Dave Lombardo Replaced On Slayer Australian Tour
Band Photo: Slayer (?)
After recently questioning the accounting and managerial practices of his band Slayer, Dave Lombardo was notified that his services behind the kit would not be needed on the band's Slayer Australian Tour 2013.
The following is a message that Dave Lombardo posted to his Facebook public figure page:
I want to personally apologize to all of our fans in Australia who have bought tickets for the tour expecting to see me in my usual place on the drums. So that you all know the truth, as of the end of the business day on February 14th, I was notified that I would not be drumming for the tour in Australia. I’m saddened, and to be honest I am shocked by the situation.Last year, I discovered 90% of Slayer’s tour income was being deducted as expenses including the professional fees paid to management, costing the band millions of dollars and leaving 10% or less to split amongst the four of us. In my opinion, this is not the way a band’s business should operate. I tried rectifying it by letting my band mates know, and Tom and I hired auditors to figure out what happened, but I was denied access to detailed information and the necessary back up documents.
I spent the Christmas and New Year holidays realizing I had toured all over the world in 2012, but yet, had not been paid (except a small advance) or provided a proper accounting for a full year's sweat and blood. On top of this, I was told that I would not be paid until I signed a long form contract which gave me no written assurance of how much or on what basis management would deduct commissions, nor did it provide me access to the financial budgets or records for review. It also forbade me to do interviews or make statements having to do with the band, in effect a gagging order.
Last Monday, I sat down with Kerry and Tom to rehearse for Australia and to propose a new business model that I felt was the best way forward for Slayer to confidently protect itself so we could do what we do best . . . play for the fans. Kerry made it clear he wasn’t interested in making changes and said if I wanted to argue the point, he would find another drummer. On Thursday, I arrived at rehearsals at 1 pm as scheduled, but Kerry did not show. Rather, at 6:24 pm I received an email from the lawyers saying I was being replaced for the Australian dates.
I remain hopeful that we can resolve our issues. But once again, I sincerely apologize to all of our fans in Australia who spent their money expecting to see the 3 of us original Slayer members.
I look forward to seeing you in the future.Sincerely,
Dave Lombardo
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52 Comments on "Dave Lombardo Replaced On Slayer Tour"
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Member
5. writes:
nah Big R, I think Paul has had about enough of the Kerry Klown Travelling Marionette Show as well
frikken guy is a massive fvcking tool...ya know why he and ol' davey sh!tstaine quit playin together? Cause you can't have two d!cks in the same band
\m/ RUMBLE ON BOMBARDO \m/
NP---Read Between the Lies---South of Heaven
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8. writes:
Nooo....dammit now slayer has fallen victim to stupid money arguments....I hope everything gets straightened out and dave stays on drums. I really thought slayer and motorhead would be above petty sabbath like arguments. I'm sure dave isn't going hungry or getting behind on bills. B12...Kerry King is the biggest badass in this world after Lemmy....you are an anonymous typer on some website.
Member
9. writes:
I give Slayer till the end of the year.
This sounds potentially huge if Kerry is ripping off the rest of the band.
Sounds like Dave has a legitimate concern with where the money is going.
Tom has hinted at retirement.
And there may be a lot more as to why Jeff hasn’t returned yet, maybe for the same reasons as Dave.
I also heard Tom hired his own auditors.
This doesn’t sound good….but then again Slayer hasn’t been Slayer in a LONG time.
90% deducted????
That’s just NOT right.
If anyone should be fired it should be King.
All the best songs were Jeff’s anyways.
“We’ll just get a new drummer”.
Nice way to $hit on your own band members.
As someone else wrote on that “other” website…
Fire King then he can start his own band.
Legendary douches
Kerry King guitars
Lars drums
David Vincent bass
Geoff Tate vocals
Member
10. writes:
That's quite the "all star" band there Brian mn. Yea, I hear ya, Slayer hasn't really released anything great for 20 years. Seasons in the Abyss being their last great album. I'm believing also that this might be the final album/ tour for them. The long Hanneman absence is puzzling also. We shall see.
