Dave Mustaine calls for Megadeth and Metallica to tour together
Dave Mustaine has called for a joint Megadeth and Metallica tour, as a way for the musician to bid farewell to the iconic band he was a part of in the early 1980s.
Mustaine was an early member of Metallica, but was kicked out of the group in 1983 due to erratic behaviour, in part from excessive drinking.
In homage to the time he spent in the iconic band, Mustaine has recorded and included a new version of the Metallica track, ‘Ride the Lightning’, which will be included on Megadeth’s self-titled final album.
In conversation with Revolver, Mustaine discussed this decision, sharing that he “wasn’t trying to do anything disrespectful.”
He went on, “I really respect James [Hetfield’s] guitar playing. And I think that Lars [Ulrich] is a tremendous songwriter. I really did enjoy my time with them. That’s why I had such a hard time when it ended. And this is me closing the circle, paying my respects.”
Mustaine was then asked whether this might be his special way to say goodbye to Metallica. He responded, “I didn’t think that, no. I loved that time. It was very fun. We were dangerous. But no, there’s no hidden agenda… This is about showing respect. … I liked [Hetfield and Ulrich].”
He added, “If the friendship was restarted, it wouldn’t bother me. I would accept, and I think it would be nice to revisit some of those times. But I just think because there was a lot of hurt and misunderstanding around our time together that it would be difficult not to keep bringing up the past.”
The musician mused over what it might be like to go on tour with his former band, sharing, “I think what needs to happen is there needs to be a Megadeth-Metallica tour. Period. That would, I’m sure, make everything right. We could hang out. Spend time together. But I know they don’t really tour like we do. I mean, when we go out on tour, we play many, many shows.”
Megadeth’s farewell tour will begin in earnest in February. However, Mustaine has previously explained that they could still be putting on shows for up to five years. The band has announced major legs in South America, North America, and Europe. Co-headliners along the way include Anthrax and Iron Maiden.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.