Lombardo Not Drumming For Slayer Until The Band Can Make It Rain...And Not Just Blood

History does indeed repeat itself because Slayer is at an impasse again with drummer Dave Lombardo. He had been looking into the financial records for the touring year of 2012 and the numbers were not adding up correctly to him. After bringing up this issue with the rest of the band, he was greeted with an apathy the size of the Grand Canyon. Kerry and Tom have no interest in changing the way the band handles their finances and Kerry made it clear that Lombardo would be replaced if the issue was not dropped.

You should just know why I am not speaking to you Dave, gawd!
Courtesy Photo

We have found out today that Lombardo is no longer in Slayer unless he signs a new contract which I can only assume gives him no control or rights to how the band handles their finances. This is not the first time that Dave has left due to money concerns, but I am disappointed that the original line up is being fractured yet again. Jeff Hanneman is still recovering from that wicked brown recluse spider bite that ate up a lot of his arm and now Dave is gone again. A replacement has already been named for their Australian Soundwave tour and it is Jon Dette stepping in once again.

We will have to wait and see how this turmoil plays out, but for now here is a very professional statement from Dave Lombardo's Facebook page where I found out most of the info:

Statement From Dave Lombardo Regarding Slayer Australian Tour 2013

I want to personally apologize to all of our fans in Australia who have bought tickets for the tour expecting to see me in my usual place on the drums.

So that you all know the truth, as of the end of the business day on February 14th, I was notified that I would not be drumming for the tour in Australia. I’m saddened, and to be honest I am shocked by the situation.

Last year, I discovered 90% of Slayer’s tour income was being deducted as expenses including the professional fees paid to management, costing the band millions of dollars and leaving 10% or less to split amongst the four of us. In my opinion, this is not the way a band’s business should operate. I tried rectifying it by letting my band mates know, and Tom and I hired auditors to figure out what happened, but I was denied access to detailed information and the necessary back up documents.

I spent the Christmas and New Year holidays realizing I had toured all over the world in 2012, but yet, had not been paid (except a small advance) or provided a proper accounting for a full year's sweat and blood. On top of this, I was told that I would not be paid until I signed a long form contract which gave me no written assurance of how much or on what basis management would deduct commissions, nor did it provide me access to the financial budgets or records for review. It also forbade me to do interviews or make statements having to do with the band, in effect a gagging order.

Last Monday, I sat down with Kerry and Tom to rehearse for Australia and to propose a new business model that I felt was the best way forward for Slayer to confidently protect itself so we could do what we do best . . . play for the fans. Kerry made it clear he wasn’t interested in making changes and said if I wanted to argue the point, he would find another drummer. On Thursday, I arrived at rehearsals at 1 pm as scheduled, but Kerry did not show. Rather, at 6:24 pm I received an email from the lawyers saying I was being replaced for the Australian dates.

I remain hopeful that we can resolve our issues. But once again, I sincerely apologize to all of our fans in Australia who spent their money expecting to see the 3 of us original Slayer members.
I look forward to seeing you in the future.

Sincerely,
Dave Lombardo