RIP Jeff Hanneman, Guitarist For Slayer, Dead At 49

Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman passed away today from liver complications, two years after he contracted necrotizing fasciitis, a rare skin disease. Hanneman most likely contracted the disease from a spider bite of all things and the band announced he passed today at a hospital near his home in northern California. Slayer announced the news along with a statement saying the band was devastated and referred to Hanneman as both their bandmate and brother.

Hanneman had not played live with the band since contracting the disease in 2011, when he was bit. As recently as last summer Slayer was hopeful that Hanneman would be returning, but the quickly progressing disease just wouldn't allow it. Hanneman recorded 9 LPs, 2 live albums and 2 EPs in his over 30 years with Slayer and will certainly be missed and remembered.

Check out Hanneman and Slayer's classic "Raining Blood":