Paul Bostaph facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Paul Bostaph
Bostaph in 2013
Background information
Birth name	Paul Steven Bostaph
Born	(1964-03-04) March 4, 1964 (age 61) Newark, California, U.S.
Genres	Thrash metal progressive metal
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Drums
Years active	1984–present

Paul Steven Bostaph, born on March 4, 1964, is an American musician. He is famous for being the drummer for the thrash metal band Slayer. He played with Slayer from 1992 to 2001, then again from 2013 to 2019, and rejoined them in 2024.

Paul started playing drums in 1984 when he was 20 years old. Besides Slayer, he has also played with other bands. These include Forbidden, Exodus, Systematic, and Testament. Many people see Paul Bostaph as a very skilled and professional drummer in the metal music world.

Paul's Early Life and Music Journey

Discovering Drums

Paul Bostaph first wanted to play the bass guitar. But he found a drum kit that was cheaper. That's how he started playing drums instead. He listened to bands like the Beatles and the Beach Boys when he was young. Then, AC/DC made him want to play rock drums.

He bought his first drum kit at age 15. After hearing the album Killers by Iron Maiden, he decided to become a metal drummer. Other bands that influenced him include ELO and Blue Öyster Cult. Some of his biggest drumming heroes are Neil Peart, Phil Rudd, and Dave Lombardo.

School Days

Paul went to Newark Memorial High School in Newark, California. He didn't really like school much. He felt he learned enough for daily life and didn't need more. He was interested in sports. Later, his interest in music grew, and he got a job. His job became more important than school.

Paul's Bands and Projects

Playing with Forbidden (1985–1992)

Paul Bostaph was the drummer for the band Forbidden from 1985 to 1992. He played on their first two studio albums, Forbidden ... and Twisted into Form. He also played on a live recording called Raw Evil: Live at the Dynamo.

Paul left Forbidden in 1992. The very next day, he got a call to try out for Slayer. Looking back, Paul said Forbidden was probably his favorite band to play in. He felt it was "totally his band."

Joining Slayer (1992–2001)

In 1992, Slayer needed a new drummer because Dave Lombardo left. Slayer tried out many drummers. Paul Bostaph was suggested by Slayer guitarist Kerry King's guitar helper. Slayer members listened to Forbidden's music. They wondered if Paul's style would fit Slayer's powerful sound.

Slayer had Paul try out with nine songs. He only made one mistake on the song "Angel of Death". Paul worked hard to make his hands and feet stronger for drumming. He wanted to play Slayer's songs exactly how Dave Lombardo played them. He knew fans would expect that.

Paul recorded four albums with Slayer. His least favorite was Divine Intervention from 1994. He felt the guitars weren't loud enough. Also, they moved between different recording studios. The producer was new to heavy metal music. A new producer, Toby Wright, finished the album. Paul said that album didn't have a consistent sound.

Paul left Slayer in 1996 to work on his own music project. He was replaced by Jon Dette. But Paul came back to Slayer in 1997. His second favorite album with Slayer was ... Us All from 2001. He thought it was the most balanced and best-mixed album he made with the band. He also liked ... in Musica.

Paul left Slayer again after ... Us All was released. He had an elbow injury that made it hard to play. Later, he said the real reason was that he wanted to try different kinds of music. His last performance with Slayer was recorded on the DVD War at the Warfield. Paul remained friends with the band members.

Systematic (2003–2004)

Paul didn't want to stop making music. In 2003, he joined Systematic. He had actually started this band earlier with singer Tim Narducci and guitarist Adam Ruppel. Paul helped the band get noticed by Slayer's manager. When Systematic needed a drummer in 2003, Paul was happy to help.

Paul toured with Systematic for four months. But he left in 2004. He said he wasn't having much fun. In 2003, Paul hurt his knee playing soccer. After the Systematic tour, he had surgery. He didn't play drums for over a year. Then, he got a call from the band Exodus.

Exodus (2005–2007)

The manager for Exodus called Paul and asked him to join the band. Exodus guitarist Gary Holt knew Paul from when their bands toured together. Paul knew how to play all of Exodus's songs except one. He recorded drums on their 2005 album, Shovel Headed ... Machine.

Paul said this album was different from Exodus's past work. He thought it was one of the most powerful albums the band had made. The band toured for over a year to promote the album. They wanted to record another album soon.

However, on March 28, 2007, Paul announced he was leaving Exodus. Their original drummer, Tom Hunting, was coming back. Paul said he always believed that if Tom wanted to return, the drum spot was his. Paul also announced he was now using Drum Workshop products.

Testament (2007–2011)

Paul was asked to play some shows for Testament in 1992. He agreed, even though he had already joined Slayer. These shows reunited Paul with his former Forbidden bandmate Glen Alvelais. One of these shows was recorded on the Testament live album Return to the Apocalyptic City.

Testament's website announced Paul rejoined the group in October 2007. The Formation of ... was Testament's first new studio album in nine years. It was released on April 29, 2008. This was also the first full Testament studio album with Paul on drums. This album won 'Album of the Year' at the Metal Hammer Awards in 2008.

In June 2011, Testament started recording their next album, Dark Roots of Earth. Paul couldn't record due to a wrist injury. Gene Hoglan filled in for him. Paul was expected to rejoin for the tour. But in December 2011, Testament's singer Chuck Billy said Paul had left the band again.

Back with Slayer (2013–2019)

On May 30, 2013, Slayer announced that Paul Bostaph was back. He replaced Dave Lombardo as the full-time drummer. Paul played on Slayer's twelfth and final studio album, Repentless. He stayed with the band until 2019. Slayer stopped touring after their final tour.

Other Music Projects

Paul Bostaph is also part of a tribute band called HAIL!. This band has different musicians who play together. Some members have included Andreas Kisser, Tim "Ripper" Owens, and David Ellefson. HAIL! toured Europe in 2009 and 2010.

In 2013, Paul also worked with Geoff Tate. Geoff Tate was using the band name Queensrÿche at that time. Paul played on several songs for their album, Frequency Unknown. He was not an official member of the band.

Paul also played drums for the metal band BlackGates from 2009 to 2014. The band released a three-song recording in 2010. They also released singles called "Burn Eternal" (2012) and "Overcome" (2014).

Paul Bostaph reunited with his former Slayer bandmate Kerry King. Paul played drums on Kerry King's first solo album, From ... I Rise, which came out in 2024.

Paul's Drum Gear

Paul Bostaph uses Yamaha drums. He uses Remo drumheads and Paiste cymbals. For drumsticks, he uses Promark brand.

Paul's Music Albums

See also

In Spanish: Paul Bostaph para niños