australian tour

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Dave Lombardo asked to leave Slayer?

Earlier today, this message was posted publicly by the official Facebook page of Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo:

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

 

Blind Image announce Australian tour and Noble Luke as new frontman

Chennai based metallers Blind Image have just announced their first international tour, which includes gigs across Australia from the 11th to the 19th of November this year. In another surprise announcement, they have revealed that their vocalist David Simon has quit the band, only to be replaced by Noble Luke- acclaimed frontman of Artillerie.

The east coast Australian tour was brought together by The Flaming Arts and Deadsets Promotions. The band will be supported by fellow label mates – Humonic.

Australian audiences can expect a solid dose of extreme/groove metal mixed with earlier circa 90’scontemporary leanings from Blind Image. Having released their second album ‘More Than Human’, Blind Image have moved on to a more mature sound of what they term “intelligent experimental/groove metal” which far removes them from their earlier freshman thrash sounds of “Psychobabble”.

Drummer Krishna had this to say about the tour- “This is very exciting and we are really happy that things are falling into place, finally. We have worked on this so hard with our management flaming arts and our booking Agent Anthony to make it work and we are glad it has finally been announced! This will certainly be a great exposure for us and a massive stepping stone. We have the privilege of being the first Indian metal band to hit the Australian shores and it will be an interesting experience to play along with some really quality bands from Australia such as Dawn heist, Kunvuk and Humonic. Can’t wait for it.”

Blind Image will, as part of their tour, headline the newly coveted Whiplash Festival in Canberra; which boasts of a mixed showcase of the very best in Australian Hardcore, Metal and Rock newcomers.

Debuting as the new vocalist for the metallers will be Artillerie frontman, Noble Luke.

Krishna says- “This was a real hard decision. But, eventually it ended up in a mutual way. We are happy that we are still maintaining a great relationship with David. He has been our best friend for the past so many years which is why we both understood each other’s priorities. With no doubts, David is such a talented vocalist but its just for professional reasons. Both, the band and David felt, parting ways was the best thing for the band. We really wish him a great future and nothing less.”

“Well, Noble Luke is definitely one of the best frontmen in India. We have had a couple of jams over the weekend and the chemistry was just unbelievable. He picked up the songs so quickly and even wrote vocal lines for some new songs. His idea on writing songs is pretty similar to the ideas what we have. So, we really feel that this is going to be a perfect blend. We are sure he is going to take the band to the next level as a front man and we are totally looking forward for our first gig with him.”

Noble Luke says, “The timing for this to happen couldn’t have been any sweeter. I am feeling stronger, better and more creative than ever, and I know Blind Image has been gearing up with a lot of kick ass new material. The collaboration at this point therefore seems perfect by design. I guess I am very fortunate to be on board now, and to work along side this band which has long been championing the causeof metal in the South. I’m getting goosebumps anticipating the carnage justitching to be unleashed. This will be one insane rush.”

The dates for Blind Image’s Australian tour are:

11TH NOV – THEPRAGUE, THORNBURY VIC
12TH NOV –WHIPLASH FESTIVAL, CANBERRA ACT
13TH NOV – THEVALVE BAR, SYDNEY NSW
18TH NOV – THE JUBILEEHOTEL, BRISBANE QLD
19TH NOV –SHEPPARTON HALL, SHEPPARTON VIC

Sponsors : VATER, SOULTONE, SONOR, ENGL, SLUDGE FACTORY, VOLTAGE MEDIA, WHIPLASH FESTIVAL