Dave Mustaine feuds and rivalries

Megadeth guitarist and lead singer Dave Mustaine has a reputation for having been in many feuds and rivalries with other heavy metal musicians. Over the years, many of these have slowly resolved themselves, but problems still exist between a few people, most notably former Megadeth guitarist Jeff Young and Suicide Silence.

Contents 1 Metallica 1.1 Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield 1.2 Kirk Hammett 2 Megadeth 2.1 Dave Ellefson 2.2 Chris Poland 2.3 Jeff Young 3 Rikki Rachtman 4 Slayer 4.1 Kerry King 4.2 Tom Araya 5 Pantera 6 Mike Muir 7 Rotting Christ 8 Suicide Silence 9 References

[edit] Metallica

[edit] Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield

The most well-known of these is his feud with Metallica, in particular with drummer Lars Ulrich and rhythm guitarist/singer James Hetfield. This feud has waxed and waned over the years. In 2001, Mustaine and Ulrich sat down together — with a therapist and cameras present — to talk things through. The subsequent inclusion of the footage in the movie Some Kind of Monster re-ignited the feud, as Mustaine had reportedly withdrawn his permission to use the footage in the film. Mustaine commented that "after seeing Some Kind of Monster I'm about as good as friends with Metallica as they are with each other". Ulrich later noted in Metallica's fanclub magazine So What! in late 2005 that each time Mustaine slams him in the press seems to coincide with the release of a new Megadeth album. However, in a 2007 Metalhammer interview, Mustaine claims that the footage in Some Kind of Monster was edited; it didn't show Ulrich walking off the set crying and in general made Mustaine look like the bad guy.

Since then, the feud seems to be almost completely over, with Dave Mustaine releasing the following open letter on February 7, 2009:

“

Metallica as you know has been selected to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So, it is with much respect that I say "congratulations!" I also had the nice surprise of hearing that they called to invite me to the pre-ceremony party the night before, and then to the actual ceremony. Unfortunately as you all know, I will be winding down our European tour with Judas Priest so I will be unable to attend. However, I'd like to say to Lars and James, "I am so very proud of all you have accomplished. I will continue to pray for the very best for you and your families as I always have." Thank you for the invitation and thinking of me. Respectfully yours, Dave Mustaine[1]

”

He also noted, however, that "it would've been awkward" to be at the ceremony as a former member of the band, and still not be inducted.^[2] In a subsequent interview with the Netherland's Aardschok magazine, Mustaine was confronted with the fact that there were no European shows planned during the induction-ceremony. Mustaine went on to confirm that he thought it unacceptable he was appointed a seat in the back row of the audience, whereas tradition indicates former bandmembers sit at the front row. The tour with Judas Priest was cited to avoid another feud.

On June 22, 2010 during the Sonisphere Music Festival in Sofia, Bulgaria (part of the "Big Four" tour of Europe the four bands made, playing shows around Europe at Sonisphere Festivals), Mustaine and Megadeth appeared on stage along with members of Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax to perform the cover song "Am I Evil?" by Diamond Head. While taking the stage Mustaine could be seen hugging Lars and James, suggesting that the feud has finally been resolved.

On June 29, 2010 Dave Mustaine released a statement on the Megadeth website and via Facebook stating:

“

So now that the Big Four dates have come and gone, I feel it is time to check-in, say, "Hello" and tell you what has been going on in my world. First off, when we left San Marcos and Mustaine Music Studios aka 'Vic's Garage,' we had no idea what to expect, other than the fact that we wanted to make a point; we wanted to make the other bands feel comfortable, we wanted the fans to all leave this momentous occasion feeling completely satiated, we wanted the guys in Metallica to know that we could be depended on to pull our share... I don't know if we delivered for everyone, but for the tens of thousands of people each night, and ultimately hundreds of thousands of fans over the entire run of the Big Four festivals (affectionately dubbed "Sonisphere"), it seemed to me that the fans were finally able to put aside the silly stuff that the press has kept on life support for so many, many years. We did several round-table interviews with a member from each camp of the Big Four, and one thing that was a constant and that we all agreed on was that the press was the responsible parties for keeping the feuds alive. You heard it straight from our mouths; we are all at peace with one another, and we all are friends. End of story - or in other words, several shit magazines will now have to learn how to write real interviews, reviews, and features, instead of causing so much turmoil with us four, all in the spirit of selling their publications.[3]

”

This also suggests that Mustaine's differences with Slayer have been resolved.

