film)|Texas ChainsawSaw Massacre]]''. The two allowallowed their children to watch thehorror moviesfilms, makingbut made it clear to them that it's is just a movie aswhen onethey willasked ask “Is"Is this real?”."<ref name="LiveDaily Interview: Tom Araya of Slayer">{{cite interview|subject=Tom Araya|interviewer=Paul Gargano|title=LiveDaily Interview: Tom Araya of Slayer|url=http://www.livedaily.com/interviews/LiveDaily_Interview_Tom_Araya_of_Slayer-11402.html?t=1 |work=liveDaily|date=January 25, 2007|access-date=January 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205223956/http://www.livedaily.com/interviews/LiveDaily_Interview_Tom_Araya_of_Slayer-11402.html?t=1 |archive-date=February 5, 2007 }}</ref> His children were homeschooled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kidsinterviewbands.com/video/slayer/|title=Slayer|publisher=Kids Interview Bands|access-date=November 14, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114235359/http://www.kidsinterviewbands.com/video/slayer/|archive-date=November 14, 2016}}</ref>

| title = LiveDaily Interview: Tom Araya of Slayer

| author = Gargano, Paul

| publisher = livedaily.com

| date = 2007-1-25

| url = http://www.livedaily.com/interviews/LiveDaily_Interview_Tom_Araya_of_Slayer-11402.html?t=1

| accessdate = 2007-01-28 }}</ref> In 2006, Araya underwent [[gall bladder]] surgery, which made alterations to the Unholy Alliance Tour. Originally set to launch on [[June 6]], the tour was postponed to [[July 20]]. Araya was also unable to finish the vocals for a song entitled "Final Six", which was to be included on the 2006 album ''[[Christ Illusion]]''.<ref name="SLAYER Frontman Undergoes Gallbladder Surgery, Band Reschedule Early 'Unholy Alliance' Dates">{{cite web

| title = SLAYER Frontman Undergoes Gallbladder Surgery, Band Reschedule Early 'Unholy Alliance' Dates

| author =

| publisher = [[Blabbermouth.net]]

| date = 2006-5-10

| url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=52111

| accessdate = 2006-12-09 }}</ref> Araya took his children on the tour stating it's "kind of cool to expose them at such a young age. My first concert, I was, like, 17."<ref name="A feel-good, family side to Slayer's heavy-metal assault"/>

In 2011, Araya received the [[keys to the city]] of his birth, Viña del Mar.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tom Araya Receives Keys to the city of Vina del Mar|publisher=slayerized.com

| date= June 6, 2011

| url= http://www.slayerized.com/whatsnew/2011/06/tom-araya-receives-key-to-the-city-of-vina-del-mar-video-available/ |access-date=September 28, 2011}}</ref>

Araya suffers from [[sleep apnea]] and uses a [[Continuous positive airway pressure|CPAP machine]] regularly at home and on tour.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/1nSahwBIYLU Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20170822134636/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nSahwBIYLU&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |last1=Hartmann |first1=Graham |title=Slayer's Tom Araya Talks Struggle With Sleep Apnea + Ukrainian Zoo Statue |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nSahwBIYLU |website=YouTube |date=August 16, 2017 |access-date=August 23, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==Lyrics=Religion===

Araya is a practicing [[Catholic Church|Catholic]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/tom-araya-slayer-s-lyrics-are-just-words-and-they-ll-never-interfere-with-what-i-believe/|title=TOM ARAYA: SLAYER's Lyrics Are 'Just Words And They'll Never Interfere With What I Believe'|date=July 9, 2006|work=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|access-date=April 17, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> In an interview, he expressed his belief that "[[Jesus Christ|Christ]] came and taught us about love, about doing unto others. That was his preach: Accept each other for who we are. Live peacefully, and love one another." When asked if he believed in God, he replied "I believe in a supreme being, yeah. But He's an all-loving God."<ref name="Westword interview with Tom Araya">{{cite interview|subject=Tom Araya|interviewer=John La Briola|title=Slay Ride|url=http://www.slayersaves.com/interviews_tom2.htm |date=July 2004|access-date=January 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040803215618/http://www.slayersaves.com/interviews_tom2.htm |archive-date=August 3, 2004 }}</ref> Araya explained that he has a "really strong belief system", and Slayer's images and words will "never interfere with what I believe and how I feel... People are not in good shape to where they have to question their own belief system because of a book or a story somebody wrote, or a Slayer song."<ref name="Slayer likes bad-boy image"/>

Araya’s first contribution to the band’s lyrics was 1988’s ''[[South of Heaven]]''. Araya’s interest in serial killers inspired much of his lyrics, including the song “213” about [[Jeffrey Dahmer]], who murdered seventeen people.<ref name="Jeffrey Dahmer">{{cite web

| title = Jeffrey Dahmer

| author =

| publisher = ohiohistorycentral.org

| date =

| url = http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=1781

| accessdate = 2007-01-30 }}</ref> "Why? I’m trying to see where these guys are coming from so maybe I’ll understand. It’s always kind of intrigued me…”<ref name="Exclusive! Interview With Slayer Vocalist/ Bassist Tom Araya "/>

Commenting about the misconception of the band labeled as [[Theistic Satanism|Satan worshippers]], he said "Yeah, yeah I think that's one of the biggest misconceptions towards the band, but next to that just the fact that we're normal." Referencing Kerry King's lyrics, Araya said "I'm not one that's going to go, 'This sucks because it's contrary to my beliefs.' To me it's more like 'This is really good stuff. You're going to piss people off with this.{{'"}}<ref name="Slayer likes bad-boy image">{{cite web