12. writes:
Pretty pathetic that at this stage of their career and being a big band, they still have to worry about being ripped off by managers and bandmates. If King is behind this, not cool at all. And what's with the other guys? They have nothing to say about this? Are they getting ripped off or not? We haven't heard the other side. But King's reaction is outrageous and worrisome. Sorry but King (+Araya) isn't = Slayer. Without Lombardo and Hanneman, it's just tattoo boy's show and I ain't paying for that. King better get serious or he'll singlehandedly destroy Slayer completely. I wouldn't mind seeing Hanneman join Lombardo, a real singer, and another guitar dude and show King how it's done.
Former Contributor
Member
16. writes:
@RememberMetal….I hope you’re wrong about King being the last member.
King always said they wouldn’t b***tardize the Slayer name.
Have enough class to hang it up.
My biggest fear is that like Deicide, Kerry somehow got the rights to the name and music and will screw the other three.
We’ll just have to wait for all the facts to come out.
Maybe Dave is angry over something else and trying to stir things up (?)
King is not known to keep his mouth shut for long.
I expect a novel by tomorrow morning.
Member
17. writes:
Im so glad I caught them 2 times on the American Carnage tour, that was the last real SLAYER show, rather than there fvckin lame Mayhem fest spot only getting to play like 5 songs, still sad to see the best metal band on the face of this planet tragically demise in the mists of all this. Didn't think they'd be going out quite like this. . . . . :(
18. writes:
it was time for them to hang it up anyhow, or take an extensive break.
have done some great work and live shows in the past, but you cant live in your prime for ever, they've all had health issues of recent, king runs his mouth about everyone and everything although he has toned it down the past year or 2.
tom and dave are real cool guys, cant say the same for jeff and kerry.
Member
19. writes:
to me, Hanneman/Araya are slayer...either one is irreplacable. And while disappointing in this case, the band has proven that they can easily get away with a different drummer...at least Dette has already been there, done that as well...shouldn't be a problem
but it does look like an implosion is indeed eminent
@12...what do you mean by a 'real singer'? Araya is certainly not the best vocalist in the world, but his vocal signiture is unique and defining in thrash music...but, maybe you were thinking of a different style
NP---Born of Fire---Seasons
22. writes:
I see the demise of Slayer.
I think Dave won't come back to the band. Jeff I think won't either, sure he's been ill, but to not even hear a word from him in all this time is very puzzling. He's rehabilitating etc etc...but that wouldn't stop him from answering a few questions regarding how he is and if he's got new material?!?!?
A very sad way to see the demise of such a awesome band. I will be seeing them twice in Sydney....why?....because it'll probably be the last time they play live here.
Member
24. writes:
You won't hear from Jeff, because he hates interviews. Always did. He's not in slayer because he can't play as good as he did after his surgery. He's sloppy. I agree though, I think he will sit back and collect his check. He doesn't have to do anything anymore. He's filthy rich. I cant see Dave coming back. But to be brutally honest, they just need a live drummer. Dave's songwriting days are well behind him. They can and have in the past still delivered an intense live performance with Jon and Paul. Dave is getting screwed, but this world is messed up and stuff like this happens.
Member
26. writes:
So basically what we're looking at are two constant members of Slayer, a former member of Slayer who is also filling for Anthrax, and a member of Exodus touring.
I can't even label them "Slayer" until this gets sorted out. Its just not the same. Sad.
(However, I do give massive credit to Gary for filling in for Jeff for so long.)
28. writes:
Ohh....man.This news sound sooo.....f***ing bad.I am on Dave side and i pity for him.I can't believe this is happening in a band like Slayer.I hope this get resolve quickly and get Jeff back on the band otherwise it is R.I.P for Slayer.I wont buy any Slayer album which does not consist of Dave and Jeff contribution in it.
Now Playing : Pantera (Walk)
Member
29. writes:
This sucks for Slayer. Dave has already proven that he can do well outside of the band. When he had returned before, it was hailed as a rebirth of sorts for Slayer. It seems to me that his contribution to the band helps the bands' image and reputation more than vice versa.