In a recent interview with Revolver Magazine, Ulrich claims that the Metallica-Megadeth feud was quite exaggerated, and laid the blame for the feud on the press. He stated:

“

Me and Dave had kind of a friendship and a cool thing going at that time, up through most of the ’80s. It wasn’t until both bands started getting bigger that this whole kind of thing started happening in the press, which was really kind of different than what we had going between us. There was almost like two relationships there. The press loved the whole Megadeth-Metallica [rivalry]. And I sort of think it got a life of its own. And in some way, you could argue that the thing that the press was doing about setting our bands up, eventually started kind of transcending itself into our personal relationship and probably became a big part of the fact that over the ’90s it got a little frosty at times. You know what I mean?[4]

”

[edit] Kirk Hammett

Mustaine's replacement within Metallica by Kirk Hammett resulted in bad feelings towards Hammett on Mustaine's part. Even though he has stated he "[doesn't] care Kirk took my job," he also noted that "at least I got to bang his girlfriend before he took my job.".^[5] In "The Art of Kirk Hammett," Kirk states that he was told to use Mustaine's existing solos as a guideline. This feud has dropped off considerably in recent years, and Mustaine could also be seen hugging Kirk in the aforementioned June 22 Sonisphere show in Bulgaria when he took the stage, which suggests this feud is also over.

[edit] Megadeth

[edit] Dave Ellefson

Mustaine's decision to break up Megadeth in 2002 left all band members miffed and holding grudges, especially Dave Ellefson, who hinted during an interview with Metal Sludge magazine^{[citation needed]} that Mustaine faked an injury as an excuse to disband Megadeth. Ellefson had been, after Mustaine, the longest-serving member of Megadeth. Subsequently, the rift between them exploded, with the two camps exchanging lawsuits. Ellefson's suit alleged that co-founding guitarist Mustaine breached their long-running partnership agreement. He claimed Mustaine wrongfully took most of the band's income (estimated at more than $20 million since 1984) for himself and cut Ellefson out of the band's music publishing and merchandise revenues. Ellefson also said that Mustaine libeled him in an online posting, and he sought at least $18.5 million in damages. Mustaine's counterclaim alleged that Ellefson executed a settlement agreement in which he gave up his 20% interest in Megadeth. Mustaine maintains that the settlement — which Ellefson alleges was signed under pressure and ultimately withdrawn — released Mustaine from all claims. Ellefson eventually lost the case.^{[citation needed]}

On Blabbermouth.net, Mustaine claims to have had dinner with Ellefson at Christmas in 2005 to talk things through; they are on good terms today as Mustaine states they have spoken on the phone numerous times.^[6] In a 2009 interview, Mustaine stated that while he had forgiven Ellefson for suing him, he had "zero interest in ever seeing him again".^[7]

Despite this apparently definitive statement, Mustaine and Ellefson evidently continued repairing their relationship and only a year later on 8 February 2010 Mustaine confirmed that Ellefson would return to Megadeth and go out on tour in support of Megadeth's- Rust in Peace 20th Anniversary Tour, slated for March 2010. Ellefson and Mustaine have agreed to keep any unresolved issues in the past and are working on building and maintaining their friendship again. On the official Megadeth website Mustaine is quoted saying "This shows the power of brotherly love and forgiveness,” Mustaine says. “David Ellefson belongs in Megadeth. Next we are going to show you the power of getting your asses kicked...HARD!".^[8]

[edit] Chris Poland

Former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland, featured on the albums Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good! and Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?, had been the target of sour comments from Mustaine concerning Poland's former habit of pawning band gear to purchase heroin. After Poland was dismissed from the band and replaced with Jeff Young in 1987, Mustaine's bitterness towards Poland was the subject of the track 'Liar' on Megadeth's 1988 album So Far, So Good... So What!.

