Holding My Breath: The Two Testaments of Chuck Billy Drops November 10

Legendary Testament Frontman Chuck Billy and Metal Church Bassist David Ellefson (former Megadeth) Set to Discuss Chuck’s Memoir October 29th at Changing Hands Bookstore –6428 South McClintock Drive in Tempe, Arizona. Join them from 7 PM to 8 PM –

GET TICKETS HERE: www.eventbrite.com/e/chuck-billy-holding-my-breath-tickets 

Legendary Testament frontman Chuck Billy and Metal Church bassist David Ellefson (former Megadeth) discuss Chuck’s memoir Holding My Breath:The Two Testaments of Chuck Billy –chronicling his stubborn roots in a Native American and Mexican-American family, his rise through the explosive Bay Area thrash metal scene, and his defiant battle against cancer, complete with spiritual healings, the iconic Thrash of the Titans benefit that revived the genre, and the unbreakable will that turned a near-death diagnosis into a triumphant second act of life, music, and brotherhood.

SIGNING GUIDELINES

All books will be pre-signed

Meet-and-greet and photo line follows the presentation

Chuck will sign one (1) piece of Testament memorabilia per ticket-holder

Upcoming Chuck Billy Appearances

November 10 

Party in Seal Beach, California

with Jose Mangin Sirius XM Metal Ambassador

& co-host Comedian and Metal fanatic Brian Posehn

4 to 8 PM

More Details TBA

November 14

Party in Dublin, CA

at Metal Community Bar – The Back Lounge

with Phil and Marta Demmel + Brian Posehn to host

7138 Village Parkway

2 to 6 PM

More Details TBA

He screamed his way into metal history. Then cancer tried to silence him for good. Now, for the first time, Chuck Billy—the iconic frontman of Bay Area thrash legends Testament—tells the whole truth in his unflinching memoir, Holding My Breath: The Two Testaments of Chuck Billy, publishing November 10, 2026, from Permuted Press.

This is not your typical rock memoir. Structured as two interlocking testaments, the book traces the full arc of a life lived at maximum volume—and then something louder than any riff: the fight to stay alive. The Old Testament plunges readers into the explosive birth of Bay Area thrash metal, the formation of Testament, the rivalries, the brotherhood, and the reckless, glorious chaos of becoming one of the genre’s most powerful voices.

The New Testament is something rarer and more raw—a frontman at 38, blindsided by a devastating cancer diagnosis, drawing on his Native American and Mexican-American heritage, spiritual healers, visions, and the fierce love of a metal community.

At the center of that community: the legendary Thrash of the Titans benefit concert—one of the most galvanizing moments in heavy metal history—which rallied old rivals into brothers and helped ignite a genre revival while keeping Chuck Billy in the fight.

“This book is about two versions of me that are really just one story,” says Billy. “The guy who thought he was invincible, and the guy who learned how fragile life really is.”

Co-written with Dave Erickson, Holding My Breath delivers the unfiltered insider story of thrash metal’s rise alongside a deeply human account of mortality, miraculous recovery, cultural identity, and chosen family. It is, equally, a gift to lifelong Testament fans and to anyone who has ever faced the unthinkable—and refused to let go.

“Chuck Billy is a major influential voice in the thrash metal scene. Permuted Press is thrilled to be publishing his remarkable personal journey.” –Anthony Ziccardi, Publisher of Permuted Press

The book features a foreword by Rob Halford (Judas Priest) and an afterword by Randy Blythe (Lamb of God)—two of metal’s most revered voices bearing witness to Chuck Billy’s enduring legacy.

Press says:

“Chuck Billy the Iconic Frontman is stepping into the spotlight with an exciting project beyond the stage.” – AOL Parade

“It’s about a lot more than Metal.” – Volatile Weekly

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chuck Billy is the powerhouse lead singer of Testament, one of thrash-metal’s original Bay Area legends since the ’80s. He beat cancer in 2001 and came back stronger, weaving his Native American (Pomo) roots into his life and lyrics. Fourteen studio albums in, he has been honored with a California State Assembly recognition for his positive influence on Native communities, was part of The Smithsonian National Museum of The American Indian’s exhibition ” Up Where We Belong: Native Musicians In Popular Culture,” and won “Best Music Video” at the American Indian Film Festival for “Native Blood.”

Chuck Billy is available for interviews and his book is available for media to review.

Pre-order here: chuckbillybook.com