Slayer has more or less maintained the same style and image for 30 years - maybe it is time to move on or hang it up. But, I'd hate for these circumstances to be their swan song.
As far as Dette goes, that seems to be the logical choice - if not the only choice. He's already on tour filling in for Benante in Anthrax, so the customs/passport issues are sorted out and he's been with them before. Best of luck to him. Dette is a very underrated drummer (and another lefty).
Member
30. writes:
I don't know how accurate this sh!t is, but some mildly interesting numbers:
Kerry King net worth: $15million ( imagine his top spot is due to his personal endorsements?)
Tom Araya/Jeff Hanneman each: $14m
Dave Lombardo: $12m
In contrast with:
Lard Ulrich/James Hackfield each: $175m
Poor ol Davey Sh!tstaine is better off than any of the dudes in Slayer @ $20m, but clearly missed the Sh!tallika lunch ticket :)
Former Contributor
31. writes:
Interesting numbers hellrat.
I always imagined Megadeth slightly closer to Metallica than Slayer in terms of recognition and net worth, glad to see I'm wrong.
Metallica had all of the right elements in place with freakish, pact-with-Satan-like timing. Plus at their creative zenith, Metallica were just better... I don't think Metallica deserve the margin of success they enjoy today but it's hard to deny the strength of their 80's material, even to the best work of Slayer and Megadeth.
Member
32. writes:
@Hellrat….ARE YOU KIDDING ME???
I’m not surprised at the Metallica or even the Mustaine numbers but the Slayer numbers???
It all makes sense why Slayer’s output has been the same stuff for the last 20 years.
And in a way how can you blame Met or Megadave anymore?
You have that much dough…….where’s your incentive to be creative anymore?
But if you simply don’t care enough to do it any more than just retire and go do something else.
Let the bands that are young and hungry have at it.
Maybe that’s why Jeff hasn’t come back…he’s got enough money and finally said “screw it”.
I can’t really say I blame him either.
For the big four it’s pretty obvious the passion has been dead for a long time now.
It’s more interesting to view it as a four way train wreck than to actually take it seriously.
Oh and one more time.
175 MILLION……SHUT UP LARS.
“They’re ripping us off”.
RIP THIS OFF YOU FOOTLESS GNOME!
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Member
34. writes:
Double post, but why would you be surprised band members in a band that has sold 20 million+ albums in their long, illustrious careers are rich? Not to mention ENDLESS touring across the planet. Obviously they are rich, but they deserve it.
It would be a better world if staying as straight up metal as Slayer made you as much money as Metallica made from selling out.
Member
35. writes:
Overlord, you clearly haven't improved your game much...where exactly did I indicate that I didn't mind Lombardo not being paid? My thoughts and comments are actually to quite the opposite persuasion. Slow down and pay some goddamn attention dude, your emotion often thwarts your rationale
Neither did I put up them numbers to insinuate ('say')anything profound...my purpose and skepticism are clearly stated
Fully agreed with your last sentence, however, such will likely never be the case
NP---The Gathering---Bombardo's finest hour \m/
News Correspondent/Writer
36. writes:
Slayer released this statement today, which basically adds nothing new, so I'll post it here:
“Slayer confirms that Jon Dette will drum for the band on its Australian tour that starts this Saturday, February 23 in Brisbane. As regards Dave Lombardo‘s Facebook post, Slayer does not agree with Mr. Lombardo‘s substance or the timeline of the events, except to acknowledge that Mr. Lombardo came to the band less than a week before their scheduled departure for Australia to present an entirely new set of terms for his engagement that were contrary to those that had been previously agreed upon.
“The band was unable to reach an agreement on these new demands in the short amount of time available prior to leaving for Australia. There is more to the account than what Mr. Lombardo has offered, but out of respect to him, Slayer will not be commenting further. Slayer is grateful to its Australian fans for their understanding of this unfortunate last-minute change, and very much looks forward to seeing them at these shows.”
Member
Member
38. writes:
^I was pretty blown away by the slayer worths as well man...pretty much a corporate machine anymore like the rest of em eh?
