Information AboutMegadeth |
Megadeth is an American Thrash Metal band led by founder, frontman, and songwriter Dave Mustaine . Formed in 1983 following Mustaine's ejection from Metallica , the band has since released eleven Studio Album s, six Live Album s, two EPs , and two Compilations . As a pioneer of the American Thrash Metal movement, Megadeth rose to international fame in the mid 1980s, but were plagued by constant lineup changes, due in part to Mustaine's notorious Substance Abuse problems. After finding sobriety and securing a stable lineup, Megadeth went on to release a string of platinum and gold albums from 1986-1997, including the Grammy nominated, double-platinum '' Countdown To Extinction '' in 1992. Megadeth disbanded in 2002 after Mustaine suffered a severe nerve injury to his left arm, but following extensive Physical Therapy , Mustaine reformed the band in 2004 and released '' The System Has Failed '', which debuted at #18 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, followed by '' United Abominations '' in 2007, which debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Megadeth are known for their distinctive guitar style, often involving complex, intricate musical passages, and Trade Off Guitar Solo s. Mustaine is also known for his original " Snarl ing" vocal style, as well as his recurring lyrical themes, often involving politics, war, addiction, and personal relationships. As one of the most commercially successful heavy metal bands of all time, Megadeth has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide,1 including six consecutive platinum albums, with seven consecutive Grammy nominations for Best Metal Performance . In their 22 active years, Megadeth has had 18 official members, with Mustaine remaining as the driving force, main songwriter, and sole original member. Megadeth is often mentioned as one of the " Big Four Of Thrash " bands, along with Anthrax , Metallica and Slayer . HISTORY Formation, early days In the summer of 1983, just a few months after lead guitarist , 2007 . Mustaine, bassist David Ellefson , guitarist Greg Handevidt, and drummer Dijon Carruthers formed Megadeth. Mustaine later said, "After getting fired from Metallica, all I remember is that I wanted blood. Theirs. I wanted to be faster, and heavier than them".''"Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good" ''remastered album notes''. May 2002, Loud Records , 9046-2. Fueled by the desire for revenge,Ling, Dave. ''"At the Start It Was About Revenge"'', September 1999, ''Metal Hammer'', reported by The Realms of Deth ; last accessed November 28 , 2006 . Mustaine elevated the intensity of Megadeth's music, speeding up existing songs such as "Mechanix", which was previously performed with Metallica at a much slower pace with the changed song title ("The Four Horsemen") and lyrics. After unsuccessfully searching for a vocalist for nearly six months, Mustaine decided to handle lead vocal duties himself, while also serving as the band's primary lyricist, main songwriter, and co-lead and rhythm guitarist. Caruthers was soon replaced by drummer Lee Rausch, and guitarist Greg Handevidt left the band in late 1983 to form , 2006 . On the strength of their three song demo, Megadeth signed with the New York based Independent Label Combat Records , and in December added second guitarist Chris Poland , a friend of Gar's from the fusion Scene . ''Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!'' Early in 1985, the band was given $8,000 by , 2006 . The album features the first of many Cover Song s performed by Megadeth; a Speed Metal version of Nancy Sinatra 's classic " These Boots Are Made For Walking " (), with lyrics altered by Mustaine. The song sparked controversy in later years when the song's original Author , Lee Hazlewood , deemed Mustaine's changes to be "vile and offensive",''"Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good"'' remastered album notes''. May 2002, Loud Records , 9046-2. and demanded that the song be removed from the album. Under threat of legal action, the song was removed from all pressings released after 1995. In 2002, however, the album was re-released with a partial version of the song, though with the altered lyrics censored by a "beep". In the ''Killing Is My Business..'' deluxe edition liner notes, Mustaine is strongly critical of Hazlewood, and notes he received Royalties for almost 10 years before objecting to the altered version.''"Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good"'' remastered album notes''. May 2002, Loud Records , 9046-2. In the summer of 1985, the group toured the United States and Canada for the first time, supporting ''Killing Is My Business...'' with 2006 . Poland later rejoined Megadeth in October 1985 however, shortly before they began work on their second album with Combat Records . Prominent status and success ''Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?'' , released in 1986]] Originally completed in March 1986, Megadeth's second album again suffered from , 2006 . eventually selling more than a million copies in the US alone. Considered to be a landmark , 2006 . and the opening bassline was used for years as the theme for MTV News . ''Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?'' was the first Megadeth album to feature art by Ed Repka , who redesigned the band's mascot Vic Rattlehead to the current standard, and designed much of the band's artwork in later years. In February 1987 Megadeth was added as the opening band on , 2006 . After years of problems stemming from , 2006 . ''So Far, So Good... So What!'' With a major label recording budget, and producer Paul Lani behind the desk, Megadeth spent five months recording their third album, '', 2006 . In January 1988 Megadeth released '', 2006 . ''So Far, So Good...'' featured the single " In My Darkest Hour ", () with music written by Mustaine as a tribute to fallen Metallica bassist Cliff Burton . The song remains a fan favorite, and has been performed at nearly every Megadeth show since. ''So Far, So Good...'' also featured a Cover Verson of the Sex Pistols ' " Anarchy In The UK ", with lyrics altered by Mustaine (who later admitted to hearing them wrong).''"So Far, So Good, So What!"'' remastered album notes''. July 24, 2004, Capitol Records , 72435-98626-2-0. In June 1988, Megadeth appeared in , 2006 . Megadeth began their world tour in support of ''So Far, So Good...'' opening for , 2006 . In August 1988, Megadeth appeared at the , 2006 . In July 1989, , 2006 . ''Rust In Peace'' '', released in 1990]] Following Mustaine's new found sobriety, Megadeth began a long and lengthy search for new members, particularly lead guitarists. Those who auditioned ranged from , 2006 . A revitalized Megadeth entered Rumbo Studios in March 1990 with co-producer , 2006 . Released worldwide on , 2006 . In September 1990 Megadeth joined Slayer , Testament and Suicidal Tendencies for the European "Clash of the Titans" tour, and in October, they were added as the opening band on Judas Priest 's '' Painkiller '' tour, culminating with a performance to 140,000 people in January 1991 at Rock In Rio 2 festival in Brazil. Following the success of the European tour, a "Clash of the Titans" US tour began in May 1991, featuring Megadeth, Slayer , Anthrax and opener Alice In Chains . A European tour with Slayer, Anthrax, and German Thrashers Kreator (with a few live dates alongside Sodom and Destruction) came after as well. In July, Megadeth's "Go To Hell" () was featured on the '' Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey '' soundtrack, and shortly after "Breakpoint" was featured on the '' Super Mario Bros '' soundtrack. In 1991 Megadeth also released their first Home Video , '' Rusted Pieces '', which contained six of the band's Music Videos , along with a video interview with the band. Commercialisation, shift towards mainstream ''Countdown to Extinction'' In January 1992, Megadeth entered Enterprise Studios in , 2006 . On , 2006 . The album's title song, "Countdown to Extinction" also gave Megadeth the distinction of being the only metal band to ever win the ", 2006 . The band released their second , 2006 . In June 1993 Megadeth returned to the stage, appearing as "special guests" at , 2006 . Following their cancelled US tour, Megadeth returned to the studio to record "99 Ways to Die", () a song that appeared on '', 2006 . ''Youthanasia'' Early in 1994, Megadeth again teamed up with co-producer , 2006 . Recording of the album was captured on video, and later released as ''''. Following eight months in the studio, '', 2006 . A sticker on initial releases of '', 2006 . ''Youthanasia's'' first single, "Train Of Consequences",() reached #29 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock charts, and in November 1994, Megadeth appeared on the '', 2006 . "A Tout Le Monde" also received a music video, which was Banned by MTV due to its lyrical content, thought to be a promotion of Suicide .''"Youthanasia" ''remastered album notes''. July 24, 2004, Capitol Records , 72435-98623-2-3. Live support for ''Youthanasia'' began in South America in November 1994, and would span eleven months, becoming Megadeth's most extensive tour to date. The band were joined by , 2006 . In March 1995, Megadeth released a special edition of ''Youthanasia'' in Europe, containing a bonus disc entitled '' Hidden Treasures ''. The bonus disc featured every one-off song by Megadeth, from film soundtracks, compilations, and tribute albums, including a new recording of the Sex Pistols ' "Problems". Due to fan