Chuck Billy Praised Testament’s New Drummer by Pretending He Didn’t Just Have Dave Lombardo Behind the Kit

Over the weekend, Testament vocalist Chuck Billy gave huge props to the band’s new drummer, Chris Dovas. Though he’d previously filled in for some guy called Dave Lombardo during some previous shows, he was made an official member of the band when that other dude announced he didn’t have time for the Bay Area thrash legends.

Since then, the band’s been on tour and kicking ass all over South America on the Klash of the Titans Tour with Kreator, giving Dovas a chance to shine in front of a live audience. And while Lombardo was a master in his own right, Billy felt the need to not only heap praise on the band’s newest member, but also poke a little fun at Lombard’s expense, asking the crowd a simple question — “Lombardo who?”

“Stand up and take a bow. Give it up for Mr. Chris Dovas. Lombardo who? Yeah. That’s Chris Dovas right there. Don’t forget it.”

And just like that, after a quick little jab at their former drummer, Billy and the rest of Testament shift int an absolutely badass performance of their classic track, “D.N.R. (Do Not Resuscitate).” The band’s got plans to release an album in the near future, so Dovas will play in that entire record.

All /joking aside, Lombardo said he wasn’t able to continue playing with Testament, despite rejoining the band last year, due to other 2023 touring commitments. The ex-Slayer drummer is currently embroiled in a number of projects, from Mr. Bungle and The Misfits to his solo project and Venamoris, so it only makes sense that the touring obligations would be unavoidable.