Dave Lombardo Fired From Slayer After Financial Dispute, Replacement Drummer Announced

Posted on Feb 21st 2013 11:25AM by Amy Sciarretto Comments

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Dave Lombardo, who has had three stints behind the kit as the drummer of Slayer, has been dismissed from the band...at least for the upcoming Australian tour.

The skinsman, who was with the thrash legends from 1981 through 1986, returning in 1987 and staying until 1992 and then returning again in 2002, posted a note on his Facebook last night to share the news that he was being replaced for the Australian tour.

Lombardo is saddened and shocked by the situation and judging from his open letter to fans, it wasn't up to him and he found it in a shady way. Some internal financial issues seem to be at the root of Lombardo's dismissal for this tour and possibly beyond.

Metal Sucks reports that the drummer has been replaced by Joe Dette for the Aussie tour. Dette played with both Slayer and Testament in the '90s, but did not record with either band.

Statement From Dave Lombardo Regarding Slayer Australian Tour 2013:

"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 bandmates know, and Tom [Araya] 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 [King] 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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bobbmydrummer

They suck anyway

February 25 2013 at 9:34 AM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
rmweld

I can't believe this is the crap they call music. I guess my days of Frankie Valle and the four seasons, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Mama's and the Papas etc. are over. Just as well. Creeps like this IMO will only be remembered by their families.

February 24 2013 at 11:40 AM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
rkeeeballs

90% in expenses ?.....sounds like the greedy were milking the herd !

February 24 2013 at 11:06 AM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
DocHays

You guys are headed to hell anyway, PLUS your music sucks........... You really need to get saved by the blood of the LAMB " JESUS CHRIST" DocHays

February 24 2013 at 9:44 AM Report abuse -2 rate up rate down Reply
harmonie555

Who cares? This 'band' isn't all that anyway.

February 24 2013 at 9:26 AM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
brennemanbelkin

"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."

Tells me that Kerry is involved with the fleecing of this band.

February 24 2013 at 1:13 AM Report abuse +3 rate up rate down Reply
Bluesboy03

It's still going on, and I amazed but not surprised. I think by this time, the boy should have been more in control of their finances and "cut". Maybe there is more to this story.

February 24 2013 at 12:32 AM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
Deb Heaton Dooley

The fact that the rest of the band is passive may suggest they are already getting a bigger piece of the pie!

February 23 2013 at 9:12 PM Report abuse +5 rate up rate down Reply
kingny17

I don't listen to slayer/metal and maybe never will but he should take this as a blessing in disguise. No one should allow themselves to be surrounded by passive aggressive, dishonest creeps.

February 23 2013 at 8:36 PM Report abuse +3 rate up rate down Reply
jeff314johnston

Wow. I'd heard Artists often got the short end of the stick when it came to money,but I didn't know it was that bad. All I can say is good for Dave Lombardo for standing up for what he thinks is right. I'm sure his replacement is a good drummer,but personally Daves drumming (especially on Raining Blood)is what stands out about Slayer. Iwill still be a Fan but wont be interested in seeing them live until he is back.

February 23 2013 at 8:21 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply

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