DAVE MUSTAINE: 'Cemetery Gates' DIMEBAG Tribute To be Included On GIGANTOUR DVD

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine has posted the following message in the "Forums" section of the band's official web site:

"We had a looooooong drive from Corpus Christy to Atlanta yesterday, and after hours and hours in the bus, we finally made it safe to our hotel. We stopped long enough to drop off Shawn and Glen [Drover, MEGADETH drummer and guitarist, respectively] with Shawn's family and they were ecstatic so see them.

"Meanwhile, we are starting to turn the rudder on Gigantour to head north after tomorrow's show. I look forward to meeting more of you as we go along and playing in front of you if we don't meet.

"Backstage Access: Due to the overwhelming success of the Platinum Tickets and the time it takes to take photos with everyone, and to sign articles, shake hands, and answer questions, we are having to work extra hard backstage before we go on. This package, as you can imagine, is very special for us and for the fans who order them and we really want to make it worthwhile for you. Sometimes there have been fans that arrive late and we still make sure to take the time to give them what they were offered, even though the photographers have to set everything back up again and it interferes with us getting ready for the show when we have to go out of the way for late people.

"Also, there is a company called F.Y.E. that sell all of the bands on Gigantour's latest records and are offered a chance to purchase an autographed copy, or if there is time, to run through a quick-paced line to get the new records signed by the bands that they have chosen. This is not a meet-n-greet, and nothing more than a 'How ya doing?' is to be expected, and while most people are grateful, there are a few whiners that don't realize what a great opportunity this is for them to meet the bands that they like before the concert is over, merely for buying a CD and standing in a line.

"Next, there is the fan club which is comprised of much more than just joining a club and getting a picture and an autograph. I try real hard to accomodate all of our fan club members, and when Dave McRobb [webmaster] selects the ten people who get to meet us, that is it. We are not taking pictures or signing more than one item before we go on because we are on a very tight schedule. Add that to all of the other things that come along with this club and I can't think of one other club that does quite so much for their fans. And for the ten that get to come back and meet us, again it is a quick hello, sign one item, and see a little of what the 'backstage activity' is. It is not even remotely comparative to the Platinum tickets, which makes time for photos and backstage tours. However, the Platinum tickets don't include any of the numerous benefits the fan club offers.

"Lastly, to the pathetic persons that are suggesting I intend on selling the performance of DREAM THEATER, Burton [Bell, FEAR FACTORY frontman], Russell [Allen, SYMPHONY X singer], and myself's tribute to Darrell [Abbott, late PANTERA guitarist], you disgust me. I doubt I have ever seen such shameful thinking posted here, ever. As far as the performance goes, it will not be put up here or at Gigantour.com, nor will it be 'offered' to the MEGADETH fan club. It will be included as a gift on the Gigantour DVD, if I even include it now. And Vinnie [Paul, PANTERA drummer], Darrell, and the PANTERA family would probably be pissed at this shallow ignoramus' thinking. In fact, I talked to Rita [Dimebag's longtime girlfriend] after the concert and she thanked me, as well as Vinnie being there too and sending his thanks after we left.

"I am not going to ask McRobb ban you few for posting this. You have already been sentenced to a label of shameful posts in a very cool, diverse, friendly and welcoming community here. I hope you rethink your assinine accusations so we can be friends, but guys, you really are pathetic.

"Here's hoping you come to your senses, and if not you go to a different forum from now on!!"