Megadeth Enlist Bassist James Lomenzo for Tour With Lamb of God | Revolver

Megadeth Enlist Bassist James Lomenzo for Tour With Lamb of God

Former member will take David Ellefson's place on 2021 trek
James LoMenzo Getty , Gary Wolstenholme/Redferns via Getty Images
James LoMenzo
photograph by Gary Wolstenholme/Redferns via Getty Images

Back in May, Megadeth officially parted ways with founding bassist David Ellefson in the wake of a sexual misconduct scandal that involved leaked sexually explicit videos between Ellefson and a woman other than his wife. 

"While we do not know every detail of what occurred," wrote singer-guitarist Dave Mustaine in a public statement at the time, "With an already strained relationship, what has already been revealed now is enough to make working together impossible moving forward."

That message was shared on May 24th, just a couple weeks after Megadeth and Lamb of God announced that their postponed Metal Tour of the Year was being rescheduled to begin on August 20th. Since then, there was no word from Mustaine about who would replace Ellefson, either permanently or temporarily, but now that information has been revealed. 

Megadeth have now announced that former bassist James LoMenzo will be returning to the lineup for the upcoming month-and-a-half-long trek across North America. LaMenzo previously played in the band from 2006 to 2010, serving as one of two bassists who replaced Ellefson during his departure from the group between 2002 and 2010. 

"I'm happy to announce that former bassist and Megadeth alumni James LoMenzo has graciously stepped in on the Metal Tour of The Year," Mustaine said today (August 11th). "Tour rehearsals just began, and we cannot wait to start crushing North America."

"I'm super stoked to be rejoining Megadeth for the upcoming Metal Tour of the Year," LoMenzo added. "There are no better fans than Megadeth fans, I can't wait to get out there and shred some Megadeth music with you all."

The band did not specify whether or not LoMenzo wil become a permanent member of the thrash OGs, so we'll have to wait and see on that front. 

Outside of his stints in Megadeth, LoMenzo has played with a litany of other bands including Black Label Society and White Lion, as well as solo projects fromm Zakk Wylde, David Lee Roth and ex-Judas Priest singer Tim "Ripper" Owens.