I don't know who the fvck is in the right or wrong here, but Slayer playing 2 men down for the Aussies is pretty weak...do ya think they'd try and pull that one off here locally in So Cal?
Be pretty fvckin audacious, but none of kings bullsh!t antics have surprised me much for some time
NP---Black Magic live @ Antwerpen
Member
40. writes:
@hellrat....totally agree...Slayer is basically a novelty act at this point. I was really hoping Dave rejoining would be something of a rebirth but both albums were utter disappointments. No passion or anger whatsoever. Oh well....I'm just happy for all the memories. Clash of the Titans in '92....with Alice in Chains. When that Hell Awaits intro came on.....god the crowd....just electric.
42. writes:
Hopefully Slayer hangs on for a few more years. Even if Gary Holt and Jon Dette are the permanent replacements for Hanneman and Lombardo at least Kerry King and Tom Araya will still be there.[By the way Holt and Dette are both great musicains]. They are a great band that i have been listening to since i was in high school and i would hate for Slayer to end now under such negative circumstances. I have seen them live many times and hopefully i will see them again!
Member
43. writes:
Hellrat, I don't know why you come at me in every thread we both comment on lol. I was simply pointing out that each band members' net worth is completely irrelevant to this situation.
Although those numbers really puts into perspective the extent to which Metallica sold out, lmao.
Member
45. writes:
this sucks bad new do love slayer but hey this is turning into a tribute band no hanneman no lombardo means no slayer
well the funny part is that tom araya is on the side of lombardo so means they will replace him as well
its just about the getting some more income from working hard on the road guess drummers dont have to pay bills than
Member
Member
47. writes:
of course its irrelevent, Overlord..."mildly interesting" numbers I believe I said...and based on your last statement, I'd take it that you were at least 'mildly interested' in them numbers? ;)
Anyway brother, I'm certainly not out to get ya...you might consider following back through the comments and noting the instigating source of this apparent miscommunication? hell, it might prove mildly interesting for ya :)
NP---Epidemic---Reign
Member
48. writes:
I've been saying this for the last few years. Slayer is slowly rotting from the inside out. I really think its time for them to call it a day. Its time for some of these newer bands to get some spot light and recognition. There are a lot of big bands out there that just need to stop. Their time has past. I can only see bands like slayer, ozzy, iron maiden, priest so many times. Last few years I just stopped listening to them altogether. I'd rather see bands like autolatry, black tusk, knelt rote. sh** like this, just doesn't surprise me.
49. writes:
I saw Slayer @ Soundwave yesterday and will be seeing them with Anthrax at Luna Park tonight. Gary Holt is a awesome guitarist and has been filling (replacing?) Jeff. I like Exodus and I think his guitar work is better than King's...well it was yesterday!
Jon Dette was really tight and precise. He did a great job and is a great fill in. I think however it might be a little more permanent, there's a massive rift between Dave and band management (which is basically King) that won't be healed in a hurry.
What did surprise me was Tom Araya. All smiles and engaged with the crowd, wandering about and even missing some vocals, but I got the feeling he was going through the motions. I really think Tom has had enough.
I still stand by my earlier post, very mixed emotions about seeing 50% of Slayer, but I dare say tonight will be the last time I see them in Sydney.
Former Contributor
50. writes:
Spirit
Tom Araya has always seemed like the member who was the most openly appreciative of the fans. It's good to hear that he's still enjoying himself. He's also the member who is most open about "life after Slayer"...
Slayer without Lombardo is wrong, without Hanneman, blasphemous... but Slayer without Araya is unsalvageable.
Member
51. writes:
^Precisely....its interesting that the general perspective of people here is that King seems to be actually the most acceptably 'dispensable' from a fan viewpoint...not that he would care about that
It could be so simple....Araya, Hanneman, Lombardo, Holt (dude is slick)
\m/ NICE \m/
put the mighty metal battleship Slaytanic back at full steam
NP---Nanking---Exhibit B
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Senior Reviewer
1. Progressivity_In_All writes:
Ooh. This is gonna get bad. All this infighting between legendary drummers and their bands.