Slayer Dispute Drummer As Feud Turns Messy

Slayer have responded to claims by their drummer Dave Lombardo that he's been forced out of the band over financial disagreements, as the band descend into a messy war of words on the eve of their Australian tour.

Late yesterday founding member Lombardo posted a statement on Facebook to notify fans that he wouldn't be travelling with the band to Australia for the Soundwave festivals and made allegations that he was not receiving band revenue he was entitled too.

In a statement issued to American website Blabbermouth, Slayer have confirmed that Jon Dette will be behind the kit for their Australia shows. They've strongly disputed Lombardo's allegations as well.

“As regards Dave Lombardo's Facebook post, Slayer does not agree with Mr. Lombardo's substance or the timeline of the events, except to acknowledge that Mr. Lombardo came to the band less than a week before their scheduled departure for Australia to present an entirely new set of terms for his engagement that were contrary to those that had been previously agreed upon,” they wrote.

“The band was unable to reach an agreement on these new demands in the short amount of time available prior to leaving for Australia. There is more to the account than what Mr. Lombardo has offered, but out of respect to him, Slayer will not be commenting further. Slayer is grateful to its Australian fans for their understanding of this unfortunate last-minute change, and very much looks forward to seeing them at these shows.”

The band will play their first Soundwave show tomorrow at Brisbane's RNA Showground.