Guitar legend Gary Holt, known for his thrash metal prowess with Exodus and Slayer, has recently made headlines—not for his riffs, but for his outspoken disdain for the Kardashians and Kanye West. If you’re curious about which picks and gear Holt favors when expressing his anti-celebrity stance, this listicle dives into his latest selections and the reasons behind them. Whether you’re a metalhead, a Kanye critic, or just interested in the intersection of music and pop culture, these picks reveal Holt’s gritty attitude and musical preferences.
1. Dunlop Tortex Standard Picks: The Ultimate Anti-Mainstream Tool
Gary Holt has been seen using Dunlop Tortex Standard picks during recent live performances. Known for their durability and grip, these picks symbolize Holt’s no-nonsense attitude—rejecting flashy, flimsy alternatives in favor of straightforward reliability. Their sharp attack suits his aggressive riffing style and echoes his disdain for the superficiality he perceives in celebrity culture.
2. Custom Heavy-Duty Guitar Strings: No Frills, No Fakes
Holt prefers Ernie Ball’s regular Slinky strings, specifically the .011-.048 set, which offer a thick, powerful tone that cuts through the mix. These strings reflect his no-compromise approach, emphasizing raw sound over flashy aesthetics or boutique brands. Their robustness aligns with his outspoken stance against the polished, curated images of the Kardashians and Kanye West.
3. A Black Leather Strap: Symbol of Rebellion
To match his anti-establishment attitude, Holt often uses a simple black leather strap with metal studs. It’s a classic piece that signifies his rebellious spirit and rejection of mainstream glamor. The strap’s durability and understated style mirror his desire to focus on music’s raw power rather than superficial appearances.
4. A Limited Edition Slayer Pick: Paying Homage to True Metal Roots
Holt has recently showcased a limited edition Slayer pick, featuring the iconic band logo. While Slayer is a pillar of thrash metal, Holt’s choice of this pick emphasizes his allegiance to genuine metal roots, contrasting sharply with the manufactured fame of the Kardashians and the commercialized persona of Kanye West. It’s a statement piece that underscores his disdain for pop culture’s superficiality.
5. Pedalboard with Classic Metal Effects: Embracing Raw Power
His pedalboard includes a Boss DS-1 Distortion and a MXR Phase 90, staples in classic metal and hard rock. These effects allow Holt to craft a gritty, aggressive tone that rejects the polished, auto-tuned sound associated with many pop stars. The gear choices reflect his commitment to authentic, unfiltered musical expression.
6. Vintage Gibson Les Paul Guitar: Authenticity Over Trendiness
Holt often plays a vintage Gibson Les Paul Standard, a guitar renowned for its thick, warm tone and status as a classic rock and metal instrument. Its enduring appeal aligns with Holt’s disdain for fleeting trends, favoring timeless quality over hype—much like his critique of fleeting celebrity fame.
7. Black Metal Band Patches: Worn as a Badge of Honor
On stage and in interviews, Holt sports patches from bands like Burzum and Darkthrone, signaling his appreciation for authentic black metal and its anti-commercial ethos. These patches serve as a visual rejection of the Kardashian-West culture, emphasizing genuine artistic integrity over manufactured celebrity personas.
8. A Custom Anti-Pop Culture T-Shirt
Holt occasionally wears T-shirts with slogans like “Celebrity Culture Sucks” or “Fake Fame,” directly confronting the Kardashians and Kanye West. These shirts are more than fashion—they’re statements of rebellion, aligning with his outspoken hate-on for the superficiality and materialism they represent.
9. A Set of Heavy-Duty Drumsticks: Keeping the Beat of Rebellion
Though primarily a guitarist, Holt’s bandmates use Vic Firth American Classic 5B drumsticks, which are known for their durability and weight. Their robustness complements Holt’s aggressive musical style and his stance against the lightweight, auto-tuned pop sound that he despises in Kanye’s music and celebrity culture at large.
10. Limited-Edition Vinyl of Classic Metal Albums
Holt owns rare vinyl editions of albums like Slayer’s “Reign in Blood” and Metallica’s “Master of Puppets,” emphasizing his appreciation for authentic, physical music formats. This preference underscores his rejection of streaming hype and digital superficiality, paralleling his disdain for the Kardashians and West’s manufactured images.
How to Choose
When selecting gear or items that reflect Gary Holt’s hate-on for the Kardashians and Kanye West, focus on authenticity, durability, and statements of rebellion. Look for classic, no-nonsense gear that emphasizes raw sound and genuine artistic roots. Personal style should align with your own attitude—whether that’s through band patches, statement T-shirts, or vintage instruments—so prioritize items that resonate with your own rebellious spirit and musical integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does Gary Holt dislike the Kardashians and Kanye West?
Holt criticizes their superficiality, materialism, and the way they symbolize celebrity culture’s decline. He values authenticity and sees them as emblematic of everything wrong with modern fame.
2. What gear does Holt use to express his anti-mainstream stance?
He favors straightforward, durable gear like Dunlop Tortex picks, vintage guitars, and classic metal pedals, all of which emphasize raw, unfiltered sound over trendy or boutique options.
3. Are Holt’s picks available for fans to buy?
Some of his gear, like custom picks or signature items, are occasionally available through specialty retailers or band merchandise stores, but Holt’s gear choices are often personalized and not widely sold.
4. How can I incorporate Holt’s rebellious style into my own gear?
Choose simple, durable items like leather straps, band patches, vintage instruments, and statement T-shirts that express your own stance against superficiality and support authentic music.
5. Is Holt’s gear suitable for beginners?
Yes, most of Holt’s gear, like standard picks and basic pedals, are accessible for beginners. The key is to focus on durability and authenticity rather than flashy features.
Final Thoughts
Gary Holt’s recent gear picks and style choices serve as a powerful statement against the superficiality of modern celebrity culture, especially embodied by the Kardashians and Kanye West. His selections highlight a commitment to authenticity, raw power, and rebellious attitude—values that resonate deeply within the metal community. Whether you’re a fan of his music or simply appreciate his outspoken stance, adopting some of Holt’s gear philosophy can help you express your own rejection of superficial trends and celebrate genuine artistry.
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