MEGADETH's DAVE MUSTAINE: 'We Are Officially On Tour Again'

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine issued the following update:

"We are officially on tour again [with JUDAS PRIEST and TESTAMENT as part of Priest Feast], and although it's just a short six-week run [of Europe], we are looking at it as a real early start to supporting our new record.

"So, last night [in Dublin, Ireland] was awesome to be playing again, and excluding not having full rehearsals at home due to the recording of the new record, and the usual 'first-day/week-of-the-tour blues,' we had a good performance and had a great time!

"We are really looking forward to the end of everyone getting their stage setup, and their soundchecks all worked out, because this is a tour with something for everyone, and that gives us the freedom to vary our shows and songs.

"Last night was no different than any other first night: there were feedback problems — the soundman from the sound company apparently was taken away in an ambulance last night BEFORE he had a chance to tell OUR soundman where the EQ was for the speakers that I like to have up front for you. These are to hear the vocals and music that you wouldn't hear, if you are in the middle.

"You see, I know that if you are on the floor, between the PA columns, in front of amps or drums blasting, you are not going to hear everything.

"I wanted to have the music completely balanced, as best as possible, at any place in the house.

"The first time we tried this, I said, 'let's just turn my vocal monitors around to face to audience, so they can hear the vocals right up front,' and it worked great!

"There is also the fact of set times and sticking to the schedule. Last night the show went overtime, so we were all backed up a little bit anyway, and we did what I feel is the right thing and played as much as we could, while supporting our friends in TESTAMENT and still honouring our headliners, the legendary JUDAS PRIEST."