In a 1992 interview, Mustaine was quoted as saying: "Chris Poland - you know what? - he could die tomorrow and it wouldn't affect me... Chris has never made amends to me for stealing all my gear. I had a collector's item Echoplex which just disappeared, all sorts of guitars, which were all stolen to cash in for heroin. I'm willing to forgive and forget, but until he comes and makes amends with me then I'm not willing to give in."

The amends seemed to have been made by 2004 when Mustaine hired Poland to perform guitar solos on a number of tracks for The System Has Failed (he also recorded solos for Rust In Peace preproduction demos), after Poland had appeared to tell this side of the Megadeth story for the Behind the Music episode. Unfortunately, soon after the album's release, Mustaine was contacted by Poland's lawyers, who claimed Poland was due royalties beyond that of his session fees.^{[citation needed]}

In late 2006, Poland began posting on the official Megadeth message board, apparently having resolved his problems with Mustaine.

[edit] Jeff Young

More trouble arose late in 2009 when former guitarist, Jeff Young, responded online to statements made by Mustaine. Mustaine accused Young of being a heroin addict, claiming that an Australian tour had to be canceled because Young ran out of heroin. Young fired back in his statement by stating the reason the tour was cancelled was so Mustaine could return to LA and go to drug rehab.^[9]

Mustaine also stated that he "sang" Young's solos to him, a claim Young denies. Young ended his statement by challenging Mustaine to a guitar duel despite the fact that he "barely plays electric guitar anymore". In response to this feud, former band members Glen Drover and Chuck Behler issued statements supporting Mustaine's view, with Drover going so far as to provide video evidence. Drover stated, "he would loosely sing a possible pattern and motion with his left hand, giving me an idea of what direction he wants to go into., then i would work out pattern based around that idea and there was the solo."^[10] Behler, who was in the band on the same album as Young, told Bravewords.com, "As far as Dave humming solos to Jeff, that was sometimes the case. Not to demean Jeff as a guitar player by any means, but mainly because he was called into the project at the last minute. In fact, he would share a lot of ideas with us during recording - not in a way to take control, but just some constructive criticism.^[11] Mustaine has not responded to any of Young's statements.^[9]

[edit] Rikki Rachtman

Mustaine had a verbal feud with MTV's Rikki Rachtman from Headbanger's Ball. Rachtman stated on-air that he would like to settle his differences with Mustaine and move on. Mustaine eventually cleared the matter up, stating that, in reality, he really liked Rachtman. Recently on the VH1 40 Least Metal Moments, interviews were shown with Rachtman wearing a shirt saying "Dave Mustaine for President."

