Former MEGADETH guitarist Glen Drover has issued the following statement:

"Getting ready to head on over to YYZ and my flight to Monterrey, Mexico. Needless to say, I am really excited about playing these 4 shows with my good friends in TESTAMENT, as well as getting away from the cold weather for a week and enjoying a bit of sunshine and warmer weather ."

As previously reported, Testament have recruited Drover to fill in for Alex Skolnick on their upcoming Mexican tour dates with JUDAS PRIEST.

Due to Alex’s prior commitment to the TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, the band sought out Glen Drover to fill in. The band rehearsed together all week and sounds sharper than ever.

Alex Skolnick commented on his (temporary) replacement: “I regret that I'll be unable to perform at Testament's upcoming shows in Mexico this month. As many know, I've been touring with Trans-Siberian Orchestra since 2000, and it's been a blessing to be a part of both projects since reuniting with Testament in '05. I respect the Testament guys' decision to accept some gigs during this period, and I'm super happy to have Glen Drover filling in for me. I recommended him personally, respect his playing and know he'll do a great job. I apologize to any Testament fans for not being able to make it this time around but we have a lot of shows lined up in 2009 so far, all of which I'm on. Thanks for understanding, and I look forward to seeing everyone all over the world with Testament in 2009!”

Guitarist Eric Peterson commented: “I've known Glen since he played with King Diamond, and if anyone can jump in, Glen can. Plus, Alex is happy with our choice.”

Testament will be traveling to Mexico this week to play a string of dates with Judas Priest. See below for tour dates. The band is coming off a successful headlining run with SOILENT GREEN, to support their first studio album in nine years, The Formation Of Damnation.

Testament in Mexico with Judas Priest:

October

27 - Monterrey, Mexico - Arena Monterrey
29 - Guadalajara, Mexico - VFG Arena
30 - Puebla, Mexico - Auditorio Siglo XXI
31 - Mexico City, Mexico - Sports Palace

The Priest Feast 2009 tour, featuring JUDAS PRIEST, MEGADETH and Testament, includes the following dates:

February

10 - Dublin, Ireland - O2
11 - Belfast, Ireland - Odyssey Arena
13 - Sheffield, UK - Sheffield Arena
14 - Birmingham, UK - NEC
16 - Glasgow, Scotland - SECC Hall 4
17 - Manchester, UK - Manchester Arena
18 - Nottingham, UK - Nottingham Arena
20 - Cardiff, UK - Cardiff Arena
21 - London, UK - Wembley Arena
24 - Dortmund, Germany - Westfalenhalle
25 - Bamberg, Germany - Jako-Arena
26 -Berlin, Germany- Max-Schmeling-Halle
28 - Stockholm, Sweden - Globen Arena

March

1 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Scandinavium Arena
3 - Horsens, Denmark - Forum Horsens
4 - Malmo, Sweden - Arena Malmo
6 - Hamburg, Germany - Sporthalle
7 - Offenbach, Germany - Stadhalle
8 - Stuttgart, Germany - Porsche Arena
10 - Milan, Italy - Palasharp
13 - San Sebastian, Spain - Velodromo Anoeta
14 - Zaragoza, Spain - Arena
15 - Madrid, Spain - La Cubierta
17 - Lisbon, Portugal - Atlantico Pavilion
19 - Barcelona, Spain - Badalona