Founding Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo left the band for the first time in 1986. Lombardo was replaced by Tony Scaglione for one year before rejoining again in 1987, though that almost didn't happen.
Lombardo said in a recent interview with the Speak N' Destroy podcast that he was going to join Megadeth instead, but was convince to return to Slayer by producer Rick Rubin. Lombardo also said he wasn't too sure he fit into Megadeth's lifestyle, and cited the guys in the band not looking too healthy.
"A funny story – I was going to join Megadeth when I left Slayer the first time in '86. It was very much on the down-low – probably Mustaine doesn't remember this. But they had opened up for Alice Cooper during the Peace Sells tour, and I went to the Long Beach Arena, and I met with the guys.
"And the main issue at that time was – when I saw the guys, they didn't look very healthy. I think it was a very dark period for them, and I had heard rumors of drugs and stuff like that. I was no saint, but I kept it in check, and they just didn't look healthy to me, I didn't see a healthy path for myself. Sure enough, Gar Samuelson died – and he was an amazing drummer.
"Megadeth and Slayer played many times together, and so yeah, I just didn't see things go well, and then I, of course, rethought my position, and with a little bit of coercion from Rick Rubin, I returned [to Slayer]."
So Dave Lombardo was in Slayer, filled in for Metallica that one time live, and almost joined Megadeth. Anyone got any good Lombardo-meets-Anthrax stories?
[via UG]
