Megadeth posted the following message on Facebook after 11am on Monday: "All I asked for was an apology for blaming me for something I didn't do. I am still willing to play, but the promoter would rather not apologize and prefers to say I asked him to lie, which I didn't. Am I the only one that sees how easy it is to fix this? The AJ Maddah that I know is a wise and caring man, and I don't know what has happened to my old friend. My bags are packed Aussie fans."

Ticketholders for Megadeth's planned Sidewave sideshows - at the UNSW Roundhouse in Sydney on February 25 and at the Forum in Melbourne on February 27 - can obtain refunds from the point of purchase. Fans who planned to see them at Soundwave will not be able to obtain refunds for their festival tickets.

It's yet another headache for Maddah, who is the co-promoter and co-owner of the Big Day Out. The BDO has faced criticism over huge potential losses, small crowds and alleged mismanagement. Soundwave is however entirely separate from the Big Day Out and last year attracted the biggest crowds of any touring festival on the calendar.

Music industry website themusic.com.au is reporting that there will be no replacement on the Soundwave bill.