Thrash metal band Slayer has issued their own statement regarding the dismissal of drummer Dave Lombardo his claims of financial issues. In it, the band also states that Jon Dette, who was the band’s drummer for a short period in 1996, has been tapped for the Australian tour.

The statement claims that the only thing the band agrees with regarding Lombardo’s posting was that he came to the band a week before departure with new terms. The brief and direct statement can be read below.

“Slayer confirms that Jon Dette will drum for the band on its Australian tour that starts this Saturday, February 23 in Brisbane. As regards Dave Lombardo‘s Facebook post, Slayer does not agree with Mr. Lombardo‘s substance or the timeline of the events, except to acknowledge that Mr. Lombardo came to the band less than a week before their scheduled departure for Australia to present an entirely new set of terms for his engagement that were contrary to those that had been previously agreed upon.

The band was unable to reach an agreement on these new demands in the short amount of time available prior to leaving for Australia. There is more to the account than what Mr. Lombardo has offered, but out of respect to him, Slayer will not be commenting further. Slayer is grateful to its Australian fans for their understanding of this unfortunate last-minute change, and very much looks forward to seeing them at these shows.”

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