Meaning: This quote is from Kerry King, a renowned musician and founding member of the thrash metal band Slayer. In this statement, King is discussing the band's approach to performing new material live. He mentions that they haven't had the opportunity to play many new songs because their gear was not readily available for rehearsal. As a result, they planned to include only 3 or 4 new tracks in their live performances.

Kerry King's words shed light on the challenges that musicians and bands often face when introducing new material to their live sets. The process of integrating new songs into a live performance involves a series of logistical and creative considerations. In the case of Slayer, the unavailability of their gear for rehearsal meant that they were unable to fully prepare and rehearse the new material as they would have liked.

For a band like Slayer, known for their high-energy and technically demanding live performances, the absence of adequate rehearsal time for new material can present a significant challenge. Without the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the new songs in a live setting, there is a risk of the performance being less polished and cohesive than they would prefer.

Despite these challenges, the decision to incorporate a limited number of new songs into their live shows demonstrates the band's commitment to evolving their repertoire and providing fresh experiences for their audience. It also reflects their confidence in the strength of the new material, even without extensive rehearsal time.

This quote also offers insight into the behind-the-scenes realities of the music industry. It highlights the practical obstacles that can impact a band's ability to showcase their new work, such as logistical delays and the constraints of touring schedules. These factors can influence the timing and extent of a band's ability to introduce and showcase new material to their fans.

Additionally, King's words speak to the dynamic nature of live performance and the balance between familiarity and innovation that artists must navigate. While fans often anticipate hearing their favorite songs performed live, there is also an appetite for new material and artistic progression. Bands like Slayer must strike a balance between honoring their established catalog of songs and introducing fresh, compelling material to keep their performances engaging and relevant.

In conclusion, Kerry King's quote provides a glimpse into the complexities of integrating new material into a live performance, as well as the practical challenges that bands encounter in doing so. It underscores the dedication of artists to continually evolve their craft while acknowledging the logistical and creative considerations involved in presenting new music to their audience.