---
name: "Paul Bostaph"
band: "Slayer"
genre: "Thrash Metal"
country: "USA"
primary_brand: "Pearl"
profile_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummer/paul-bostaph"
source: "https://metalforge.io"
last_updated: "2026-07-10"
---

# Paul Bostaph — Drum Kit & Gear Setup

Paul Bostaph's drum kit and gear setup. Paul Bostaph is a professional metal drummer best known for their work with Slayer, a defining act in thrash metal.

## Quick Facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Paul Bostaph |
| Band | Slayer |
| All bands | Slayer, Testament, Exodus, Forbidden |
| Genre | Thrash Metal |
| Country | USA |
| Primary brand | Pearl |
| Drum kit | Pearl Masters Maple Complete (MCX) |
| Signature snare | Pearl Masters Steel 14x6.5" |
| Sticks | Vater Power 5B |

## Biography

Paul Bostaph (born March 4, 1964, in San Francisco, California) is an American drummer and Slayer's longest-serving drummer, holding the drum chair from 1992 to 2001 and again from 2013 until the band's farewell tour ended in 2019. Before Slayer he cut his teeth in the Bay Area thrash scene with Forbidden, and he has also recorded and toured with Testament and Exodus.

Paul Bostaph (born March 4, 1964, in San Francisco, California) is an American drummer best known for his two tenures with thrash metal legends Slayer. He is Slayer's longest-serving drummer overall, having performed on four studio albums and was behind the kit for the band's final world tour and last show in 2019.

Before Slayer, Bostaph established his reputation in the Bay Area thrash scene with Forbidden and Testament. His powerful, precise drumming style built upon the foundation Dave Lombardo established while adding his own technical flair.

## Band History

- **Slayer** — 1992–2001, 2013–2019
- **Testament** — 1999–2001, 2024–present (current)
- **Exodus** — 2005–2007
- **Forbidden** — 1987–1989

## Gear

- **Drums:** Pearl Masters Maple Complete (MCX)
- **Snare:** Pearl Masters Steel 14x6.5"
- **Cymbals:** Sabian AAX Series (14" AAX Stage Hi-Hats, 17" & 19" AAX X-Plosion Crashes, 21" AAX Stage Ride, 18" AAXtreme China)
- **Hardware:** Pearl Eliminator Double Pedal
- **Sticks:** Vater Power 5B
- **Heads:** Remo Powerstroke 3 / Emperor Coated / Ambassador

## Notable Performances

- Slayer - Disciple (Drum Cam, Paso Robles) (2017)
- Slayer - Dittohead (Drum Cam, Final World Tour) (2018)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What drum kit does Paul Bostaph play?**

A: Paul Bostaph plays a Pearl Masters Maple Complete (MCX).

**Q: What cymbals does Paul Bostaph use?**

A: Paul Bostaph uses Sabian AAX Series (14" AAX Stage Hi-Hats, 17" & 19" AAX X-Plosion Crashes, 21" AAX Stage Ride, 18" AAXtreme China).

**Q: What band is Paul Bostaph in?**

A: Paul Bostaph drums for Slayer, a thrash metal band.

## Signature Licks on MetalForge

MetalForge has 3 signature lick tutorial(s) for Paul Bostaph:

- [Raining Blood Intro Double Bass Assault](https://metalforge.io/drummers/paul-bostaph/licks/paul-bostaph-raining-blood-double-bass)
- [Disciple Thrash Speed Groove](https://metalforge.io/drummers/paul-bostaph/licks/paul-bostaph-disciple-speed-groove)
- [War Ensemble Thrash Blast Pattern](https://metalforge.io/drummers/paul-bostaph/licks/paul-bostaph-war-ensemble-blast)

Each lick page includes a video demonstration, HowTo breakdown, and gear notes.

---

**Full interactive profile:** [Paul Bostaph on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/drummer/paul-bostaph)

**More LLM resources:** [Site index](https://metalforge.io/llms.txt) · [Full database](https://metalforge.io/llms-full.txt) · [Drummer markdown index](https://metalforge.io/llms/index.md)

*Last updated: 2026-07-10 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*