Speaking to Metal Hammer, Dave Mustaine recently shared some insights into the early days of his music career and the driving force behind the formation of his band.
Mustaine delved into the reasons he decided to start Megadeth. On being the band’s frontman, he said:
“I was reluctant right up to the last minute. And then I finally said, ‘OK, f*ck it, I can’t be worse than some of these other dudes.'”
Drawing parallels to his days in Metallica, Mustaine recalled a similar incident involving James Hetfield. Mustaine noted his surprise when Hetfield, primarily known as the band’s vocalist, picked up a guitar and played with notable skill.
Mustaine’s association with Metallica lasted for two years before it came to an abrupt end in 1983, just before the release of their debut album, ‘Kill ‘Em All.’ Detailing the moments after his dismissal, Mustaine mentioned being awakened by band members in New York City and subsequently receiving a one-way bus ticket back to Los Angeles.
It was during this bus ride that inspiration struck. The name ‘Megadeth’ came into Mustaine’s mind after he chanced upon the words ‘the arsenal of Megadeth can’t be rid’ on a political postcard. As he reflected on his time with Metallica and his sudden dismissal, the guitarist was filled with a mix of emotions:
“I was driven by revenge. I was angry about what happened with Metallica, and all the way home, I kept thinking, ‘I’ll just be faster, I’ll be better, and my songs will be heavier.”
Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson also confirmed this in a previous interview, saying ‘a lot of the band was started on a grudge and a hardship of Mustaine’s firing.’ However, he stated that he was on good terms with Metallica members, and it wasn’t his narrative.
On September 7, Mustaine stated he no longer wanted to talk about Metallica, as he felt good about who he was right now.