demand, the bonus disc was released as its own EP in the United States and Japan in July 1995. ''Cryptic Writings'' Following an extensive world tour in support of ''Youthanasia'', Megadeth took time off late in 1995. Mustaine began work on , 2006 . As with Max Norman before him, Prager would go on to be highly influential in shaping the direction of the band. He pushed Megadeth further into the "commercial rock" field, and convinced the band work with Nashville pop producer and former Giant guitarist Dann Huff .''"Cryptic Writings" ''remastered album notes''. July 24, 2004, Capitol Records , 72435-98625-2-1. In September 1996, Megadeth began working on songs for their next album in Nashville, tentatively titled ''Needles and Pins''. The writing process was closely supervised by new manager Bud Prager, who also contributed musical ideas and lyrics to the songs. Many lyrics, and even song titles were changed at the request of Prager. Regarding Prager's writing influence, Mustaine later wrote "I figured maybe this guy (Prager) could help me get that intangible 'Number One' record I so badly wanted"''"Cryptic Writings" ''remastered album notes''. July 24, 2004, Capitol Records , 72435-98625-2-1. Due to a problem with the album's original artwork, the album cover was replaced with a "voodoo symbol", and renamed '' Cryptic Writings ''. The album is the band's only release not to feature the band's mascot Vic Rattlehead in any artwork. On , 2006 . When asked about the eclectic nature of the album, Mustaine later said "We divided it into thirds. One part of the record was really fast and aggressive, one third of it was the really melodic, in between stuff, and then the final third was really radio orientated music like ''Youthanasia''".Wiederhorn, Jon. ''"Last Men Standing"'', June 1998, ''Guitar World'', reported by The Realms of Deth ; last accessed October 13 , 2006 . After more than a year away from the stage, Megadeth returned as a live act in June 1997, beginning a world tour with , 2006 . In 1998, ''. ''Risk'' Following the band's first real radio success with ''Cryptic Writings'', Megadeth opted to again work with , 2006 . Released on , 2006 . In July 1999, Megadeth recorded a cover version of the Black Sabbath song " Never Say Die ", which appeared on the second Nativity In Black tribute album. They began their world tour in support of ''Risk'' in September 1999, playing alongside 2006 . Megadeth returned to the studio in April 2000, to begin work on their ninth studio release. However, one month into production the band was given the opportunity to join the "Maximum Rock" tour, alongside 2006 . Megadeth and ''. The album also featured two new tracks, "Kill the King", and "Dread and the Fugitive Mind", () both of which showcased the band's return to their metal roots following ''Risk''. Return to roots ''The World Needs a Hero'' In November 2000, Megadeth signed with new label , 2006 . also receiving regular airplay on VH1 's ''Rock Show''. Touring in support of ''The World Needs a Hero'' began in the summer of 2001 in Europe supporting 2006 . Breakup In January 2002, Mustaine was admitted to the hospital to remove a 2006 . On , 2006 . Slowly, Mustaine began to play again, but was forced to "re-teach" his left hand. In order to fulfill contract obligations with Sanctuary Records , Megadeth released a compilation album, '' Still Alive... And Well? '' on September 10 , 2002 . The first half of the album contains live tracks recorded at the Web Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona , on November 17 , 2001 . The second half of the album contains studio recordings taken from ''The World Needs a Hero''. Rebirth ''The System Has Failed'' Following nearly a year of recovery, including physical and , 2006 . Mustaine began work on what was to be his first solo album. The new material was recorded with session musicians Vinnie Colaiuta and Jimmy Sloas in October 2003, but the project was put on hold when Mustaine agreed to remix and remaster Megadeth's eight album back catalog with Capitol Records . In addition to improving overall sound quality, Mustaine re-recorded some parts that were lost over time, or altered without his knowledge in the initial mixing process. In May of 2004 Mustaine returned to his newest recordings, intended as a solo effort, but due to outstanding contractual obligations with the band's European label , 2006 . The new album would be the first ever Megadeth recording not to feature Ellefson. To fill in for Friedman, Mustaine hired former guitarist Chris Poland to contribute guitar solos to the new album. Poland would only serve as a studio musician, however, as he opted to focus on his own Jazz Fusion project OHM. On , 2006 . Mustaine announced that the album would be the band's last, followed by