Jeff Hanneman 1163151 224668189 2008-07-09T21:59:07Z J Milburn Bot 7423137 All Music Guide has now been rebranded to Allmusic {{Infobox musical artist | Name = Jeff Hanneman | Img = JeffHanneman.jpg | Img_capt = | Img_size = 180 | Landscape = | Background = non_vocal_instrumentalist | Birth_name = Jeffrey Hanneman | Born = {{birth date and age|1964|01|31}} [[Oakland, California]],[[USA]] | Died = | Origin = [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]], [[California]] <br />[[United States]] | Instrument = [[Guitar]] | Genre = [[Thrash metal]]<br>[[Heavy metal]]<br>[[Speed metal]] | Occupation = [[Guitarist]],[[Songwriter]] | Years_active = 1981 – present | Label = [[American Recordings|American]] | Associated_acts = [[Slayer]] | URL = | Notable_instruments = [[ESP Jeff Hanneman (guitar)|ESP Jeff Hanneman Signature model]]<br>[[Jackson Soloist]] }} '''Jeff Hanneman''' (born [[January 31]], [[1964]], in [[Oakland, California]]) is a [[guitarist]] and a founding member of the [[United States|American]] [[thrash metal]] band [[Slayer]]. Hanneman grew up in [[Los Angeles]] in a family of [[war veteran]]s, and his fascination with [[war]]fare is attributed to his upbringing. His interest in the subject of war pertains to much of his lyrical material including the song "[[Angel of Death (song)|Angel of Death]]". Influenced by [[punk music]] growing up, Hanneman stated that the genre influenced Slayer's sound to make and create a faster and more aggressive approach. Hanneman has contributed both lyrical and musical material to every Slayer album and wrote the songs "[[Raining Blood]]", "War Ensemble", "[[Seasons in the Abyss]]" and "[[Angel of Death (song)|Angel of Death]]", which are played at almost every live Slayer show. He has his own signature guitar, the [[ESP Jeff Hanneman (guitar)|ESP Jeff Hanneman Signature model]]. == Biography == Hanneman was born in Oakland and grew up in [[Long Beach, California]], in a family containing several war veterans: his father fought in [[Battle of Normandy|Normandy]] during [[World War II]] and his brothers in [[Vietnam War|Vietnam]]; so warfare was a common conversation topic at the dinner table. War films were popular on TV at the time, and Hanneman often joined his brothers in constructing and coloring [[tank]] and [[plane]] models. His interest in warfare and military history is attributed to his upbringing.<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman" /> Hanneman approached [[Kerry King]] in 1981, when King was auditioning for a band. After the try-out session, the two guitarists started talking and playing [[Iron Maiden]] and [[Judas Priest]] songs. [[Slayer]] was born when King asked "Why don't we start our own band?", to which Hanneman replied "...Fuck yeah!".<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman" /> In 1982, Hanneman, [[Dave Lombardo]] and [[Suicidal Tendencies]]'s guitarist [[Rocky George]] had a brief [[punk rock|punk]] side project called "Pap Smear" - the band due to start recording when Hanneman was advised to avoid the side project by Slayer's producer, [[Rick Rubin]], who is quoted as saying "Ahhhh, don’t do it, man — this is the kind of thing that breaks bands up!"<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman" /> Hanneman took Rubin's advice, and later used two of the songs on Slayer's 1996 album ''[[Undisputed Attitude]]''.<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman" /> In 1997 Hanneman married Kathryn <!-- surname? -->,<ref name="Rock N Roll Experience interview with Jeff Hanneman ">{{cite web | title = Rock N Roll Experience interview with Jeff Hanneman | author = | publisher = Slayersaves.com | date = | url = http://www.slayersaves.com/interviews_jeff1.htm | accessdate = 2006-01-09 }}</ref> whom he had met in the early 1980s. The couple have no children and live in [[Los Angeles]], forty minutes away from King.<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman" /> Kathryn stays at home when Slayer tour; Hanneman claims to prefer this, saying that when he comes home, she's "all brand new again". Kathryn has toured with the band twice in twenty years.<ref name="Rock N Roll Experience interview with Jeff Hanneman " /> Hanneman and Slayer vocalist [[Tom Araya]] are reformed [[cocaine]] and pill abusers.<ref name="Rock N Roll Experience interview with Jeff Hanneman " /> They decided to quit when they realised "this can lead to only death or something, this is going too far". Both Araya and Hanneman restrict themselves to drinking [[beer]].<ref name="Rock N Roll Experience interview with Jeff Hanneman " /> Hanneman's favorite brand is [[Heineken]] lager; he can often be seen with the drink backstage and in publicity photos.