Fans To Choose Set Lists For U.S. Megadeth Trek

NY (AP) - When veteran metal act Megadeth hits the road next month for a U.S. theater/club tour, the band will let its fans choose its set lists in each city. Each show on the trek - which kicks off Sept. 7 in Magna, Utah, and is scheduled to run through Oct. 16 in New York - will feature 24 songs picked from a list of more than 30 listed on the band's official Web site.

"We evaluated our current position and relationship with American radio and our most loyal fans," Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine said in a statement. "We also wanted to continue our long-standing record of innovation and 'firsts' with the Internet and the online community." Local radio stations along the route will also feature a link to the band's Web site encouraging listeners to get involved with the selection process.

Supported by Columbia/DV8 act Endo, Megadeth will be touring in support of its latest album, "The World Needs a Hero," its first for Sanctuary Records. In June, the set debuted at No. 16 on The Billboard 200, and at No. 12 on Billboard's Top Internet Albums chart.

The album was recently banned in Malaysia after government officials determined the imagery the band uses - specifically its skeleton mascot "Vic Rattlehead" - is unsuitable for the nation's youth. Officials also refused to grant the band and its crew work visas and effectively canceled a planned Aug. 2 performance in the country's capital city, Kuala Lumpur.