The Exodus axeman was called up in 2011 after Hanneman was bitten by a spider, leading to an attack of necrotising fasciitis that caused the loss of most of the flesh of his arm, and brought him close to death.

Now Holt has released a statement, saying he's "devastated" and that the news "hit me like a ton of bricks." He comments: "Jeff, it's been an honour, my brother, to try my best to honour your songs best I could.