Megadeth

Megadeth was founded in Los Angeles in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine immediately after his contentious firing from Metallica. Fueled by a desire to create a faster, heavier band in retaliation, Mustaine adopted the name after reading a political flyer that mentioned the term "megadeath" (referencing nuclear casualties). Mustaine’s first key recruitment was bassist David Ellefson, who became his songwriting partner and the only other constant member for nearly two decades. The early years saw a rapid succession of musicians, including brief stints with Slayer's Kerry King, as Mustaine struggled to find a stable lineup. The first "classic" formation to record albums included Mustaine, Ellefson, guitarist Chris Poland, and jazz-fusion drummer Gar Samuelson. This lineup recorded their 1985 debut, Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!, and the seminal Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? (1986). The band's history has been notoriously turbulent due to internal conflicts and substance abuse issues, resulting in over 20 different official members. The most celebrated "Golden Era" lineup stabilized in 1990 with the addition of guitarist Marty Friedman and drummer Nick Menza, who, alongside Mustaine and Ellefson, created the multi-platinum albums Rust in Peace (1990) and Countdown to Extinction (1992). Mustaine remains the band's sole constant member, having steered Megadeth through a temporary hiatus due to an arm injury in 2002 and later parting ways with Ellefson in 2021. Despite the constant personnel shifts, Megadeth, a key member of thrash metal's "Big Four," continues to thrive globally under Mustaine’s leadership.

Megadeth was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, immediately establishing themselves as one of the "Big Four" of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. Known for highly complex, technical musicianship, intricate song structures, and lyrical themes focused on war, politics, and social commentary, the band quickly carved out a distinct niche in the metal scene. Their career exploded with their first major-label releases, particularly 1986’s Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?, which yielded the anti-establishment anthem "Peace Sells," whose opening bassline became the theme for MTV News for years. The band's classic period peaked with the platinum-selling albums Rust in Peace (1990) and Countdown to Extinction (1992), featuring signature hits like "Hangar 18" and "Symphony of Destruction," securing numerous Grammy nominations. Megadeth has maintained a consistent and global touring presence. A significant highlight was their participation in the 1990 "Clash of the Titans" Tour with Slayer, Testament, and others, which defined the thrash metal genre for a generation. A major career venture has been Gigantour, a traveling heavy metal music festival organized and headlined by Mustaine since 2005. The band's resilience, despite numerous lineup changes, has seen them sell over 50 million records and win a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2017 for the title track of their album Dystopia. They remain a dominant live force, regularly headlining festivals and arena tours worldwide.