Who Is Kerry King? Age, Biography and Wiki
Kerry King, born on June 3, 1964, is an acclaimed American guitarist known primarily for his work with the heavy metal band Slayer. With a career spanning over three decades, King has not only played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of thrash metal but has also gained recognition for his unique guitar style and aggressive performance. As of 2025, Kerry King is 60 years old and continues to influence the music industry while actively engaging in various projects beyond music.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 3, 1964 |
| Age | 61 Years |
| Birth Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Kerry King's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Kerry King stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and weighs approximately 220 pounds (99 kg). Known for his distinctive appearance, King is often recognized for his tattoos and long, spiked hairstyle. His body measurements contribute to his powerful stage presence, fitting for a musician in the heavy metal genre.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Kerry King has kept much of his personal life private, he has been in a long-term relationship with musician and artist Alicia M. as of 2025. Although there have been rumors about the couple tying the knot, they have chosen to enjoy their relationship outside of the public eye. Kerry is also close with his family, often sharing glimpses of his home life through social media.
His father was an aircraft parts inspector, and his mother worked for a telephone company.
He started learning guitar at the age of thirteen at his father's urging, saying "...my dad was trying to get me out of the wrong circles and give me a hobby." King attended three different high schools and had very good grades, even winning an award as his school's top math student in junior high.
As the youngest child in the family, King says he was "spoilt" growing up. He learned guitar on his father's Gibson ES-175 and later had a Fender Stratocaster which he traded for a BC Rich Mockingbird, beginning a long relationship with BC Rich guitars.
The first song he ever learned was Ted Nugent's "Cat Scratch Fever" and he soon became a fan of Van Halen and Judas Priest, which had a major influence on his guitar playing.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Kerry King's estimated net worth is around $8 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful career as a guitarist, songwriter, and performer. His earnings are further supplemented by various endorsements, merchandise sales, and royalties from his music. Additionally, King has explored several business ventures that have contributed to his financial success.
Career, Business, and Investments
Kerry King's career reached its peak during his time with Slayer, which was formed in 1981. The band has released numerous critically acclaimed albums and has toured extensively across the globe. In recent years, King has begun to branch out into solo projects, collaborating with various artists and exploring new genres.
Beyond music, King has invested in several ventures, including guitar-related products and collaborations with various music brands. His entrepreneurial spirit has helped him adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.
King says at that time their music was viewed simply as heavy metal and the term "thrash" emerged later. He was becoming heavily influenced by the band Venom, which helped shape Slayer's dark image. King says that after releasing Haunting The Chapel and Hell Awaits and seeing the band's audience grow steadily, he knew Slayer would be his career.
The controversy surrounding Slayer's 1986 song "Angel Of Death" fueled King to dedicate himself to songwriting. "I think, on the whole, that mankind is full of fucking idiots. In a nutshell, our lyrics just say 'think'. That's it", he said of the unwanted "Angel of Death" attention.
Social Network
Kerry King has a significant social media presence, especially on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he shares updates about his life, music, and personal experiences. He engages with fans regularly, providing insights into the world of heavy metal and his adventures both on and off stage.
Slayer fared better than most bands after heavy metal's decline in the 1990s, which King describes as "the fuckin' Limp Bizkit era". King almost stopped writing music entirely due to how offensive he believed the music scene had become at that time. "I couldn't understand why anybody would make music like that, let alone like it.
That was definitely my darkest time as a musician, and that definitely showed up on Diabolus in Musica... through my lack of involvement", he has said.
Education
Kerry King did not pursue formal music education in traditional institutions; instead, he honed his craft through practice and experience. He began playing the guitar at a young age, picking up skills through self-teaching and by emulating his musical idols. His passion for music and relentless dedication to improving his skills have played essential roles in his successful career.
