Megadeth announces new drummer Dirk Verbeuren

Dirk Verbeuren pic
Megadeth are happy to announce 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 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 bandleader 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: “They say the biggest decisions in life are the hardest to make. This decision falls under that category. As a drummer I’ve always enjoyed the evolution of my path. The past twelve years with Soilwork have been incredible, a portion of my life I honor with pride. When I was approached to join Megadeth - a childhood dream come true and something I never anticipated - I was beyond excited to even consider the realm of possibility. But truth be told, I couldn’t have rightfully made this step without the support and blessing of my Soilwork family. For that I owe a huge thank you to Björn, Sven, David, Sylvain and Markus. You have allowed me to see what lies ahead, and you're my brothers in metal. Chris Adler, thank you for introducing me to Megadeth and for your encouragement and support. Dave, David and Kiko, I'm thankful for your warm welcome and thrilled to perform and create badass music with you guys. To the fans, this is a new chapter for us; I hope we can enjoy this ride together! Last but not least, thank you to my talented student and fellow drummer Bastian Thusgaard for stepping in”.

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 included below, with full information available here.

“Dystopia” originally debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, No. 1 album on the Hard Music and Top Rock charts. and No. 2 on the Top Album Sales chart. Globally, Dystopia also achieved top 10 debuts in Canada (No. 2), Japan (No. 2 international chart), Finland (No. 3), Mexico (No. 4), Czech Republic (No. 5), Australia (No. 6), New Zealand (No. 6), Switzerland (No. 7), Poland (No. 8) and Germany (No. 10), which along with Belgium, Ireland and Spain contributed to achieve Megadeth's highest ever chart positions in their thirty year history in a total of 10 countries around the world. Other countries with significant sales or chart debuts included UK, Norway, Sweden, Italy, Netherlands, and France. A truly worldwide success. Heralded by fans and critics alike as ranking among Megadeth's strongest albums ever, Dystopia had already outsold the entire sales history of the band's previous album – in only its first two weeks of release.

Dystopia World Tour 2016:
July 16 Harley Festival @ Tatran Handball - Presov, Slovakia
Jul 17 Masters Of Rock @ Distillery R Jelinek - Vizovicev, Czech Republic
Jul 30 Teleferico - Quito, Ecuador
Aug 02 Teatro Caupolicán - Santiago, Chile
Aug 04 Estadio Ruca Che - Neuquen, Argentina
Aug 05 Estadio Ruca Che - Neuquen, Argentina
Aug 07 Espaço das Américas - Sao Paulo, Brazil
Aug 09 Expominas - Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Aug 12 Net Live Brasília - Brasilia, Brazil
Aug 13 Siará Hall - Fortaleza, Brazil
Aug 16 Pepsi on Stage - Porto Alegre, Brazil
Aug 18 Spazio Van - Curitiba, Brazil
Aug 20 Jockey Club - Asuncion, Paraguay
Aug 22 Luna Park - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Aug 23 Luna Park - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Aug 26 Estadio Jorge "El Magico" Gonzales - San Salvador, El Salvador
Aug 29 Pepsi Center - Mexico City, Mexico
Sep 01 Plaza de Toros Santa Maria - Santiago de Queretaro, Mexico
Sep 03 Mexico Metal Fest - Monterrey, Mexico
Sep 24 Ozzfest Meets Knotfest @ San Manuel Amphitheater - San Bernardino, CA U.S.A.

Weblinks:
www.megadeth.com
www.facebook.com/Megadeth