Heavy metal legends Megadeth have announced they are pulling out of the upcoming Soundwave 2014 festival and cancelling all their Australian tour dates. Frontman Dave Mustaine took to the band’s Facebook page this morning to make the announcement, stressing that a recently reported feud with Jason Newsted was not a factor in the decision to pull out.

“Due to circumstances beyond its control, unfortunately Megadeth has to cancel their Australian dates,” reads the post. “Megadeth’s decision is unrelated to the fact that Jason Newsted is performing at Soundwave. Jason and I spoke recently and continue to be friends. – Dave Mustaine, Megadeth.”

Trouble surrounding Megadeth’s Soundwave appearance began last week when Soundwave officials announced that the thrash metal legends requested fellow band Newsted be removed from a triple Sidewaves bill, which also includes Danish band Volbeat. Festival promoter AJ Maddah also made comments via Twitter, claiming that Megadeth and Newsted had been feuding.

Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine denied reports that his band were responsible for taking Newsted off the Sidewaves bill, telling Facebook fans “this is all a huge misunderstanding.” Mustaine stressed, “I explained to Jason Newsted this morning. We didn’t put him on the show and we didn’t kick him off the show. He understands.” this was later confirmed by Megadeth tour manager Jim Carroccio to ABC News Radio.

Soundwave promoter AJ Maddah has remained adamant that Newsted were removed from the Sidewaves at Megadeth’s request. Asked by a Twitter follower about Mustaine’s comments, he said, “We were asked by Megadeth to remove him from Megadeth sideshow. No reason given.” Maddah had been making comments via Twitter over the weekend, alluding to “ridiculous” demands made by Soundwave artists threatening cancellation.

“Sometimes you have to take one on the chin for the fans and for the sake of preserving the show,” tweeted Maddah this morning. “I don’t like being asked to lie. Nor do I like being extorted. But at the same time I don’t want to lose an act off the festival. #dilemma,” he added. Megadeth’s cancellation announcement was posted just minutes later.

UPDATE 10:07am 10/02/14: AJ Maddah has confirmed via Twitter that due to Megadeth’s late-stage cancellation, so close to the festival dates, there is not enough time to book another headlining act. The promoter said he will fill the time void with longer sets by other acts and metal heavyweights Mastodon will now close the metal stage. Tweets added below.

Holy Shit. Just had the weirdest single most stupid phone conference of all time… Totally surreal. — AJ (@iamnotshouting) February 8, 2014

Sometimes you have to take one on the chin for the fans and for the sake of preserving the show… — AJ (@iamnotshouting) February 9, 2014

@jamescardno Nope. SW artist making ridiculous demands “or I’ll cancel”. — AJ (@iamnotshouting) February 9, 2014

I don’t like being asked to lie. Nor do I like being extorted. But at the same time I don’t want to lose an act off the festival. #dilemma — AJ (@iamnotshouting) February 9, 2014

@ryantjansen @Megadeth This has beein the weirdest experience I have ever had. And I have had some weird ones. — AJ (@iamnotshouting) February 9, 2014

@benmcshane2 Longer sets. We couldn’t replace at this short notice. — AJ (@iamnotshouting) February 9, 2014