In early 2011, Hanneman was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis

In early 2011, Hanneman was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis . According to the band, doctors said that it likely originated from a spider bite. Araya said of Hanneman’s condition: “Jeff was seriously ill. Jeff ended up contracting a bacteria that ate away his flesh on his arm, so they cut open his arm, from his wrist to his shoulder, and they did a skin graft on him, they cleaned up … It was a flesh-eating virus, so he was really, really bad. So we’ll wait for him to get better, and when he’s a hundred percent, he’s gonna come out and join us.” The band decided to play their upcoming tour dates without Hanneman. Gary Holt of Exodus was announced as Hanneman’s temporary replacement. Cannibal Corpse guitarist Pat O’Brien filled in for Holt during a tour in Europe. On April 23, 2011, at the American Big 4 show in Indio, California , Hanneman rejoined his bandmates to play the final two songs of their set, “South of Heaven” and “Angel of Death”. This turned out to be Hanneman’s final live performance with the band.