Megadeth Drop Newsted From Sidewaves Tour

February 5, 2014

Megadeth have dropped heavy metal outfit Newsted from their recently announced Soundwave 2014 sideshow tour. Newsted, fronted by former Metallica bass player Jason Newsted, were to join the heavy metal icons with Danish band Volbeat for two shows in Sydney and Melbourne.

Earlier, Soundwave promoter AJ Maddah had tweeted that two bands on the 2014 lineup were feuding, much to the dismay of his followers, with an announcement forthcoming. In response to a curious tweeter, Maddah revealed that there was “Nothing random” about the two artists feuding.

FasterLouder are now reporting that a source close to the festival has confirmed that the thrash metal legends requested that Newsted be removed from the triple bill. Tennessee metal band Whitechapel have reportedly been recruited to replace Newsted on both dates of the tour.

The news has come as a shock to many fans as there was no prior indication that members of Megadeth and Newsted were in the middle of an active dispute. Speaking to FL recently, Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine appeared positive about working and collaborating with Newsted.

UPDATE 5:56pm 05/02/14: AJ Maddah has since confirmed via Twitter that he is the source behind the revelation. The promoter has also told a fan who asked about the relationship between Mustaine and Newsted that the two were getting along amicably until “very recently.”

Megadeth, Volbeat, Whitechapel Sidewave Dates

Tuesday, 25th February

UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney (Licensed All Ages)

Tix: Via Ticketek

Thursday, 27th February

The Forum, Melbourne (18+)

Tix: Via Ticketmaster