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.