Megadeth have been forced to cancel their appearance on Motorhead’s upcoming cruise, Motorboat, due to health issues facing frontman Dave Mustaine.
"Due to complications arising from a previous cervical spine surgery, and upon his doctor's strict recommendations, Dave Mustaine has cancelled all performances for the next 8 weeks,” posted the group. “With rest and treatment, he is expected to recover and resume performing soon. The band was looking forward to the concerts and cruise, and is disappointed that they will not be able to see their fans. Megadeth expects to return to the road and will see their fans soon!"
In Megadeth’s place, a group of metal legends will perform under the banner Metal Allegiance. The lineup will include singers Philip Anselmo (Down, ex-Pantera), Joey Belladonna (Anthrax), and Chuck Billy (Testament), guitarists Chris Broderick (Megadeth), Jon Donais (Anthrax, Shadows Fall), Scott Ian (Anthrax), Mark Zavon (Kill Devil Hill), bassists Frank Bello (Anthrax), Rex Brown (Kill Devil Hill, ex-Pantera) and David Ellefson (Megadeth), and drummers Charlie Benante (Anthrax) and Mike Portnoy (The Winery Dogs, ex-Dream Theater), who will put their spin on a scorching set of heavy metal's most influential and recognizable songs.
"You can't replace a band like Megadeth, who have done so much to change the landscape of heavy music over the past 30 years. We wish Dave Mustaine all the best in his recovery," says event producer Alan Koenig of ASK4 Entertainment. "But we're excited that Megadeth's David Ellefson and Chris Broderick will still be joining us. The whole reason to do these music cruises is to give fans an experience that they can't get anywhere else - and bringing Metal Allegiance onboard with metal's most loyal fans fits that bill."
"I'm really looking forward to being together with our friends and fans on Motörboat,” says Ellefson. “Metal Allegiance is a great way to continue our brotherhood of all things metal."
Motorhead’s Motorboat will sail September 22-26 on the Carnival Cruise Lines Ecstasy from Miami to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico.
Joining the iconic rockers on what is being billed as “The Loudest Boat in The World” will be Anthrax, Zakk Wylde, Jim Breuer, Danko Jones, Fireball Ministry, Wilson and more.
See also:
VIDEO: Watch Megadeth’s complete show at Bloodstock Open Air Festival
VIDEO: Megadeth perform surprise acoustic set in Istanbul
VIDEO: Megadeth fly via private jet from Spain to Sweden
Megadeth bassist’s memoir coming to paperback
Search Megadeth at hennemusic
