Thrash legends SLAYER have released a statement in response to drummer Dave Lombardo's Facebook post that he had been kicked off the band’s upcoming Australian tour.

Lombardo claims he wasn’t paid for the band’s 2012 tour (aside from a small advance), and that he was told he would not be paid until he signed a long form contract which gave him no written assurance of how much or on what basis management would deduct commissions, nor did it provide him access to the financial budgets or records for review. It also forbade him to do interviews or make statements having to do with the band, in effect a gagging order. Read his full statement here.

Slayer's statement reads:

"Slayer confirms that Jon Dette (Testament; picture below) will drum for the band on its Australian tour that starts this Saturday, February 23 in Brisbane. As regards [to] Dave Lombardo’s Facebook post, Slayer does not agree with Mr. Lombardo’s substance or the timeline of the events, except to acknowledge that Mr. Lombardo came to the band less than a week before their scheduled departure for Australia to present an entirely new set of terms for his engagement that were contrary to those that had been previously agreed upon. The band was unable to reach an agreement on these new demands in the short amount of time available prior to leaving for Australia. There is more to the account than what Mr. Lombardo has offered, but out of respect to him, Slayer will not be commenting further. Slayer is grateful to its Australian fans for their understanding of this unfortunate last-minute change, and very much looks forward to seeing them at these shows.”

Slayer as part of Soundwave 2013:

February

23 – Brisbane, Australia - RNA Showgrounds
24 - Sydney, Australia - Olympic Park
25 - Sydney, Australia - Big Top Luna Park *

March

1 – Melbourne, Australia - Flemington Racecourse
2 – Adelaide, Australia - Bonython Park
4 - Perth, Australia - Claremont Showground

* - Sidewave Show