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Jason Newsted’s wife says he will not be joining Megadeth

Megadeth dismissed bassist David Ellefson following sexual misconduct claims.

Jason Newsted

Images: Jordi Vidal / John Shearer / Getty

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According to social media posts by his wife, former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted will not be joining Megadeth following David Ellefson’s dismissal due to allegations of sexual misconduct.

Since David Ellefson’s departure from Megadeth, there has been speculation as to who will fill his role on bass. This speculation is not limited to a long-term replacement, but also in relation to the band’s imminent tour with Lamb Of God. This tour kicks off on 20 August, and a replacement bassist has not been announced.

Newsted was viewed as a prime candidate by some fans, having played for a time in another of the ‘big four’ of thrash metal. Newsted’s time in Metallica began in 1986 when he replaced bassist Cliff Burton, who had died in a tour bus accident earlier that year.

Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine was also originally a guitarist for Metallica in their early days, being fired in 1983 and replaced by Kirk Hammet. Some fans were suggesting Newsted purely because of the irony of two ex-Metallica members from two completely different eras of the band coming together, or at least acknowledging their shared past band.

At the end of last month, Newsted’s wife Nicole took to Instagram to clarify the details amidst the speculation, writing: “Hi guys! … Jason is not joining Megadeth. Peace to them. Listen to metal.

She also added: “Jason does not have social media accounts; this includes but is not limited to TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Onlyfans and Tinder. If you are receiving dm’s from the Jason Newsted music account or any other account claiming to be Jason please know this is not Jason and proceed at your own risk.”

You can see the full post below.

Alongside the summer tour, Megadeth are slated to play at Slipknot’s festival Knotfest this September.

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