Tour news: Megadeth confirm NZ tour plans

Megadeth are still coming to New Zealand despite pulling out of their Australian tour commitments.

Megadeth have pulled out of all their Australian tour dates, but the heavy rockers are still coming to New Zealand, promoters say.

The Los Angeles metallers are set to play Auckland's two-day Westfest concert on February 19 & 20, alongside Korn, Rob Zombie, Asking Alexandria, Five Finger Death Punch, Black Veil Brides and the Eagles Of Death Metal, among others.

"They (Megadeth) still fully intend to play Auckland," promoter Olly Martin told nzherald.co.nz.

Megadeth sparked confusion by pulling out of Australia's Soundwave festival and several sideshows with a Facebook statement.

"Due to circumstances beyond its control, unfortunately Megadeth has to cancel their Australian dates," the band said.

"Megadeth's decision is unrelated to the fact that Jason Newsted is performing at Soundwave. Jason and I spoke recently and continue to be friends."

It was followed by this tweet from Soundwave promoter AJ Maddah:

I don't like being asked to lie. Nor do I like being extorted. But at the same time I don't want to lose an act off the festival. #dilemma

Dave Mustaine then replied with this Facebook status update: "All I asked for was an apology for blaming me for something I didn't do. I am still willing to play, but the promoter would rather not apologize and prefers to say I asked him to lie, which I didn't. Am I the only one that sees how easy it is to fix this? The AJ Maddah that I know is a wise and caring man, and I don't know what has happened to my old friend. My bags are packed Aussie fans."

* See this week's TimeOut for an interview with Westfest headliner Rob Zombie.

Westfest
Where: Vector Arena, Auckland
When: February 19 & 20

- nzherald.co.nz