MEGADETH’s Guitarist Kiko Loureiro Takes a Break from “Crush The World” Tour to Be with His Children in Finland
Earlier today, the MEGADETH guitarist released the following statement: “Kiko checking in here! Our new record ‘The Sick, The Dying, and The Dead’ and our ‘Crush The World tour have been great. The worldwide chart positions have been our best yet! We want to really thank you for that.
“I have something that is difficult to share, but we always like to keep you informed with the truth. I have to leave the tour for now, to be home with my children, and to help them face the difficult challenges that arise from us being ‘Dads that work away from home.’
“I found a guitarist, Teemu Mäntysaari [WINTERSUN, SMACKBOUND], to fill in for me during the fall, and I think you’ll be very happy. He’s an amazing, incredible player. I have shared this with my partner in shred, Dave Mustaine, and to no surprise, he said, ‘Go! Go be there for your family and keep us posted!’
“To my band mates and all of our fans around the world, see you all very soon, back out on the Killing Road!”
Added Mustaine: “Kiko has had something come up in his family life that requires him to miss this next leg of our ‘Crush The World’ tour.
“We will not be cancelling the tour, and we’ll introduce you to Teemu on September 6th in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the Revel Arena. We are asking for your support and understanding at this time.”
The 36-year-old Teemu Mäntysaari , originally hailing from Tampere, Finland, ignited his guitar journey at the tender age of 12. In 2004, he made his mark by joining the band WINTERSUN and, since 2015, has been an integral part of SMACKBOUND.
Back in April 2015, the music world learned of Loureiro’s pivotal entry into MEGADETH, taking over the reins from Chris Broderick, who had departed the band five months prior.