A bit more than a week ago, on September 15, Megadeth were forced to cancel a show at Virginia Credit Union Live! in Henrico County, putting the blame on unexpected or unforeseen circumstances. Later that week, Peter Frampton was forced to cancel a September 17 show, citing the same reasons. Fair enough, right?
However, Frampton then performed in Philadelphia on September 19, where he placed the blame squarely on Megadeth's shoulders. According to a transcription from that night, he said:
"So, we had a show cancelled the other day because of the weather. And also Megadeth did a soundcheck, I think a couple of days before our show, and after they finished their soundcheck, there was structural damage to the stage."
Frampton then said he wasn't trying to blame Megadeth.
"I'm not blaming them — could have been another band — but it looks pretty like it. So, sorry, Megadeth. I had to rat on you."
Naturally, Megadeth offered a statement via their PR:
"Based on Peter Frampton's recent statement, Megadeth feels it's important to clear up some misinformation about the group's recent show cancellation (Sunday, September 15 at Virginia Credit Union Live! at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Virginia). As recently reported, Frampton stated that Megadeth's soundcheck damaged the venue, forcing Frampton to also cancel his show there a few days later."
"Megadeth did not even get a chance to sound check at all in Richmond, Virginia, contrary to what Peter Frampton reports. Megadeth's rigger was in the venue's steel grid system above the stage, getting ready to hang the lights when he noticed there was damage to the venue's grid. He pointed this out immediately to the promoters and the venue."
"It was determined that it was unsafe for Megadeth to hang their production or put the band on stage at the risk of in-house grid failure to support the weight of the touring lighting and sound, which could fall on the band, crew members, or audience, as it could cause serious injury or death. Therefore, Megadeth, the local promoter, the venue, and booking agents had no other option than to cancel the show."
Dave Mustaine gave a more succinct response:
"It seems Frampton was misinformed about our show being canceled. The decision was purely based on safety. It's disappointing when someone you admire talks out their ass about you."
Frampton has not responded to Mustaine at this time.
