MEGADETH BRINGS ON NEW DRUMMER, JIMMY DEGRASSO
New York - July 9, 1998 • Multi-platinum hard rock act Megadeth, announced today
that they have decided to replace drummer, Nick Menza with Jimmy DeGrasso.
Founder and frontman, Dave Mustaine explains "we've had a lot of good years with
Nick, but the band's relationship with him had run it's course. We came to that
conclusion after Jimmy stepped in mid-June to cover concert dates for Nick, who
had taken a leave of absence to have a benign (non-cancerous) cyst removed from
his knee. We wish Nick well and hope the best for him." Co-founder and bassist
David Ellefson concurs, "Nick was a big part of Megadeth's growth over the last four
albums, however it became apparent to all of us that it would be in everyone's best
interest to move on."

DeGrasso had developed history with members of Megadeth after meeting them first
on tour while in Suicidal Tendencies, and then later while performing with Alice
Cooper. Menza had been with the band since 1989, performing on the last 4
Megadeth releases (Capitol); Cryptic Writings, Youthanasia, Countdown to
Extinction, and Rust in Peace .

Megadeth is currently on tour with Ozzfest and will headline dates as well through
mid-August. Their latest single "Secret Place," from their critically acclaimed album
Cryptic Writings, has just been released and was most added first week out. It
marks their 4th Top 40 rock radio hit this year.