Megadeth Pulls Out Of Soundwave Festival After Dave Mustaines Feelings Get Hurt

MEGADETH has canceled its previously announced Australian tour dates after the promoter blamed the band for removing Jason Newsted's band, NEWSTED, off the billing for MEGADETH's "off" dates during this year's Soundwave festival.

A MEGADETH representative last week shot down reports that the band was responsible for booting NEWSTED from the lineup of MEGADETH's Australian tour. A number of news outlets reported that NEWSTED had been taken off the billing of MEGADETH's side shows in Sydney and Melbourne while touring Australia on the annual Soundwave festival.

Soundwave organizers claimed that Jason Newsted's band was removed from the dates "at the request of MEGADETH." However, according to MEGADETH tour manager Jim Carroccio, nothing could be further from the truth. "Dave Mustaine is not responsible for booting NEWSTED off."

Earlier today, Dave Mustaine released the following statement: "Due to circumstances beyond its control, unfortunately, MEGADETH has to cancel their Australian dates.

"MEGADETH's decision is unrelated to the fact that Jason Newsted is performing at Soundwave. Jason and I spoke recently and continue to be friends.

"All I asked for was an apology for blaming me for something I didn't do. I am still willing to play, but the promoter would rather not apologize and prefers to say I asked him to lie, which I didn't.

"Am I the only one that sees how easy it is to fix this?

"[Australian Soundwave promoter] AJ Maddah that I know is a wise and caring man, and I don't know what has happened to my old friend.

"My bags are packed, Aussie fans."

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Tags:  Megadeth, Dave Mustaine, Jason Newsted, Newsted, Soundwave festival

Jason Fisher    February 10, 2014