Kerry King Net Worth – How Much is Kerry King Worth?

Kerry King, the renowned co-founder, co-lead guitarist, and songwriter of the iconic thrash metal band Slayer, has amassed a considerable net worth throughout his illustrious career. With his undeniable talent and contribution to the music industry, Kerry King’s financial success is a testament to his enduring legacy.

As of now, Kerry King has a net worth of $8 million, primarily derived from his earnings as a member of Slayer and his collaborations with other artists. His dedication to his craft and his ability to captivate audiences with his blistering guitar riffs have solidified his place among the metal elite.

With his wealth, Kerry King has acquired valuable assets and investments, further securing his financial status. His fortune encompasses not only his musical achievements but also his shrewd financial decisions, ensuring a prosperous future.

Early Life

Kerry King, best known as the co-founder, co-lead guitarist, and songwriter of the thrash metal band Slayer, was born on June 3, 1964, in Los Angeles, California. He developed a passion for playing the guitar at a young age, starting his musical journey at the age of 13. As a teenager, King attended three different high schools, which shaped his early experiences and exposed him to diverse influences.

Slayer

Kerry King co-founded the legendary thrash metal band Slayer, widely recognized as one of the most influential and iconic bands in the genre. As the co-lead guitarist and songwriter, Kerry King played a vital role in shaping Slayer’s distinctive sound and dark lyrical themes throughout their career.

With the band, Kerry King recorded numerous albums that solidified Slayer’s place in metal history. One of their most notable albums is “Reign of Blood,” which is often regarded as one of the greatest metal albums ever made. Known for its aggressive riffs, intense drumming, and controversial lyrics, the album epitomizes Slayer’s signature style.

“Slayer’s music hits you like a punch in the face. It’s raw, brutal, and unapologetic.” – Metal Hammer

Slayer’s music pushed the boundaries of thrash metal, blending elements of speed, aggression, and dark imagery. Their relentless energy and powerful performances earned them a dedicated following and a legendary status in the metal community.

However, after an illustrious career spanning four decades, Slayer announced their disbandment in 2019, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of metalheads.

Other Appearances

Kerry King’s talent has not been limited to his work with Slayer. Throughout his career, he has made notable guest appearances and collaborations with various artists, showcasing his versatility and musical prowess.

One of Kerry King’s memorable guest appearances was on the Beastie Boys’ track “No Sleep till Brooklyn.” His blistering guitar solo added a heavy metal edge to the rap-rock fusion, creating an unforgettable sound.

In addition to the Beastie Boys, Kerry King also collaborated with the Swedish extreme metal band Witchery. His guitar work on their album “Don’t Fear the Reaper” brought a heightened level of intensity and precision to the music.

Furthermore, in the mid-80s, Kerry King joined forces with thrash metal band Megadeth for several live performances. This collaboration allowed fans to witness the combined power of two legendary guitarists, Kerry King and Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine.

“Collaborations with other artists allowed me to explore different musical territories and push the boundaries of my playing. It’s always exciting to work with talented musicians from different genres and create something unique,” says Kerry King.

These guest appearances and collaborations further solidified Kerry King’s status as an influential figure in the metal scene. His willingness to experiment and venture beyond the confines of his main band showcased his versatility and artistic growth.

Kerry King’s Notable Guest Appearances and Collaborations

Artist
Song/Album

Beastie Boys
“No Sleep till Brooklyn”

Witchery
“Don’t Fear the Reaper”

Megadeth
Live Performances

Style and Influences

Kerry King is renowned for his distinctive and influential musical style, which played a crucial role in shaping Slayer’s iconic sound. His guitar playing is characterized by its rapid and aggressive nature, delivering a relentless assault of riffs and solos that have become synonymous with the thrash metal genre.

As a guitarist, Kerry King drew inspiration from a variety of musical influences that contributed to his unique approach. Some of his notable influences include legendary bands such as Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, and Judas Priest. These influential acts helped shape his playing style and fueled his passion for creating intense and powerful music.

“I’ve always been drawn to bands with a heavy and dark sound. Iron Maiden’s harmonized guitar leads, Black Sabbath’s sinister riffing, and Judas Priest’s powerful vocals have all played a significant role in shaping my musical journey.” – Kerry King

Through his innovative guitar work and dedication to pushing musical boundaries, Kerry King helped define Slayer’s distinctive musical style. The band’s aggressive and uncompromising approach, characterized by lightning-fast riffs, complex song structures, and intense lyrics, has made them pioneers of the thrash metal genre.

Band
Musical Style

Iron Maiden
Harmonized guitar leads, epic storytelling

Black Sabbath
Sinister riffing, haunting atmosphere

Judas Priest
Powerful vocals, intricate guitar work

Slayer
Aggressive and fast-paced thrash metal

Personal Life

Kerry King, the renowned co-founder and co-lead guitarist of Slayer, leads an intriguing personal life alongside his successful music career. Let’s delve into some details about his family, hobbies, and more.

Family:

Kerry King has a daughter named Shyanne from his first marriage. He also shares his life with his second wife, Ayesha. Despite his busy schedule, King maintains a strong bond with his loved ones.

Hobbies:

Beyond the world of music, Kerry King has a unique hobby that sets him apart. He is an avid collector of snakes and even owns a reptile house and herpetology nursery. This fascination with reptiles showcases his diverse interests and a passion for the natural world.

Insightful Quotes:

“Collecting snakes has been a lifelong passion for me. It’s fascinating to learn about their behavior, habitat, and different species. It brings balance to my life outside of music.”

“Family is everything to me. Despite the demands of my career, I always make time for my loved ones. Their support has been vital throughout my journey.”

