MEGADETH Part Ways With Bassist JAMES MACDONOUGH

[Revan]

MEGADETH have parted ways with bassist James MacDonough. In a posting on the band's official forum, James wrote, "I just wanted to say thank you all so much for making me feel so welcome and thank you for all the awesome memories along the road. I will not be playing with MEGADETH any longer. I'm sure Dave [Mustaine, MEGADETH mainman] will post about it soon. Thanks again my metal brothers and sisters."

Could MacDonough's departure signal the return of MEGADETH's original bassist David Ellefson? In a a February 4, 2006 online posting on the band's web site, Mustaine wrote, "I said it before, [and] I'll say it again: I once was resentful, but now I am over the feuds with METALLICA, Ellefson, whomever. I have actually met with Ellefson one-on-one for dinner last year around [Christmas] to just clear the air and let him know I have no hard feelings and wanted to remain friends with him. We have talked on the phone numerous times since."

MEGADETH's next live appearance is scheduled for March 16 at the Desert Rock 2006 festival in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.