Megadeth Biography
This thrash metal quartet was founded in San Francisco, California, USA, by guitarist Dave Mustaine (David Scott Mustaine, 13 September 1961, La Mesa, California, USA) after leaving Metallica in 1983 (he co-wrote four songs on the latter's debut album, though he did not actually appear on it). Recruiting bass player Dave Ellefson (b. David Ellefson, 12 November 1964, Jackson, Minnesota, USA), Slayer guitarist Kerry King (b. 3 June 1964, Los Angeles, California, USA) and drummer Lee Rausch, Mustaine formed Megadeth. King and Rausch were quickly replaced by Chris Poland (b. Christopher Poland, USA) and Gar Samuelson (b. 18 February 1958, Dunkirk, New York, USA, d. 14 July 1999, Orange City, Florida, USA), and Mustaine negotiated a contract with the independent Combat Records label. Working on a tight budget, Megadeth produced Killing Is My Business ... And Business Is Good! in 1985. This was a ferocious blast of high-energy thrash metal, weakened by a thin production. Nevertheless, Capitol Records, realizing the band's potential, immediately signed them, even though Mustaine was beginning to acquire a reputation for his outspoken and provocative manner. Peace Sells ... But Who's Buying? was a marked improvement over their debut, both technically and musically. It was characterized by incessant, heavy-duty riffing, bursts of screaming guitar and lyrics that reflected Mustaine's outspoken perception of contemporary social and political issues.
In 1986, Mustaine fired Poland and Samuelson (who then formed Fatal Opera), bringing in Jeff Young (b. 31 March 1962, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA) and Chuck Behler as replacements before the recording of So Far, So Good ... So What! This built on their aggressive and vitriolic style, and included a cover version of "Anarchy In The UK", with the Sex Pistols' guitarist Steve Jones making a guest appearance. Following two years of heroin-related problems, and the enforced departure of Young and Behler, Mustaine reappeared in 1990 with guitar virtuoso Marty Friedman (b. Martin Adam Friedman, 8 December 1962, Washington, DC, USA) and drummer Nick Menza (b. 23 July 1968, Munich, Germany). Rust In Peace was released to widespread critical acclaim, combining an anti-nuclear message with the explosive guitar pyrotechnics of Friedman. Countdown To Extinction, meanwhile, was a bruising encounter that entertained more melody in the execution of its theme - that of impending ecological disaster. It included the UK Top 20 hit singles, "Skin O' My Teeth" and "Symphony Of Destruction". Reports of Mustaine's drug problems again overshadowed sessions for their sixth album, Youthanasia, recorded in Phoenix, Arizona, where three-quarters of the band now lived. It was produced by Max Norman (who co-produced Countdown To Extinction and mixed Rust In Peace), and featured the brilliant UK hit single "Train Of Consequences'. Following the release of 1997"s Cryptic Writings drummer Nick Menza left the band due to "health problems"; he was replaced by Jimmy DeGrasso (b. 16 March 1963, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA). A "clean' Mustaine steered the band in an even more melodic and commercial direction on 1999"s poorly received Risk. Former Savatage guitarist Al Pitrelli (b. 29 September 1962, New York City, New York, USA) then joined the line-up for the next album, The World Needs A Hero, which marked a welcome return to the band's heavy metal roots. Mustaine announced a hiatus in band activities in April 2002 after sustaining severe nerve damage to his left arm and hand. A projected solo album turned into the next Megadeth release, on which Mustaine was joined by the returning Chris Poland and session musicians Jimmy Sloas (bass) and Vinnie Colaiuta (drums), with the results being heard on 2004's mixed The System Has Failed. Further personnel changes saw the recruitment of Glen Drover (b. 25 May 1969, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; guitar), Shawn Drover (b. 5 May 1966, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; drums) and James MacDonough (b. 3 April 1970, Jacksonville, Florida, USA; bass), although the latter was replaced by James Lomenzo (b. 13 January 1959, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA) in 2006. The new line-up made its debut on the following year's United Abominations.
Source: The Encyclopedia of Popular Music by Colin Larkin. Licensed from Muze.
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