Soundwave Touring have confirmed that at the request of Megadeth, Newsted will not be performing at the Melbourne and Sydney sidewaves. Every year, bands are recruited to tour throughout Australia for the Soundwave Festival. Many bands take the opportunity to play extra 'Sidewave' shows while they're traveling around the country, but Jason Newsted's solo band has been booted from two Megadeth side shows "at the request" of the band.

Details aren't clear as to why Megadeth kicked Newsted off their February 25th Sydney and February 27th Melbourne Sidewave shows. Dave Mustaine and Jason Newsted have both been members of Metallica in the past. However, Newsted and Megadeth did seem to get along amiably during this past summer's Gigantour, even sharing the stage during the final show. Meanwhile, deathcore act Whitechapel has been recruited to take Newsted's opening slot.

The official Soundwave Festival website reads: "At the request of Megadeth, Newsted will not be playing the below sidewaves and instead will be replaced by Whitechapel."




Dave Mustaine has denied that there is any bad blood between him and Newsted. Responding to a fan on a Facebook post about the lineup change, Mustaine writes: "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?"

In a follow-up comment, Mustaine added: "I love our Australian fans and I love Jason too. This is all a huge misunderstanding."

Source:	soundwavefestival.com
Band profile:	Megadeth