Megadeth have dismissed rumours suggesting the band was responsible for having fellow rocker Jason Newsted booted from the Soundwave bill.
Dave Mustaine's group is due to perform at the touring festival later in February, but hit headlines early when a message posted on the event's website suggested former Metallica bassist Newsted had been kicked off the festival's shows due to a feud with Megadeth.
"At the request of Megadeth, Newsted will not be playing the below (shows) and instead will be replaced by Whitechapel."
However, Megadeth's tour manager Jim Carroccio has dismissed rumours of a feud with frontman Mustaine, telling Australia's ABC New Radio: "Dave Mustaine is not responsible for booting Newsted off. Dave did not put him on the bill and did not take him off the bill.
"Dave submitted a list of bands he was comfortable with and the promoter ignored the list. Dave and Jason are friends, this has blown up into something silly."
Mustaine has also moved to dismiss the rumours by telling fans he has since spoken to Newsted to clear the air.
"Look, I'm disappointed too. I explained to Jason Newsted this morning. We didn't put him on the show and we didn't kick him off the show. He understands, why don't you?" he wrote on Facebook.
Mustaine was fired from Metallica in 1983, three years before Newsted joined the band.
