Slayer fired Dave Lombardo just before they were scheduled to leave for their Australian tour. The reason they parted ways was over contract complaints, but Lombardo and Slayer have two very different sides to the story. Lombardo, who is the band’s drummer and a co-founding member of Slayer, posted a long letter on Facebook with all the details of his side of the story, according to the L.A. Times on Friday Feb. 22, 2013.
Dave Lombardo's side of the story:
Lombardo writes that after questioning expenses and the accounting practices of the group, he was informed by the band’s lawyers that he wasn’t needed for the Australian tour and Jon Dette, a former drummer for the band, will take his place.
This wasn’t the end of Lombardo’s side of the story, he said he was forbidden by his band mates to speak to the press and he was “coerced” into signing a contract that the band has the right to keep tour accounting details hidden from him. He wouldn’t get any pay until he signed that agreement, writes Lombardo. This is why Lombardo was told he was no longer with the band, according to his side of the story.
Slayer's side of the story:
Slayer released a rebuttal of sorts that starts by saying they don’t agree with “Mr. Lombardo’s substance and timeline.” They accuse Lombardo of coming to the band with “a new set of terms for his engagement,” which were "contrary" to the original agreement he had with them. The band couldn’t reach an agreement with Lombardo’s new “demands” in the short amount of time before leaving on the Australian tour. This is why Slayer and Lombardo parted ways, according to the band's side of the story.
Dave Lombardo's final say:
Lombardo had a few words for his Australian fans, “who spent their money expecting to see the 3 of us original Slayer members.” he writes. He wanted his fans to know, “I look forward to seeing you in the future.”
As with any dispute there are two sides to the story and usually the truth lies somewhere in between both sides!
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