Megadeth bassist David Ellefson’s has just informed fans that his mother Frances has died at the age of 82:

“It is with a heavy heart that I inform my dear sweet mother, Frances Marie Ellefson, has gone home to see the Lord. She passed tonight at approximately 6pm here in Jackson, MN at The Good Samaritan nursing home, where she has resided the past ten years following a massive stroke. She was also a nurse here for 20 years after I left to Hollywood, CA in 1983. I'm thankful that I was able to be here at her side in such short notice with all the other setbacks this week. Somehow, God makes a way when there seems no other way. You raised me well mom and gave everything you had to serving others. You fought the good fight, you have finished the race. Go home and rest in eternal peace now. I love you mom,and thank you for this life you gave to me.”

BraveWords offers up condolences to the Ellefson family.

Megadeth were scheduled to play the Harley Days festival in Slovakia on July 16th and the Masters Of Rock festival in the Czech Republic on July 17th, but due to bassist David Ellefson breaking his foot at the Rockmaraton Festival in Dunaújváros, Hungary on July 15th both shows were cancelled. Frontman Dave Mustaine issued a video message explaining the situation.

Megadeth recently announced the addition of Dirk Verbeuren as the band’s new drummer. Verbeuren, formerly of Swedish metal band Soilwork, has been performing with the band for months, his first show was the Rock On The Range festival in May, to a crowd of 40,000 concertgoers.

Most recently, Lamb Of God drummer Chris Adler had performed all the drums on the band’s latest album, Dystopia, and had toured with Megadeth when not otherwise busy with his band.

Said band leader Dave Mustaine: "Chris Adler's contributions are sure to be felt for years to come. Megadeth has been revitalized by Chris' playing, as well as his excellent suggestion of Dirk Verbeuren to drum with us. Tremendous thanks to Chris, and a big welcome to Dirk."

New drummer Verbeuren had this to say: "Dave, David and Kiko, I'm thankful for your warm welcome and thrilled at the opportunity to perform and create badass music with you guys. Chris Adler, thank you for introducing me to Megadeth - and for your encouragement and support."

Said Adler: "It has been an honor and a pleasure to join my favorite band of all time, and to be a part of their return to the top. I had an amazing time with everyone involved, from the writing, arranging and recording, to the touring and friendships built along the way. There was no argument or drama, no hidden story. Megadeth needs and deserves a full time drummer, and as much as I'd like to be, I can't be in two places at once. For my part, I am very lucky to be a part of Lamb Of God, and to also have gotten a chance to dance with my heroes at the ball.  I still can't believe it sometimes when I think of myself as a kid, opening up my Megadeth albums... and now I'm an alumni! I'm very proud of that - and I will continue to be their biggest fan."

The global Dystopia tour, which is currently in full swing, will have visited five continents by the end of 2016.  Current tour dates are listed below:

July
30 - Teleferico - Quito, Ecuador

August
2 - Teatro Caupolicán - Santiago, Chile
4 - Estadio Ruca Che - Neuquen, Argentina
5 - Estadio Ruca Che - Neuquen, Argentina
7 - Espaço das Américas - Sao Paulo, Brazil
9 - Expominas - Belo Horizonte, Brazil
12 - Net Live - Brasilia, Brazil
13 - Siará Hall - Fortaleza, Brazil
16 - Pepsi On Stage - Porto Alegre, Brazil
18 - Spazio Van - Curitiba, Brazil
20 - Jockey Club - Asuncion, Paraguay
22 - Luna Park - Buenos Aires, Argentina
23 - Luna Park - Buenos Aires, Argentina
26 - Estadio Jorge “El Magico” Gonzales - San Salvador, El Salvador
29 - Pepsi Center - Mexico City, Mexico

September
1 - Plaza de Toros Santa Maria - Santiago de Queretaro, Mexico
3 - Mexico Metal Fest - Monterrey, Mexico
24 - Ozzfest Meets Knotfest at San Manuel Amp. - San Bernardino, CA

In other news, Megadeth have released a 30-second trailer for their forthcoming "Post American World" video, which is due to be released soon. The song is taken from the band's latest album, Dystopia.