A familiar face is back in the fold.
Thrash metal titans Megadeth have announced their new touring bassist.
“I’m happy to announce that former bassist and Megadeth alumni James LoMenzo has graciously stepped in on the Metal Tour of the Year,” frontman Dave Mustaine said in a statement. “Tour rehearsals just began, and we cannot wait to start crushing North America.”
“I’m super stoked to be rejoining Megadeth for the upcoming Metal Tour of the Year,” LoMenzo himself adds. “There are no better fans than Megadethfans, I can’t wait to get out there and shred some Megadeth music with you all.”
LoMenzo was previously a member of Megadeth from 2006 to 2010. He played bass on two studio albums – 2007’s United Abominations and 2009’s Endgame. Additionally, LoMenzo also spent time performing with White Lion and Black Label Society.
Back in May, Megadeth fired longtime bassist David Ellefson over allegations of sexual misconduct.
“As much as it’s not something I’m proud of, these were private, adult interactions that were taken out of context and manipulated to inflict maximum damage to my reputation, my career and family,” Ellefson said in a statement.
“We are informing our fans that David Ellefson is no longer playing with Megadeth and that we are officially parting ways with him,” the band stated. “We do not take this decision lightly. While we do not know every detail of what occurred, with an already strained relationship, what has already been revealed now is enough to make working together impossible moving forward. We look forward to seeing our fans on the road this summer, and we cannot wait to share our brand new music with the world. It is almost complete.”
In just nine days, Megadeth kick off their North American tour with Lamb of God, Trivium, and Hatebreed. The trek begins on August 20 at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, TX. Tickets are on sale now HERE.