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer" /> During [[The Unholy Alliance (tour)|The Unholy Alliance]] Chapter II tour, Hanneman was seen playing a guitar with a Heineken logo(but it says Hanneman instead of Heineken) as a custom finish.<ref name="SLAYER: le foto esclusive dell'Unholy Alliance a Milano">{{cite web | title = SLAYER: le foto esclusive dell'Unholy Alliance a Milano | author = | publisher = Musica Metal | date = [[2006-09-20]] | url = http://musicametal.blogosfere.it/2006/10/slayer_le_foto_esclusive_dellunholy_alliance_a_mil.html | accessdate = 2006-12-13 }}</ref> == Interest in Nazi History == [[Image:Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oakleaves, Swords, and Diamonds.png|thumb|120px|right|Hanneman's most prized medal, The Knights cross]] Hanneman's interest in [[Nazism|Nazi]] war medals and [[Nazi Germany]] is illustrated by many of his [[lyrics]]. <br> Hanneman's interest in the Nazis began with medals given to him by his father, including some taken from a dead Nazi soldier.<ref name="SLAYER - Jeff Hanneman" /> His most prized medal is his [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross|Knight’s Cross]], which he bought from a Slayer fan for [[USD|$]]1000.<ref name="SLAYER - Jeff Hanneman" /> While touring with [[Motörhead]], Hanneman discovered Motörhead vocalist [[Lemmy]]'s interest in medals, and the two discussed medal designs, weapons and tactics used by the Nazis.<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman" /> Hanneman's lyrics for the song "Angel of Death" led to accusations of Slayer being Nazi sympathizers.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer">{{cite web | title = An exclusive oral history of Slayer | author = | publisher = Decibel Magazine | date = | url = http://www.decibelmagazine.com/features_detail.aspx?id=4566 | accessdate = 2006-12-03 }}</ref> The track details the actions of Nazi doctor [[Josef Mengele]] at the [[Auschwitz concentration camp]] during World War II.<ref name="moreorless: heroes & killers of the 20th century - Josef Mengele">{{cite web | title = moreorless: heroes & killers of the 20th century - Josef Mengele | author = | publisher = Moreorless.com | date = [[2001-04-30]] | url = http://www.moreorless.au.com/killers/mengele.html | accessdate = 2006-12-01 }}</ref> Hanneman has defended himself with "nothing I put in the lyrics that says necessarily he was a bad man, because to me - well, isn't that obvious? I shouldn't have to tell you that."<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman" /> The band have stated numerous times that they do not condone Nazism and are merely interested in the subject.<ref name="Slayer’s Tom Araya on Satanism, serial killers and his lovable kids">{{cite web | title = Slayers Tom Araya on Satanism, serial killers and his lovable kids | author = Cummins, Johnson | publisher = MontrealMirror.com | date = | url = http://www.montrealmirror.com/ARCHIVES/2002/012402/music1.html | accessdate = 2006-12-02}}</ref> == Style and influences == Hanneman's interest in music appears to be derived primarily from [[punk rock]] and some heavy metal music, which led to Slayer's 1996 album ''[[Undisputed Attitude]]''. He cites Black Sabbath, [[Iron Maiden]], [[Judas Priest]], [[Led Zeppelin]], [[Exploited]], [[Verbal Abuse]], [[Black Flag (band)|Black Flag]], [[Dead Kennedys]] and [[T.S.O.L]] as influential bands.<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman">{{cite web | title = Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman | author = Davis, Brian | publisher = Knac.com | date = | url = http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=3153 | accessdate = 2006-12-13 }}</ref> [[Yngwie J. Malmsteen]] and [[Michael Schenker]] from the [[Scorpions (band)|Scorpions]] have influenced his style of play;<ref name="SLAYER - Jeff Hanneman">{{cite web | title = SLAYER - Jeff Hanneman | author = Lahtinen, Luxi | publisher = Metal-rules.com | date = [[2006-12-18]] | url = http://www.metal-rules.com/zine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=737&Itemid=60 | accessdate = 2006-12-27 }}</ref> Yngwie uses the advanced style of play called [[Shred guitar|shredding]], which involves [[tapping]] and [[tremolo picking]].<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman" /> Hanneman’s and King’s dual [[guitar solos]] have been called "wildly chaotic",<ref name="Reign in Blood">{{cite web | title = Reign in Blood | author = Huey, Steve | publisher = [[Allmusic]] | date = | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gc91z8hajyvo | accessdate = 2006-01-24 }}</ref> and "twisted genius".<ref name="Slayer - Reign In Blood">{{cite web | title = Slayer - Reign In Blood | author = Horatio | publisher = Kickedintheface.com | date = | url = http://www.kickedintheface.com/reviews/Slayer-Reign_In_Blood.htm | accessdate = 2006-01-18 }}</ref> Early albums, such as ''[[Hell Awaits]]'' and ''[[Reign in Blood]]'', featured a "wailing style" and "demented soloing often mimicking the screams of the song's victims".