a farewell tour, after which he would focus on a solo career. Megadeth began the ''Blackmail the Universe'' world tour in October 2004, enlisting touring bassist James MacDonough ( Iced Earth ), and guitarist Glen Drover ( Eidolon , King Diamond ). While in rehearsal for the tour, newly returned drummer , 2006 . In June 2005, , 2006 . Gigantour In the summer of 2005, Mustaine organized an annual heavy metal festival tour, dubbed , 2006 . On in March of 2007. In February, 2006 bass player , 2006 . On March 16 , 2006 the new Megadeth lineup made their live debut headlining the Dubai Desert Rock festival held in the United Arab Emirates , alongside Testament and 3 Doors Down . On , 2006 . ''United Abominations'' In May 2007 Megadeth announced their eleventh studio album, entitled ''". United Abominations was released on May 15, 2007. It debuted a week later at #8 in the US, the band's highest charting position since 1994's Youthanasia , and sold 54,000 copies in it's first week. In March 2007 Megadeth commenced a tour through Canada and the United States as an opening act for the newly-reformed Heaven And Hell , followed by a summer festival tour through Europe. In September 2007 Megadeth will return to the United States as the headline act on their Tour Of Duty tour. This will be followed by Japanese and Pacific rim dates as well as Gigantour Australia 2007. Megadeth tour dates in the UK and Europe are also due to be announced. According to a post made by Mustaine in the Megadeth Forums, he is currently recording samples to be used on the next Megadeth album. LYRICAL THEMES As Megadeth's primary lyricist, Mustaine is known for his often controversial, political, and more recently, personal lyrics.Birchmeier, Jason. ''"The System Has Failed" AMG Review'', at All Music Guide ; last accessed , 2006 . Controversial and misunderstood lyrics have also caused problems for the band, as the Music Video for " In My Darkest Hour " was banned from MTV in 1988 when the music channel deemed the song to be pro- Suicide .''"So Far, So Good, So What!"'' remastered album notes''. July 24, 2004, Capitol Records , 72435-98626-2-0. The music video for "A Tout Le Monde" was later banned by MTV, again wrongly interpreted as being pro- suicide, when in fact it was written from the perspective of a dying man, saying his last words to his loved ones.''"Youthanasia" ''remastered album notes''. July 24, 2004, Capitol Records , 72435-98623-2-3. Addiction is also a common theme, as in "Use the Man", " Burnt Ice ", and "Addicted to Chaos", about a former Substance Abuse counselor who died of a Drug Overdose .''"Cryptic Writings" ''remastered album notes''. July 24, 2004, Capitol Records , 72435-98625-2-1. Recently, some lyrics have taken on religious themes, including "Truth Be Told", which tells the biblical story of Cain And Abel , and "Shadow of Deth", with spoken lyrics taken directly from Psalm 23 of the King James Bible . Dave Mustaine has stated that they plan to enter the studio before 2009 for a new Megadeth album. CONTROVERSY , 2006 . In July 2004, former bassist , 2006 . and Mustaine filed a countersuit, which was later settled out of court. Also sparking minor controversy was Mustaine's announcement that Megadeth will not play certain songs live anymore, due to Mustaine's new identification as a , 2006 . However, this was later proved to be false in an interview with Kerrang magazine, during which Mustaine stated that, while he did not approve of the appearance of the 2 bands in question, he would take no action regarding their appearance, and that it was the media who blew the scenario out of proportion. LEGACY With over 20 million albums sold worldwidehttp://www.ilikemusic.com/rock/Megadeth-675 Accessed 19 August 2007, nine top 40 albums (including 4 top 10 albums),Billboard's Official website. ''"Megadeth album chart positions"'', at Billboard.com ; last accessed , Anthrax , and Slayer , Megadeth is second only to Metallica in sales and commercial success (Metallica meanwhile are the best selling metal band of all time with over 90 million sales - but it should be remembered that Mustaine helped them develop their signature sound and thrash metal in general early in their career). As an early pioneer of , 2006 . '', 2006 . In 2004, '', 2006 . Popular culture Megadeth has been mentioned in many films and , 2006 . In School of Rock, Jack Black's former band is named "Maggot Death" in reference to Megadeth. Megadeth is featured on the soundtracks '', 2006 . Megadeth has also written the song '' Gears Of War '' influenced by the 2006 Xbox 360 game of the same name, the song is on their newest album, '' United Abominations ''. DISCOGRAPHY See Also: Megadeth discography Studio albums BAND MEMBERS
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