TESTAMENT’s Original Drummer LOUIE CLEMENTE Attends Band’s Concert On Long Island (Photo)

TESTAMENT guitarist Alex Skolnick has shared a photograph of the band’s present touring drummer Dave Lombardo and unique TESTAMENT drummer Louie Clemente, taken backstage earlier than the group’s Might 5 live performance at The Paramount in Huntington, New York.

Skolnick wrote in an accompanying message: “FULL CIRCLE (like the form of a drum): Here is a particular backstage spotlight, moments earlier than showtime, Might 5 @TheParamountNY Lou Clemente – OG drummer of TESTAMENT 1.0, (now fortunately retired) & Dave Lombardo, drummer of TESTAMENT ’22 Huntington, NY”.

Clemente was a part of TESTAMENT‘s lineup when a European promoter satisfied the remaining “Legacy”-era gamers to reunite for one present in 2005, which changed into a tour. In 2006, Clemente‘s arthritis pressured him to bow out, and TESTAMENT finally recruited ex-SLAYER/FORBIDDEN drummer Paul Bostaph.

In a 2006 interview with Rock My Monkey, TESTAMENT guitarist Eric Peterson said about Clemente‘s newest exit from the group: “He began getting some pains in his wrists. This got here up final time. Jon Allen stuffed in for him for some exhibits we had executed prior to now. Specifically one I can bear in mind was the final one we simply did in Italy, Gods Of Steel. After which he stated he was all higher, and he simply type of… He stated he was alright, and on the final minute — I believe he obtained chilly toes on the similar time. I do not know. I actually do not know what the true story. However we’re being advised that his palms are hurting or one thing.”

Lombardo rejoined TESTAMENT earlier this yr because the substitute for Gene Hoglan.

An unique member of thrash steel legends SLAYER, Lombardo was the visitor drummer on TESTAMENT‘s 1999 studio album “The Gathering”, which additionally marked the primary time the band labored with then-up-and-coming British producer/engineer Andy Sneap.

“The Gathering” was broadly thought of to be an enchancment over 1997’s “Demonic”, an album that noticed singer Chuck Billy make use of a extra guttural type of vocals and was launched at a time when thrash acts as TESTAMENT had fallen out of favor.

Hoglan initially performed drums on “Demonic”, however did not stick round lengthy sufficient to do any touring with the band. He formally joined TESTAMENT in 2011 and performed on the group’s final three albums: 2012’s “Darkish Roots Of Earth”, 2016’s “Brotherhood Of The Snake” and 2020’s “Titans Of Creation”.