Megadeth are no longer a part of the Soundwave lineup after cancelling their Australian visit less than two weeks out from the festival’s launch in Brisbane.
Megadeth made the announcement via the band’s official Facebook page on Monday morning.
“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. – Dave Mustaine, Megadeth”
Megadeth were involved in last week’s fishy news that saw Newsted, led by former Metallica member Jason Newsted, removed as a support act from sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne. Newsted and Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine both spent time with Metallica, but reports since then insist the two are friends.
Outspoken Soundwave promoter AJ Maddah hinted at the bad news in the hours leading up to Megadeth announcement.
“Sometimes you have to take one on the chin for the fans and for the sake of preserving the show,” he tweeted, later elaborating in response to a fan, writing “Nope. SW artist making ridiculous demands “or I’ll cancel”.”
“I don’t like being asked to lie. Nor do I like being extorted. But at the same time I don’t want to lose an act off the festival #dilemma,” Maddah also tweeted without elaborating about who or what he was referring to.
I don’t like being asked to lie. Nor do I like being extorted. But at the same time I don’t want to lose an act off the festival. #dilemma
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) February 9, 2014
Soundwave launches in Brisbane on the 22nd before hitting Sydney (23rd), Melbourne (28th), Adelaide (March 1) and Perth (March 3).
CraveOnline will bring you more information on the Megadeth, Soundwave fallout as it is released. Stay tuned.
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