This weekend, Megadeth was due to play the Harley Days festival in Slovakia on July 16th and the Masters Of Rock festival in the Czech Republic on July 17th, but due to bassist David Ellefson breaking his foot at the Rockmaraton Festival in Dunaújváros, Hungary on July 15th both shows were cancelled. Frontman Dave Mustaine issued a video message explaining the situation.
Megadeth has announced the addition of Dirk Verbeuren as the band’s new drummer. Verbeuren, formerly of Swedish metal band Soilwork, has been performing with the band for months, his first show was the Rock On The Range festival in May, to a crowd of 40,000 concertgoers.
Most recently, Lamb Of God drummer Chris Adler had performed all the drums on the band’s latest album, “Dystopia,” and had toured with Megadeth when not otherwise busy with his band.
Dave Mustaine noted: “Chris Adler’s contributions are sure to be felt for years to come. Megadeth has been revitalized by Chris’s playing, as well as his excellent suggestion of Dirk Verbeuren to drum with us. Tremendous thanks to Chris, and a big welcome to Dirk.”
Adler, who described Dirk as one of the “top three drummers in the world,” stated: “It has been an honor and a pleasure to join my favorite band of all time, and to be a part of their return to the top. I had an amazing time with everyone involved, from the writing, arranging and recording, to the touring and friendships built along the way.
“There was no argument or drama, no hidden story. Megadeth needs and deserves a full-time drummer, and as much as I’d like to be, I can’t be in two places at once.
“For my part, I am very lucky to be a part of Lamb of God, and to also have gotten a chance to dance with my heroes at the ball. I still can’t believe it sometimes when I think of myself as a kid, opening up my Megadeth albums… and now I’m an alumni! I’m very proud of that – and I will continue to be their biggest fan.”
Finally, Dirk commented: “Dave, David, and Kiko, I’m thankful for your warm welcome and thrilled at the opportunity to perform and create badass music with you guys. Chris Adler, thank you for introducing me to Megadeth – and for your encouragement and support.”
The global Dystopia tour, which is currently in full swing, will have visited five continents by the end of 2016. Current tour dates are listed below:
Upcoming Shows:
Jul 30 Quito, Ecuador Teleferico
Aug 2 Santiago Metropolitan Region, CHL Teatro Caupolican
Aug 4 Ingeniero Juárez, Argentina Estadio Ruca Che
Aug 5 Ingeniero Juárez, Argentina Estadio Ruca Che
Aug 7 São Paulo, BRA Espaco das Americas
Aug 9 Belo Horizonte, BRA Expominas
Aug 12 Brasília, BRA Net Live Brasilia
Aug 13 Fortaleza, BRA Siara Hall
Aug 16 Porto Alegre, BRA Pepsi On Stage
Aug 18 Curitiba, PR Spazio Van
Aug 20 Asuncion, PRY Jockey Club
Aug 22 Buenos Aires, ARG Luna Park
Aug 23 Buenos Aires, ARG Luna Park
Aug 26 San Salvador, SLV Estadio Jorge “El Mágico” González
Aug 29 Mexico City, MEX Pepsi Center – Mexico
Sep 1 Santiago de Querétaro, MEX Plaza de Toros
Sep 3 Monterrey, MEX Mexico Metal Fest
Sep 24 San Bernardino, CA San Manuel Amphitheater
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