Megadeth Cancel Soundwave Tour

Californian thrash metal heavyweights Megadeth have today announced that they will no longer be coming to Australia for the Soundwave Festival tour.

Dave Mustaine posted the following message on the veteran band's Facebook page this 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."

Last week, Jason Newsted's Newsted were kicked off Megadeth's sideshows, with Whitechapel named as the replacement. This weekend, Newsted confirmed a new set of sideshows with thrash icons Testament.

Soundwave have yet to make an official comment on the situation, although promoter AJ Maddah did tweet the below around the same time the news broke this morning - he has also since retweeted Megadeth's post about the cancellation.

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

We will keep up to date with any further developments.

UPDATE: AJ Maddah has revealed on Twitter that there will be no replacement for Megadeth, saying "Mastodon are a worthy headliner for the metal stage and tbh a bigger band at this point" and there will be longer sets from other bands on the bill.

Maddah has also started to shed some light on Megadeth's cancellation, with fans questioning the decision over Twitter.

@tazz1973 Not sure. We have done everything they have asked except lie to the fans.

— AJ (@iamnotshouting) February 9, 2014

@jacksonriffs @Geezer_au Long as he doesn't expect me to lie I have no problems w Dave. I don't approve of what he has done to his own fans.

— AJ (@iamnotshouting) February 9, 2014

UPDATE: Dave Mustaine still wants to play Soundwave. He says all he wanted was an apology and that his bags are packed for Australia.