Eric Peterson Says Testament Have No Plans To Retire: “I Could Keep Going Forever”

Testament guitarist Eric Peterson has made it clear he’s nowhere near ready to hang up the Flying V. Speaking with The Metal Meltdown, Peterson pushed back on the idea of retirement, for himself or the band, insisting that age hasn’t dulled his drive or his connection to thrash.

Asked if he could ever see Testament stepping back, Peterson didn’t hesitate. “We’re gonna take it to the end. I mean, that’s what Chuck says. I could keep going forever,” he said. “But who knows? I still feel young, and I don’t feel like I’m 60.” He laughed at the surreal moment of realising he’s now the age he once associated with slowing down, reflecting: “I remember when my grandfather was 60… and I just don’t see that.”

Peterson credits the lifestyle and the community, for keeping him sharp. “I think metal keeps you young too… METALLICA – look at METALLICA; they’re still kicking ass… EXODUS is on fire… OVERKILL is still around.” For Peterson, seeing the bands he grew up idolising still hitting the road validates his own instinct to keep moving. “I remember being in my late 20s and even 30s and seeing, ‘Okay, IRON MAIDEN’s still going.’ And they’re still going now. So, yeah, we’ve still got some time, I think.”

He admits that touring gets harder with age, recovery takes longer, the body complains more loudly, but believes discipline is the key. “You’ve just gotta take care of yourself… eat right and work out… just don’t go too crazy… it’s a little bit harder to recuperate.” He also acknowledges that thrash’s original generation won’t last forever, but points to the ongoing energy of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal as evidence that longevity is still possible.

While Testament are focused on the future, they’ve also been tending to their past. The band’s reissue campaign continues with the 2025 release of Practice What You Preach, delivered in multiple collectible formats. Their latest album, Para Bellum, dropped on October 10th through Nuclear Blast, featuring production by Juan Urteaga and mixing from Jens Bogren. The LP was introduced with the video for ‘Infanticide A.I.’, a sharp signal that Testament’s fire remains firmly lit.

For Peterson, the message is simple, this ride isn’t ending anytime soon.