Former Exodus Drummer John Tempesta Temporarily Re-Joins the Band
Earlier this year, Exodus opted to delay their new album, Persona Non Grata, from the spring to the fall so that their drummer, Tom Hunting, could undergo cancer treatment, recover from that treatment, and then be able to tour with the band to support the album.
Unfortunately, even with the delay, Hunting will be forced to sit out the band’s upcoming tour with Testament and Death Angel while he continues to recover.
Filling in for him at these shows will be John Tempesta. Tempesta, of course, was in Exodus from 1989 – 1993, and appears on their albums Impact is Imminent (1990) and Force of Habit (1992). He was also in Testament and White Zombie for a time.
Here’s the official statement from Exodus:
“Due to Tom’s continued recovery from his surgery, we are announcing that for our show in Vegas and Full Terror Assault , we will be joined by John Tempesta on drums!! John was Tom’s ( and our) number one choice to jump behind the kit in his absence, and John will kill it while Tom continues his recovery, which is going very well!! Looking forward to seeing everyone who is coming to Vegas for the show. And looking forward to getting Tom healthy and back behind his kit as soon as possible! But let’s welcome John back for two shows where he started.”
Adds Hunting:
“Hey Y’all, I’m 5 weeks out from the surgery and on the mend. I’m feeling stronger all the time and I’m beyond excited to get back to working out on the drums. Unfortunately I won’t be ready for the upcoming Vegas and Full Terror Assault shows. Originally I thought if I could walk, I could play. I need to manage my own expectations, and then work my very core back into shape to be fully ready for action. I have no doubt I’ll bounce back and get there. I wanna express my undying love and gratitude to our brother Johnny Tempesta for agreeing to play in my absence. I’m 100% sure he will crush playing this music! I’ll check in again very soon. Thanks Soooo Much And CHEERS EVERYONE!!!!”
Upcoming dates for the Testament/Exodus/Death Angel tour:
09/09/2021 Blue Ridge Rock Festival – Danville, VA ** [tickets]
10/06/2021 Fremont Theater – San Luis Obispo, CA [tickets]
10/07/2021 Aftershock Festival – Sacramento, CA ^^ [tickets]
10/08/2021 House Of Blues – San Diego, CA * [tickets]
10/10/2021 House Of Blues – Anaheim, CA * [tickets]
10/11/2021 Rialto Theatre – Tucson, AZ [tickets]
10/12/2021 Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM * [tickets]
10/14/2021 Diamond Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK * [tickets]
10/15/2021 Gas Monkey Bar & Grill – Dallas, TX [tickets]
10/16/2021 Emo’s – Austin, TX * [tickets]
10/17/2021 White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX [tickets]
10/18/2021 House Of Blues – New Orleans, LA [tickets]
10/20/2021 Masquerade – Atlanta, GA * [tickets]
10/21/2021 The Ritz – Raleigh, NC [tickets]
10/22/2021 TLA – Philadelphia, PA * [tickets]
10/23/2021 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ * [tickets]
10/24/2021 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD [tickets]
10/26/2021 The Paramount – Huntington, NY * [tickets]
10/27/2021 House Of Blues – Boston, MA * [tickets]
10/28/2021 Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY [tickets]
10/29/2021 Madison Theater – Cincinnati, OH [tickets]
10/30/2021 The Agora – Cleveland, OH [tickets]
11/01/2021 Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA [tickets]
11/02/2021 Newport Music Hall – Columbus, OH [tickets]
11/04/2021 The Majestic – Detroit, MI [tickets]
11/05/2021 The Forge – Joliet, IL * [tickets]
11/07/2021 Skyway Theatre – Minneapolis, MN [tickets]
11/09/2021 Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO * [tickets]
11/10/2021 The Depot – Salt Lake City, UT * [tickets]
11/11/2021 House Of Blues – Las Vegas, NV ^ [tickets]
11/27/2021 The Fox – Oakland, CA [tickets]
^^ Festival
^ No Exodus
* Rescheduled Testament Dates
~ No Exodus or Death Angel
*Note* Tickets for the rescheduled Testament shows will be honored.