In a newly published interview with Classic Rock, Megadeth vocalist/guitarist Dave Mustaine offered some characteristically prickly comments on several topics. As you might expect, his time in Metallica and his unceremonious 1983 ouster from the thrash metal superstars once again saw Mustaine deliver a somewhat pointed reply—albeit this time followed by some admiration for his former bandmates.
When asked about why he considered himself to be the ‘leader’ of Metallica during his time in the band given the ‘alpha male’ status of vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich, Mustaine responded:
“Oh no. I am clearly the alpha male between the three of us. Why did I have to do everything when I was in the band? Why did they always ask me talk to the promoters and collect the cash? Why was I the one who had to do the fighting? Why did I have to talk in between songs?”
When it was then mentioned how the betrayal and bitterness he experienced from being kicked out of the band both fueled and plagued him, Mustaine offered:
“How can you expect a boy who’s twenty and the guitar player in one of the biggest new things in the world to have a grasp on reality? Everything from that point forward was a fucking feud. Everywhere I went it was: ‘So, how’s everything going with Meta… er, Megadeth?'”
He was then asked if it was ‘difficult’ for him to talk about Metallica, to which he replied:
“No. I really don’t give a fuck. And you know what? I love those guys. I sent a text message to James just a couple of days ago after he’d said that he was insecure about his playing [see here.] I said: “James, I love you and I really like your playing.” He didn’t answer. Of course not. Why would he? The point is I wanted him to know that I’ve had those feelings too, but I don’t now.
I must remind you that when I joined Metallica, James did not play guitar. He just picked it up and started playing when I was in the band. But let’s be honest, James is one of the best metal guitar players in the world. So for him to have those feelings, that’s a lie, because he’s a mind-blowingly talented guy. So I just felt I needed to say something to him. I didn’t tweet it. I didn’t want anybody to know what I said. But I’m telling you because, hey, you brought it up!”
You can read the full extensive interview, which covers his shift to Christianity, his proudest moments and his reluctance to talk about his past drug use here. Megadeth are out touring on their newly released sixteenth studio album “The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!“.
The band are out with Five Finger Death Punch, The HU and Fire From The Gods on the below run:
09/09 Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
09/10 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
09/12 Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
09/14 Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
09/15 Camden, NJ – Waterfront Music Pavilion
09/17 Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater
09/18 Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
09/20 Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
09/23 Scranton, PA – Pavilion at Montage Mountain
09/24 Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
09/28 Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
09/30 Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
10/01 Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
10/04 Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center
10/05 Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
10/07 Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater – Summerfest Grounds
10/08 St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
10/10 Atlanta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
10/12 Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
10/14 Denver, CO – Ball Arena
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