A few months back Megadeth announced a monster fall tour with Amon Amarth, Suicidal Tendencies, Metal Church, and Havok (get dates here). Sadly, Havok will no longer be on the tour due a dispute with their now former management team at Mustaine Management.
Havok were working with Dave Mustaine's son, Justis, who runs Mustaine Management, and through this management deal, secured opening slots on Megadeth's previous spring tour and their upcoming fall tour. Today, Havok released a statement saying that there has been some dissension between the band and Mustaine Management over what Havok states is an unfair contract. As a result of the back-and-forth negotiations, Mustaine Management said they were no longer interested in working with the band, pulled the offer, and kicked them off the Megadeth tour. Here's the statement from the band in full, which they sent to MetalSucks:
It is with deep regret we are forced to inform fans of metal that we will not be on the upcoming Megadeth tour with Amon Amarth, Suicidal Tendencies, and Metal Church. We will also not be going to Mexico in August and early September as was planned.
We were really looking forward to these shows, but unfortunately, Mr. Mustaine has chosen to remove us from the lineup. The reasons for our absence are directly related to a contract negotiation insisted upon by Mustaine Management – a negotiation that has gone awry. We are authorized to say that we were offered an unacceptable management contract from Mustaine Management, which we declined.
While working with our lawyer to negotiate the terms of the contract, Mustaine Management threatened to kick us off of the Megadeth tour, Mustaine Management repeatedly failed to respond to phone calls and emails, and eventually told us (through their lawyer) that Mustaine Management is no longer working with Havok. We are only releasing this information to give fans an honest account of the reasons we are no longer on the tour.
We cannot disclose more details at this time (at our attorney’s directive), but nonetheless, would like to thank Mustaine Management for the past opportunities that they brought to the table while working with us. We would also like to apologize to the fans that will not be able to see us this fall – we will sorely miss all of you. New tour dates will be announced soon and we look forward to getting back on the road to headbang with the best fans in the world.
Havok is set to release their fourth studio album via Century Media Records this winter. You can pre-order the new album at http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/havok
Shortly after the story came out, Dave Mustaine said it was not true, and called out MetalSucks:
That's untrue. @metalsucks don't have a clue, David Sanchez is lying if that's what he said. https://t.co/xCIMU4pa55
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) August 17, 2016
When MetalSucks asked for comment, Mustaine responded in kind:
My side is go fuck yourself. You are a pariah in our business. A pro would have gotten my side before printing that https://t.co/2SvA9eZRjE
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) August 17, 2016
When we tweeted Dave for his side of the story, we got this response:
Call my mgmt. and if your not one of the gossip sites that slags me constantly maybe I'll talk to you. @5Bartistmgmt https://t.co/u662lt3lVf
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) August 17, 2016
We did actually reach out to his management, but it's been nearly two hours, so we decided to run with the story.
Update: Throughout the day, Mustaine slowly revealed his side of the story:
There's nothing to get. The guy lied, Metal Sucks bought the lie. End of story. https://t.co/lExD81fLMD
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) August 17, 2016
What is there to debate fuckard? They had 5 months to sign an industry standard contract and don't pay their bills? https://t.co/ebmP4zM86e
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) August 17, 2016
It's none of your business. They didn't pay their bills, what don't you get? I don't owe you anything Brian. https://t.co/ToV7nA0J8O
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) August 17, 2016
Cat got your tongue tough guy? It's different now you know they stiffed Justis for thousands of dollars, huh?! https://t.co/ToV7nA0J8O
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) August 17, 2016
That's what I thought. Silence. Ask the merch co. we got them what it was like getting paid. https://t.co/ToV7nA0J8O
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) August 17, 2016
Justis did more for them than anyone in ten years. https://t.co/7luh6G3mk1
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) August 17, 2016
You're so right. This is going to backfire on HavoK like they never expected. https://t.co/ep0XhloyVs
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) August 17, 2016
They had an industry standard contract: the same I have. 5 months later still wouldn't sign it until they're dropped https://t.co/YYwqROWOoI
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) August 17, 2016
I was the 3rd side. They didn't pay Justis what he's owed or sign the ind. standard contract. I took care of em. Sad https://t.co/DsumsMNLXD
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) August 17, 2016
I gave them more cash, time, merch items, space, lights & sound than their contract said every night. Stupid me! https://t.co/vzHtFpAmzp
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) August 17, 2016
If we do end up hearing from Dave, we will update this story with his thoughts.
But for now, the real losers are the fans (and undoubtably Havok). We'll keep you posted when Havok announces a new tour.
Update: Lillake, a new band which we've been raving about, which features Nico Santora and Eric Moore formerly of Suicidal Tendencies, and Evan Brewer of Entheos, will be replacing Havok. Coincidentally, Lillake is managed by Mustaine Management.
Update: Justis Mustaine, the man who was actually managing Havok has published his own side of the story. Read that here
