Megadeth have pulled out of Soundwave blaming false information about Dave Mustaine's relationship with Jason Newsted as the reason for the withdrawal.
In a statement on the band's Facebook page Megadeth's Dave Mustaine wrote: "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".
Soon after making the statement Mustaine posted a further comment saying his bags were packed and he still wanted to play.
"All I asked for was an apology for blaming me for something I didn't do. I am still willing to play, but the promoter would rather not apologise and prefers to say I asked him to lie, which I didn't. Am I the only one that sees how easy it is to fix this? The AJ Maddah that I know is a wise and caring man, and I don't know what has happened to my old friend. My bags are packed Aussie fans."
However, promoter AJ Maddah has a different view of the situation.
He commented: "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.
"@DaveMustaine Dave, we have been friends for a long time and I love you. Your family is like my own.
?"@DaveMustaine All you are doing by cancelling is punishing the fans who have had no part in any of this."
