Jeff Hanneman

The tributes to founding Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman from the metal community continue to pour in tonight following the news he passed away earlier today at the age of 49. After such artists as Slash, Corey Taylor, Pantera and more paid respect to Hanneman earlier in the evening, several more rockers have offered their condolences via Twitter.

As reported earlier, legendary Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman died at 11AM PT today. Hanneman had contracted the skin tissue disease necrotizing fasciitis, most likely from a spider bite, in early 2011, and had not been touring with the band since that time...

It's with true sadness that we report that legendary Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman has died at the age of 49. The tragic news was confirmed by a press release issued moments ago.

The inner workings of legendary thrash masters Slayer have been tumultuous within the past two years. Along with drummer Dave Lombardo being dismissed from Slayer's 2013 Australian tour dates, guitarist Jeff Hanneman has been recovering from a severe case of necrotising fasciitis due to a spider bite, with Exodus shredder Gary Holt having filled in for Hanneman during his absence

Slayer are moving full steam ahead with a new album, and guitarist Kerry King says the fact that fellow guitarist Jeff Hanneman is still recovering from necrotizing fasciitis will not delay the new album moving forward.

As Slayer are currently on the road with the 2012 Mayhem Festival, guitarist Kerry King has given fans a bit more info about Slayer's next album, which could see a release as soon as early 2013. The guitarist, who also provides lyrics for the band, is hoping to get some work done while on tour before hitting the studio once again at the conclusion of the touring Mayhem Fest.

"I was an hour away from death," Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman tells UK's Classic Rock magazine about the infected spider bite that has kept him off the road since January.