Peter Frampton is known for using a talk box onstage, but we’ve never known him to talk out of his ass. However, that’s what Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine is accusing the classic rocker of doing in an exchange of words regarding the cancellation of both acts’ shows at the same venue.
As it was, Megadeth canceled their September 15th gig at the Virginia Credit Union Live! at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Virginia, “due to unexpected and unpredictable circumstances.”
Frampton was scheduled to play at the same venue two days later, but also had to cancel his concert “due to unforeseen circumstances.” While performing in Philadelphia on the 19th, Frampton seemed to place the blame on Megadeth.
“So, we had a show canceled the other day because of weather,” Frampton told the crowd. “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. 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.”
That didn’t sit well with Mustaine, who issued a response today (September 23rd) clarifying what happened. A press release from Megadeth’s team read as follows:
“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.”
Mustaine added his own personal statement, declaring, “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.
Megadeth’s headlining tour featuring support from Mudvayne and All That Remains is set to wrap up with four more shows through a September 28th gig in Nashville (pick up tickets here). Frampton, meanwhile, concludes his tour tonight (September 23rd) in Northfield, Ohio.
See Peter Frampton talking about Megadeth from the stage of his Philly concert below.