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)	Drummer
Years active	1984–present

Paul Steven Bostaph, born on March 4, 1964, is a famous American drummer. He is best known for playing drums in the thrash metal band Slayer. He played with Slayer at different times, from 1992 to 2001, then from 2013 to 2019, and again in 2024. Paul started his drumming career in 1984 when he was 20 years old. He has also played with many other bands like Forbidden, Exodus, Systematic, and Testament. Many people say he is one of the best drummers in metal music.

Paul's Early Life and Music

Paul first wanted to play the bass guitar. But he found a drum kit that was cheaper, so he decided to become a drummer instead. He started listening to rock music with bands like the Beatles and the Beach Boys. However, it was AC/DC that really made him want to play rock drums.

Paul bought his first drum kit when he was 15. After hearing the album Killers by Iron Maiden, he knew he wanted to be a metal drummer. Other bands that inspired him were ELO, Blue Öyster Cult, and Black Sabbath. Some of his favorite drummers include Neil Peart, Phil Rudd, and Dave Lombardo.

Paul went to Newark Memorial High School in Newark, California. He didn't enjoy school much. He was more interested in sports and later, music. He got a job, and that became more important to him than his studies.

Playing with Forbidden

Paul Bostaph played drums for the band Forbidden from 1985 to 1992. He played on their first two studio albums, Forbidden Evil and Twisted into Form. He also played on their live recording Raw Evil: Live at the Dynamo in 1989.

Paul left Forbidden in 1992. The very next day, he got a phone call about trying out for Slayer. Looking back, Paul has said that Forbidden was probably his favorite band to play in because it felt like "totally his band."

Time with Slayer

After Slayer's drummer Dave Lombardo left in 1992, the band needed a new drummer. They 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 with Slayer's fast and powerful sound.

Slayer had Paul try out with nine of their 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 had played them.

Slayer Albums with Paul

Paul recorded four studio 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, took over near the end. Paul said that album "never had any consistency."

Paul left Slayer in 1996 to work on his own music project called Truth About Seafood. He was replaced by Jon Dette. However, Paul returned to Slayer in 1997. His second favorite album with Slayer is God Hates Us All from 2001. He felt it was the most "well-rounded and mixed the best" album he made with the band, along with Diabolus in Musica.

Paul left Slayer again after God Hates 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 show with Slayer was recorded on the DVD War at the Warfield in 2001. Paul remained friends with the band members. He said he would work with them again in the future.

Returning to Slayer (Again!)

On May 30, 2013, Slayer announced that Paul Bostaph had returned to the band. He replaced Dave Lombardo for the second time. Paul played on Slayer's twelfth and final studio album, Repentless. He stayed with the band until 2019, when Slayer stopped touring after their final tour.

Playing with Systematic

Paul didn't want to stop making music. In 2003, he joined Systematic. He had actually formed 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, saying he wasn't having much fun. In 2003, Paul hurt his knee while playing soccer. After the Systematic tour, he had surgery. He didn't play drums for over a year until he got a call from the band Exodus.

Playing with Exodus

Paul Bostaph got a call from the manager of Exodus, asking him to join the band. Exodus's bass player, Jack Gibson, talked to guitarist Gary Holt about Paul. Gary knew Paul from when Exodus toured with Forbidden. Both bands were from the San Francisco Bay Area.

When Paul got the call, two members had already left Exodus. Their drummer, Tom Hunting, was also thinking about leaving. Paul knew how to play all of Exodus's songs except one. He recorded drums on their 2005 album Shovel Headed Kill Machine.

Paul said that Shovel Headed Kill Machine was different from Exodus's earlier albums. He felt it was the most "brutal" album the band had made since Bonded by Blood. He also said the band felt very different because three out of five members had changed in one year.

The band toured for over a year to promote Shovel Headed Kill Machine. They wanted to record another album soon. However, on March 28, 2007, Paul announced he was leaving Exodus. He said, "They now have their original drummer Tom Hunting back in the band. I always said from the start if Tom ever wanted to come back, the drum throne is his." Paul has great respect for Tom and his drumming.

Playing with Testament

Paul Bostaph was asked to play some shows for Testament in 1992. He agreed, even though he had already officially joined Slayer at that time. These shows brought Paul back together with his former Forbidden (band) bandmate Glen Alvelais. One of these shows was recorded on the Testament live EP Return to the Apocalyptic City.

Testament's official website announced that Paul rejoined the group in October 2007. The Formation of Damnation was the first new studio album from Testament in nine years. It was also the first to feature Alex Skolnick on guitar since 1992 and bassist Greg Christian since 1994. This album was the first full Testament studio album with Paul on drums. It won 'Album of the Year' at the Metal Hammer Awards in 2008.

In June 2011, Testament began recording their next album, Dark Roots of Earth. Paul could not be part of the recording because of a serious wrist injury. Gene Hoglan filled in for him. Paul was expected to rejoin Testament for their tour. However, in December 2011, singer Chuck Billy said that Paul had left the band again.

Other Music Projects

Paul Bostaph is also a member of a tribute band called HAIL!. This band has different musicians playing at different times. Some members include Andreas Kisser, Tim "Ripper" Owens, and David Ellefson. HAIL! toured Europe in 2009 and 2010.

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

From 2009 to 2014, Paul played drums for the Bay Area metal band BlackGates. The band also had Dan Nelson on vocals and guitar. They released a three-song EP in 2010. They also released singles called "Burn Eternal" (2012) and "Overcome" (2014).

Paul Bostaph has also reunited with his former Slayer bandmate Kerry King. Paul will play on Kerry King's first solo album, From Hell I Rise, which is set to be released in 2024.

Equipment

Paul Bostaph uses Yamaha drums, Remo drumheads, Paiste cymbals, and Promark drumsticks.

Discography

Images for kids

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  Bostaph in 2013

See also

In Spanish: Paul Bostaph para niños