Megadeth played their first show with Wintersun guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari in Albuquerque, NM on September 6. Mäntysaari is standing in for usual Megadeth guitarist Kiko Loureiro, who recently announced he'd be missing the band's upcoming tour due to familial commitments.
As for Mäntysaari's performance, the dude rules. And if you've ever heard him on anything he's ever done with Wintersun, that shouldn't be surprising.
"Kiko checking in here!" wrote Loureiro in his announcement. "Our new record The Sick, The Dying, and The Dead and our Crush The World tour have been great. The worldwide chart positions have been our best yet! We want to really thank you for that.
"I have something that is difficult to share, but we always like to keep you informed with the truth. I have to leave the tour for now, to be home with my children, and to help them face the difficult challenges that arise from us being 'Dads that work away from home.'
"I found a guitarist, Teemu Mäntysaari, to fill in for me during the fall, and I think you'll be very happy. He's an amazing, incredible player. I have shared this with my partner in shred, Dave Mustaine, and to no surprise, he said, 'Go! Go be there for your family and keep us posted!'
"To my band mates and all of our fans around the world, see you all very soon, back out on the Killing Road! We will not be cancelling the tour, and we'll introduce you to Teemu on September 6th in Albuquerque. New Mexico, at the Revel Arena. We are asking for your support and understanding at this time."
Get the list of Teemu-deth dates below and get your tickets here.
Megadeth only
9/7 Window Rock, AZ – Dean C. Jackson Memorial Arena
9/9 Alton, VA – Virginia International Raceway
w/ Biohazard
9/15 Grantville, PA – Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course (w/ Ill Niño)
9/16 Mashantucket, CT – Premier Theater at Foxwoods Resorts Casino
9/17 Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena (w/ Ill Niño)
9/21 Windsor, ON – The Colosseum
9/23 Plymouth, IN – Plymouth Motor Speedway
9/27 Bloomington, IL – Grossinger Motors Arena (w/ Ill Niño)
9/29 Fargo, ND – Scheels Arena
9/30 Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino
10/3 Pocatello, ID – Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre
10/5 Reno, NV – Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort
Megadeth only
10/6 Sacramento, CA – Aftershock Festival
