A series of pointed fingers has led to Megadeth pulling out from a slew of shows in Australia, and frankly not even we're sure what the heck is going on. All we know that somewhere between Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine, the band Newsted, and Soundwave Festival organizer AJ Maddah, somebody did somebody wrong.
The issues started last week when Soundwave claimed that Mustaine and Megadeth had requested Newsted not support them at a number of Sidewave shows-or non-festival shows associated with the festival. Although Jason Newsted-the founder of his self-titled band and former bassist of Metallica-isn't known to be a rival of Mustaine, the latter has burnt enough bridges during his day that it didn't surprise anyone. The guitarist bounced back, declaring on Facebook that he and Newsted "continue to be friends" and his band wouldn't be attending Soundwave because of the false claims of its organizers.
Soundwave's official statement was "At the request of Megadeth, Newsted will not be playing the below Sidewaves and instead will be replaced by Whitechapel." Mustaine reputes that claim, but said he would go back to playing the gig if he received an apology from Maddah. The organizer acquiesced, but his sincerity is questionable.
"So here it is Dave. I apologize for whatever slight you think I have done you," he tweeted at the guitarist. "So, does this mean tour is back on?"
Mustaine hasn't given any indication yet, but he claimed to Australian fans that "his bag was packed," but shows start on February 22 in Brisbane.