Table:

Family
Hobbies

Kerry King has a daughter named Shyanne from his first marriage.
King is an avid collector of snakes and owns a reptile house and herpetology nursery.

He is married to his second wife, Ayesha.

King’s personal life offers a glimpse into the man behind the music. His dedication to his family and unique hobbies adds depth to his already impressive legacy.

Real Estate

In 2020, Kerry King made a significant real estate investment by purchasing a newly-constructed mansion in Las Vegas. The property, valued at $3.8 million, boasts luxurious features and offers an exquisite living experience.

However, as the real estate market evolves, Kerry King has decided to put his stunning mansion on the market. In May 2023, he listed the property for sale at a price of $4.3 million, allowing potential buyers to acquire a piece of Kerry King’s real estate portfolio.

Here is a breakdown of the property:

Features
Specs

Location
Las Vegas

Year of Construction
Newly-constructed in 2020

Price
$4.3 million

With this remarkable real estate move, Kerry King proves not only his talent in the music industry but also his business acumen in the property market.

Kerry King’s Net Worth

Kerry King, the renowned co-founder, co-lead guitarist, and songwriter of the legendary thrash metal band Slayer, has amassed a net worth of $8 million.

Throughout his successful career with Slayer and collaborations with other artists, Kerry King’s wealth has steadily grown, reflecting his undeniable talent and contributions to the music industry.

Let’s take a closer look at the factors that have contributed to Kerry King’s impressive financial status:

Career with Slayer: As one of the founding members of Slayer, Kerry King played an instrumental role in shaping the band’s iconic sound and driving their global success. His relentless guitar skills and songwriting prowess propelled Slayer to the forefront of the thrash metal genre, resulting in numerous successful albums and sold-out tours.
Collaborations with Other Artists: Kerry King’s musical abilities have not been limited to Slayer alone. He has collaborated with various artists, leaving his mark on songs by the Beastie Boys and Witchery, among others. These collaborations have not only expanded his artistic repertoire but also provided additional avenues for financial success.

As a testament to his talent, influence, and professionalism, Kerry King continues to have a secure financial standing, representing his enduring impact on the music industry.

Source of Wealth
Net Worth

Slayer and Music Career
$8 million

Comparison with Other Big Four Bands

When it comes to heavy metal bands, the Big Four – Anthrax, Slayer, Megadeth, and Metallica – have made a significant impact in the music industry. Each band has its own unique sound, dedicated fan base, and immense success. While Kerry King’s net worth may be lower compared to some members of the Big Four, it is still a noteworthy amount.

Let’s take a closer look at the net worth of Kerry King and compare it to the other members of the Big Four bands:

Band
Member
Net Worth

Anthrax
Frank Bello
$6 million

Anthrax
Scott Ian
$6 million

Anthrax
Charlie Benante
$4 million

Anthrax
Joey Belladonna
$5 million

Slayer
Kerry King
$8 million

Slayer
Tom Araya
$14 million

Slayer
Jeff Hanneman
$14 million

Slayer
Dave Lombardo
$4 million

Megadeth
Dave Mustaine
$20 million

Megadeth
David Ellefson
$5 million

Megadeth
Kiko Loureiro
$2 million

Metallica
James Hetfield
$300 million

Metallica
Lars Ulrich
$300 million

Metallica
Kirk Hammett
$200 million

Metallica
Robert Trujillo
$35 million

As seen in the table above, Kerry King’s net worth of $8 million may be lower than that of some members of the Big Four bands. However, it is important to note that net worth is influenced by various factors such as album sales, touring, investments, and endorsements.

Image:

Anthrax Net Worth

When it comes to the net worth of Anthrax members, there are a few standout individuals who have achieved significant financial success. The richest members of Anthrax include:

Frank Bello: With a net worth of $6 million, Frank Bello has established himself as one of the wealthiest members of Anthrax.
Scott Ian: Scott Ian, also with a net worth of $6 million, has had a successful career as a guitarist and songwriter for Anthrax.
Charlie Benante: Charlie Benante, with a net worth of $4 million, has made significant contributions to the band as a drummer and songwriter.
Joey Belladonna: Joey Belladonna, with a net worth of $5 million, has brought his talent and vocal prowess to the forefront as the lead singer of Anthrax.

These individuals have not only played a crucial role in the success of Anthrax but have also amassed considerable wealth throughout their careers. Their contributions to the band’s music and performances have undoubtedly made an impact both on fans and their overall financial status.

Slayer Net Worth

When it comes to the net worth of the iconic thrash metal band Slayer, there are a few members who stand out as the richest. Tom Araya and Jeff Hanneman, both valued at $14 million, hold the title for the wealthiest Slayer members. Kerry King follows closely behind with a net worth of $8 million, while Dave Lombardo rounds up the group with a net worth of $4 million. Collectively, the total net worth of Slayer amounts to an impressive $40 million.

With their massive success and influential impact on the metal music scene, it’s no surprise that the members of Slayer have accumulated substantial wealth over the years. Their talented musicianship and dedication to their craft have earned them a loyal fan base and numerous accolades.

While Tom Araya and Jeff Hanneman have achieved the highest net worth among the Slayer members, Kerry King’s $8 million fortune is nothing to scoff at. As one of the co-founders and co-lead guitarists of the band, King has played a pivotal role in shaping Slayer’s signature sound and style.

Whether it’s their intense live performances, chart-topping albums, or enduring legacy in heavy metal, Slayer continues to be revered by fans worldwide. As the band members enjoy the fruits of their labor, their net worth serves as a testament to their enduring impact on the music industry.

FAQ

The post Kerry King Net Worth – How Much is Kerry King Worth? appeared first on Zac Johnson.