May began with the sad news that Slayer guitarist had left this earth, and it’s come to a close with a suitably hedonistic celebration of his life and work.

Slayer announced that they would be organising a memorial event to pay tribute to Hanneman, who passed away from alcohol-related liver failure aged 48. As Metal Hammer report, yesterday’s service at the Hollywood Palladium was a rammed and rowdy affair, with long queues beginning hours before the service began and fans being highly vocal throughout the service. The stage was decked out with a painting of Hanneman, an American flag, a floral arrangement and an assorted collection of Hanneman’s guitars.

Among those giving addresses were Slayer’s Kerry King, who led a Jagermaster toast to the singer, saying “Jeff Hanneman hated Jagermeister, but I had to come up here with something to cheer my friend.” Reading off an iPhone, King paid extensive tribute to his departed friend:

“Jeff was my doorway to punk and it really helped Slayer to become the doorway between the metal kids and the punk kids…Jeff hated being famous, but he loved being onstage”

Other notable speakers included System Of A Down’s Shavo Odadjian (“without Jeff Hanneman, there would be no System Of A Down”), Metallica’s Rob Trujillo, American Recordings’ Dino Paredes and Brian Slagel of Metalblade Records. Former Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo, who left the band in ignominious fashion earlier this year, was also in attendance, as were Dave Navarro, Rob Zombie’s John 5 and Metalhead’s Robb Flyn.