He first left the band due to an illness in 1989 and was replaced by John Tempesta, but returned in 1997 with Paul Baloff, Gary Holt, Rick Hunolt, and new bassist Jack Gibson for the Another Lesson in Violence tour.

Hunting has cited Creedence Clearwater Revival, John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, Keith Moon of The Who, Neil Peart of Rush, Michael Derosier of Heart, and Clive Burr of Iron Maiden as his main influences.

[7] Hunting underwent a successful total gastrectomy on July 12, less than five months after starting the treatment process.

He said that he had four rounds of chemotherapy and that the cancer shrunk to less than half the size it was in March, and would have four more treatments before resuming his activities.

Holt acknowledged his previous statement by saying that he may have in his excitement "jumped the gun", but expressed optimism towards Hunting's progress in his recovery.