Slayer: “Tom’s been on the fence about Dave for a while.”

Slayer guitarist Kerry King has elaborated on Dave Lombardo’s absence from the band’s recent Soundwave performances.

Speaking to Soundwave TV, King observed the events leading up to the decision.

“It’s unfortunate that Dave couldn’t be with us. I planned on him being here up until the Monday before I left – then I saw trouble in paradise. Since I’m the mastermind on making decisions like this, I was like, ‘Alright, I’ve got a backup plan.’ I did what I thought was best and we pulled it off,” King told Soundwave TV.

Additionally, the musician noted the doubts had been pre-exisiting.

“Tom’s been on the fence about Dave for a while and I was pretty much the one that said, ‘Nah, I’m not comfortable moving on. Then it got thrust in our face, and I took action immediately,” King said.

Dave Lomardo recently posted a statement via his Facebook page:

I have always known that my fans were awesome! But never has it been more clear to me than in the past two weeks, how passionate, supportive and sincere you really are.