<ref name="Reign in Blood" /><ref name="Reign In Blood CD">{{cite web | title = Reign In Blood CD | author = | publisher = CDuniverse.com | date = | url = http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/2984457/a/Reign+In+Blood.htm | accessdate = 2006-01-24 }}</ref> ''[[South of Heaven]]'' featured "more technical" [[guitar riff]]s, utilizing the aforementioned [[tremolo]] picking and down-picked notes, improving musicianship while retaining a melodic sense.<ref name="Slayer - South Of Heaven">{{cite web | title = Slayer - South Of Heaven | author = | publisher = Metal-Observer.com | date = | url = http://www.metal-observer.com/articles.php?lid=1&sid=1&id=3478 | accessdate = 2006-01-24 }} </ref> Both Hanneman and King were ranked #10 on [[Guitar World]]s "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time". == Lyrics and music == Hanneman wrote the music for most of the band's fan favorites, songs such as "South of Heaven",, "War Ensemble", "[[Raining Blood]]", "Angel of Death", "Mandatory Suicide" and "Seasons in the Abyss", which have all become staples for live performance at Slayer shows. Hanneman's favorite album is ''[[Reign in Blood]]'', and he enjoys performing the songs "Raining Blood" and "Angel of Death".<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman" /> He has contributed lyrics and music to every Slayer album, forming a music and lyric writing partnership with Araya, which sometimes overshadows King's creative input.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer" /> When writing new material, the band writes the music before the lyrics.<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman" /> Hanneman often composes riffs at his house, using a [[Multitrack recording|24-track]] and a [[drum machine]] and then gathers opinions from the other band members; King and Lombardo make suggestions of alterations. The band will play the riff to get the basic song structure, and then figure out where the lyrics and solos go.<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman" /> Hanneman has stated that writing lyrics and music is a "free for all"; "It’s all just whoever comes up with what. Sometimes I’ll be more on a roll and I’ll have more stuff, same with Kerry — it’s whoever’s hot, really. Anybody can write anything; if it’s good we use it, if not we don’t."<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman" /> == Equipment == Hanneman uses Marshall JCM-800 amplifiers, modded Marshall 4x12 Cabs with an unconfirmed model of Celestion speakers (may be G12T-75), MXR Super Comp,MXR Smart Gate, MXR 10 band EQ, EMG 81/85 Pick-ups with EMG SPC Mid-Boost circuit, Jackson Custom Shop Soloist with 2 EMG Pickups, D'Addario .009-.042 Strings, Shure Wireless System, Eventide H3000S Harmonizer, Dunlop Crybaby From Hell Wah-Wah Pedal, Monster Cable, [[Kahler Pro Tremolo System|Kahler]] bridges, and his own signature guitar, the [[ESP Jeff Hanneman (guitar)|ESP Jeff Hanneman Signature model]].<ref name="Jeff Hanneman">{{cite web | title = Jeff Hanneman | author = | publisher = Slayersaves.com | date = | url = http://www.slayersaves.com/jeffhanneman.htm | accessdate = 2006-01-09 }}</ref> When touring, Hanneman carries six guitars due to the different tunings required. Early albums such as ''[[Haunting the Chapel]]'' - ''[[Divine Intervention (album)|Divine Intervention]]'' have [[E-flat]] tuning, while later albums such as ''[[Diabolus in Musica]]'' - ''[[Christ Illusion]]'' feature [[alternate tunings]], the first album ''[[Show No Mercy]]'' was recorded in [[Standard tuning]], while live performances of the respective songs are being played in E-flat since about 1984. Extra guitars are also brought in in case a string snaps or a guitar sustains damage.<ref name="Rock N Roll Experience interview with Jeff Hanneman " /> == References == {{reflist|2}} {{Slayer}} {{Persondata | NAME=Hanneman, Jeff | ALTERNATIVE NAMES= Jeffrey John | SHORT DESCRIPTION=Guitarist in the thrash metal band [[Slayer]] | DATE OF BIRTH=[[January 31]], [[1964]] | PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Oakland, California]] | DATE OF DEATH= | PLACE OF DEATH= }} {{DEFAULTSORT:Hanneman, Jeff}} [[Category:Slayer members]] [[Category:American heavy metal guitarists]] [[Category:People from Los Angeles, California]] [[Category:California musicians]] [[Category:1964 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[cs:Jeff Hanneman]] [[da:Jeff Hanneman]] [[de:Jeff Hanneman]] [[et:Jeff Hanneman]] [[es:Jeff Hanneman]] [[fr:Jeff Hanneman]] [[it:Jeff Hanneman]] [[he:ג'ף הנמן]] [[nl:Jeff Hanneman]] [[no:Jeff Hanneman]] [[pl:Jeff Hanneman]] [[pt:Jeff Hanneman]] [[fi:Jeff Hanneman]] [[sv:Jeff Hanneman]] [[tr:Jeff Hanneman]]