Gary Holt Helps Viral Kid Guitarist at ‘America’s Got Talent’

Viral guitar sensation Maya Neelakantan not too long ago fulfilled a dream getting to fulfill and hang around with Slayer and Exodus guitarist Gary Holt, who truly lent his assist and helped her out in an emergency state of affairs throughout her first ever efficiency on one in all America’s largest phases – America’s Got Talent.

Neelakantan first landed on Loudwire’s radar again in 2022 when at 9-years-old she shared her exuberance whereas performing a guitar cowl of Tool’s “7empest.” We weren’t the one ones to take discover, as Tool’s Adam Jones noticed her efficiency, gifted her one in all his Gibson Signature 1979 Les Paul Custom guitars after which later watched as she performed clear riffs of 15 of Tool’s most advanced songs in a video for her YouTube channel.

READ MORE: Nine-Year-Old Plays 15 Clean Tool Riffs on Guitar Gifted by Adam Jones

How Did Maya Neelakantan Meet Gary Holt?

Earlier this month, the younger woman revealed in an Instagram publish that she and her household have been coming to the United States, making an prolonged journey that included stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Nashville, Virginia and New York. Within the publish, she hashtagged a few of her favourite guitar in hopes of assembly a few of her favourite gamers on the journey.

One of the guitarists who took Maya up on the invite was Slayer and Exodus guitarist Gary Holt, who organized for he and his spouse to fly to L.A. to spend time with the aspiring guitarist.

As it seems, their day collectively included a cease the place Gary and his spouse Lisa have been available to assist Maya as she performed her first onstage look at America’s Got Talent after which had dinner along with her household afterward.

“I had an incredible day! Played on America’s Got Talent and on stage for the first time ever! And met the guitar legend Gary Holt for the first time ever! What a day,” she exclaimed.

When Gary Met Maya

The younger guitarist was beaming after assembly one in all her largest idols, sharing a recap of the day with Gary Holt to her social media afterward.

“I finally met Gary Holt. That was such a special experience,” acknowledged Maya. “He’s one of my biggest inspirations and an absolute guitar god.”

“I was so excited when I saw him. My heart was beating so fast. And finally when I saw him I was getting goosebumps and I ran up and gave him a big hug,” she recalled.

Holt got here with presents for Maya, gifting her with guitar picks, a choose holder bag, Exodus and Slayer T-shirts and Maya’s favourite present, a signed Bonded By Delay pedal.

“I was able to meet Gary Holt because he flew all the way from Sacramento to L.A. to watch me perform on America’s Got Talent, which is actually the first time I’m onstage. And he wanted to be there so he could support me and cheer me on,” she reveals.”I understand that things like this does not happen a lot, and it feels like a dream come true for me.”

As for Holt, he shared through social media, “What a rad day yesterday at @agt!!!! @mayaneelakantan @lisaholt777 and I are so proud of you! And so awesome to have dinner with your family and @guitarprasanna! And fired UP I got to be your guitar tech for a minute to help get your rig up and rocking!!”

There was a problem getting her preamp correctly plugged in, however Holt was there to save lots of the day.

Maya Neelakantan Shares Her Visit With Gary Holt + America’s Got Talent

Where You Can Find Maya Neelakantan + Gary Holt

Maya stays a social media sensation and you’ll watch her guitar enjoying movies via her Instagram and YouTube accounts. In addition, it seems as if she’ll be on the upcoming season of NBC’s America’s Got Talent airing this summer time.

As for Gary Holt, Exodus seem like between albums with no at present booked tour dates for 2024. But it was not too long ago revealed that Slayer will reunite for a trio of competition performances this fall at Riot Fest, Louder Than Life and Aftershock.