Araya wrote the lyrics for the [[Grammy]] nominated song "[[Eyes of the Insane]]" of Slayer’s 2006 album ''[[Christ Illusion]]''. The lyrics were inspired through an article in the [[Texas Monthly]] about the casualties of war, and soldiers experiences in having a tough time coping with [[physical trauma|physical]] and [[psychological trauma]]. Araya states “At points in their tour of Iraq, they need help and the military tends to ignore that, they kind of brush it under the mat and hopes it goes away. They try to make everything seem hunky dory and fine and dandy, when in actuality there is a lot of shit going on that people can’t handle. There’s a lot of soldiers coming home with mental anguish. And the sad part is, we heard about [[post-traumatic stress]] after [[Vietnam war|Vietnam]] and the first [[Gulf War]] and the military seems to want to wipe the slate clean with every new war. It’s fucked up.”<ref name="Songs About God and Satan - Part 2: An Interview With Slayer's Tom Araya ">{{cite web

| title = Songs About God and Satan - Part 2: An Interview With= Slayer's Tomlikes Arayabad-boy image

|author | author = Atkinson= Feniak, PeterJenny

|publisher | publisher = KNACJam.com

|url = http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/S/Slayer/2006/07/09/1675183.html

| date = 2006-5-3

|access-date = January 26, 2007

| url = http://knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=4576

|archive-url = https://archive.today/20120524090210/http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/S/Slayer/2006/07/09/1675183.html

| accessdate = 2007-01-26 }}</ref>

|archive-date = May 24, 2012

|df = mdy-all

}}</ref>

In 2016, Araya further explained that the main reason Slayer used satanic imagery was to scare people, in particular, the "Hollywood people", wanting to separate themselves from the "[[Glam metal|androgynous Sunset Strip metal scene of the 1980s]]".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Loudwire |date=March 9, 2016 |title=Slayer's Tom Araya - Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e0QlzMlO_M |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616132306/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e0QlzMlO_M |archive-date=June 16, 2024 |access-date=May 22, 2017 |website=YouTube}}</ref>

== Discography ==

=== Slayer ===

{{Mainlist|Slayer discography}}

*1983: ''[[Show No Mercy]]''

*1984: ''[[Haunting the Chapel]]''

*1985: ''[[Hell Awaits]]''

*1986: ''[[Reign in Blood]]''

*1988: ''[[South of Heaven]]''

*1990: ''[[Seasons in the Abyss]]''

*1994: ''[[Divine Intervention (Slayer album)|Divine Intervention]]''

*1996: ''[[Undisputed Attitude]]''

*1998: ''[[Diabolus in Musica]]''

*2001: ''[[God Hates Us All]]''

*2006: ''[[Christ Illusion]]''

*2009: ''[[World Painted Blood]]''

*2015: ''[[Repentless]]''

=== Guest appearances ===

* ''[[Dirt (Alice in Chains album)|Dirt]]'' with [[Alice in Chains]] (1992)

* ''[[Primitive (Soulfly album)|Primitive]]'' with [[Soulfly]] (2000)

* ''[[Rise Above: 24 Black Flag Songs to Benefit the West Memphis Three]]'' with [[Rollins Band]] (2002)

==Equipment==

[[File:Ursynalia 2012, Slayer, Tom Araya 01.jpg|thumb|Araya playing his [[ESP Tom Araya (bass)|ESP signature bass]] in 2012]]

[[Image:ESPTOM.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Signature model]]

Araya endorses [[Marshall Amplification|Marshall]] amplifiers and [[ESP Guitars|ESP]] guitars which are currently marketing Tom Araya signature bass guitars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espguitars.com/basses_tom.html |title=The ESP Guitar Company: Tom Araya Signature Series|publisher=Espguitars.com|access-date=November 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101102060845/http://www.espguitars.com/basses_tom.html <!--Added by H3llBot-->|archive-date=November 2, 2010}}</ref> He was one of the first bassists to have a signature ESP bass series.

* [[ESP Guitars|ESP]] custom series Hill and [[B.C. Rich]] basses

* [[ESP Guitars|ESP]] – [[ESP Tom Araya (bass)|Tom Araya signature bass]]

* [[Ampeg]] SVT amplification

* [[AmpegB.C. Rich]] cabinetsbass guitars

* [[Fender Precision Bass]] (seen in early photos of Slayer live performances)

* [[EMG, Inc.|EMG]] and Bartolini pickups

* [[D'AddarioEMG, Inc.|EMG]] stringspickups

* Bartolini pickups

* D'Andrea picks and straps

* Dunlop strings 50-110 (heavy, stainless steel)

* [[D'Addario (manufacturer)|D'Addario]] Picks and straps (he used his fingers before 1988's ''[[South of Heaven]]'')

* [[Marshall Amplification|Marshall]] VBA400

* Marshall 8x10 cabinet

==References==

{{reflist|2}}

==External links==

{{commons category}}

*{{imdb|id=1322140|name=Tom Araya}}

*{{allMusic}}

*{{musicbrainz artist|id=362105d1-8f4f-4ba1-949f-3e70183880b5|name=Tom Araya}}

{{Slayer}}

{{Authority control}}

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