Slayer's guitar player Jeff Hanneman has died yesterday due to liver failure. This was kind of unexpected. While it was known that he has health problems related to a spider bite on his hand nobody thought it was life threatening. Can Necrotizing fasciitis somehow cause a liver failure? Unlike many of his metal peers Hanneman was not known for heavy drinking or substance abuse.

   Slayer's best-known songs are written by Hanneman. Reign in Blood, South of Heaven, Season in the Abyss and Angel of Death will forever hold cult status among extreme music fans.

   I had the privilege of seeing Hanneman play live three times as part of the Big Four of Thrash Metal – Tom Araya, Kerry King, Dave Lombardo and Jeff Hanneman.

Update 10.05.2013
Turns out the reason was alcohol. At least things make more sense now.