Both groups' supposed "lyrical subject matter" (past or present) and Mustaine's identification as a born-again Christian was said to be the reason. However, skepticism had arisen about actual intentions, since Megadeth had upcoming tours scheduled with other bands of a sacrilegious or semi-sacrilegious nature (including another gig with Dissection and because many of Megadeth's vintage songs had questioned the institutions of organized religion).
In February, 2006, one day out of the blue bass player James MacDonough announced on the Megadeth Bulletin Board that he would no longer be playing for Megadeth. Baffled and wanting answers, Megadeth fans were answered when Megadeth.com's webmaster, Dave McRobb announced, that Megadeth would be getting a new bass player, James Lomenzo, formerly of David Lee Roth and Black Label Society. The exact cause of MacDonough's departure remains a mystery, MacDonough stating "There is no animosity here Droogs, just personal differences and this is all I'll ever say about it".
Current members
Dave Mustaine - Lead vocals, first guitar (1983-2002, 2004-)
Glen Drover - Second guitar (2004-)
James LoMenzo - Bass guitar (2006-)
Shawn Drover - Drums (2004-)
Former members
Vocalists
Lor Kain - Vocals (1983)
Guitarists
Greg Handevidt - Second guitar (1983-1984)
Kerry King - Second guitar (1984)
Chris Poland - Second guitar (1984-1985, 1985-1987. Very brief return in 1989)
Mike Albert - Second guitar (fill-in) (1985)
Jeff Young - Second guitar (1987-1988)
Marty Friedman - Second guitar (1990-1999)
Al Pitrelli - Second guitar (2000-2002)
Bassists
Matt Kisselstein - Bass guitar (1983)
David Ellefson - Bass guitar (1983-2002)
James MacDonough - Bass guitar (2004-2006)
Drummers
Dijon Carruthers - Drums (1983-1984)
Lee Rausch - Drums (1984)
Gar Samuelson - Drums (1984-1987)
Chuck Behler - Drums (1987-1988)
Nick Menza - Drums (1989-1998. Very brief return in 2004, in which he didn't actually perform or record)
Jimmy DeGrasso - Drums (1998-2002)
Session musicians
Chris Poland - Second guitar (The System Has Failed, 2004)
Jimmy Sloas - Bass guitar (The System Has Failed, 2004)
Vinnie Colaiuta - Drums (The System Has Failed, 2004)
Source: http://www.megadeth.com/index.php?section=history