[edit] Slayer

[edit] Kerry King

Mustaine has a long-standing feud with Slayer guitarist Kerry King. King had previously been a temporary member of Megadeth in 1984. Even though Mustaine tried to convince him to focus on Megadeth rather than the "lame spikes" and "eye liner" with the "poseurs" in Slayer, Kerry refused to quit his main band.^[12] After a falling out during the 1991 "Clash of the Titans" tour, Kerry and Mustaine made public jabs at one another throughout the 1990s. Mustaine cited Slayer's poor record sales compared to Megadeth, and Kerry mentioned Mustaine's inability to get along with band members and tour with major acts. Mustaine tried to reach out to Kerry after the murder of Dimebag Darrell. King has said that he thinks Mustaine is a "cocksucker",^[13] has said that "everybody hates him",^[14] and that he is a "dictator".^[15] He also called David Ellefson a "great dude" and voiced his support for Ellefson's attempt to sue Mustaine in 2002, stating that he and Ellefson had "been friends for years." Mustaine, for his part, has stated that, in his opinion, "Kerry has a problem, because he hates everybody."^[16] In a recent 2007 interview in Metalhammer magazine, Mustaine states that he doesn't care anymore and wants to end his arguments, mainly with Metallica and Slayer. King stated in a 2007 issue of Revolver magazine that he is a "Mustaine fan", but that he doesn't "really care for the guy."^[17] Recently in GuitarWorld.com's Dear Guitar Hero, King stated that he "admires [Mustaine] to this day" as a guitarist, even though he considers Mustaine a "hypocrite".^[18] Although Megadeth teamed up with Slayer for the recent 2009 "Canadian Carnage" tour, Mustaine told Classic Rock Magazine that "I didn't even talk to Kerry yet." When questioned further regarding the matter, Mustaine replied "I’ve never had anything against Kerry – he started it all. The many things he said about me hurt my feelings, but I’m still open to being friends with him. Maybe we’ll sit down together and have a drink; he’ll have Jagermeister and I’ll have water. I’m a different person now, I’m 47. I’m happy in my life."^[2] In January 2010 Dave Mustaine and Kerry King hung out in a bar together for 45 minutes in Temecula, California, getting to know each other again.^[19] On October 21 the finale date of Jägermeister Music Tour in fall of 2010, Kerry King joined Megadeth on stage, at the Gibson Amphitheater in Hollywood, California to perform Megadeth's classic "Rattlehead"! which was the first time in 26 years that Kerry King has shared the stage with Megadeth since he played with the band during Megadeth's very first shows in 1984, and Mustaine could also be seen hugging King after the song performance, which suggests that this feud has dropped off for good.^[20]

[edit] Tom Araya

Mustaine's feuds with King have sparked animosities between fans of Slayer and Megadeth, but the only other member of Slayer who seems to be involved in the feud with Mustaine is bassist/vocalist Tom Araya. Like the feud with King (although much smaller-scale), this feud mostly began at the "Clash of the Titans" tour when Mustaine told him that he liked it when Araya "sucked his dick." Araya proceeded to call him a "homo" onstage.^[21] This feud has dropped off considerably in recent years.

[edit] Pantera

Mustaine once had a continuing feud with the band Pantera, which opened for Megadeth's 1992 Countdown to Extinction tour. In a 1994 MTV interview, Mustaine stated that he felt his music had been ripped off. He continued, "I'm not gonna name anybody 'cause I'm not gonna promote them. OK, we'll say 'panther' in Spanish. You're welcome guys. We might as well be cooking their dinner for them or pushing their little wheelbarrow to the bank for them."^[22] After the murder of former Pantera guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell (who was once invited to join Megadeth), Mustaine downplayed this comment on a 2004 Headbanger's Ball memorial to Dimebag as an "off-camera, off-record" event and said he felt flattered by Pantera. The video of the interview is available at the MTV website.^[22]

However, Mustaine and the members of Pantera seem to have put these differences to rest, as Mustaine has expressed his admiration for "Dimebag," saying:

"I knew ["Dimebag"] by wanting to play with him. We had Pantera open for Megadeth in the U.S. and in Europe. When you get to the level of guitar playing that I'm at and that he was at, the air is pretty thin up there...Darrell was a really gentle spirit and pretty easygoing guy."^[23]

and:

"...Knowing he was murdered tonight, I wish to thank and remember Darrell for his amazing life and the gift that he shared with me and so many other fortunates. I pray for Darrell's family and friends, specifically for their healing, their peace and their understanding of this tragedy in this time of need. I send my deepest heartfelt condolences to the Abbott family, to Darrell's friends, and to the fantastic Pantera and Damageplan fans around the world. We must never forget his life and his gifts, his genius, his terrific personality and the legacy he left behind to remember him by. Darrell, I will see you in heaven and I, like so many more, love you brother. You will be missed."^[23]

Mustaine also paid tribute to Dimebag at a 2005 Gigantour show in Dime's hometown of Dallas as he joined Dream Theater, Burton C. Bell, and Russell Allen on stage for a rendition of "Cemetery Gates",^[24] playing the song's guitar solo.

In 2007, Mustaine toured with Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown's band Down, further indicating that he has apparently made peace with the former members of Pantera.

[edit] Mike Muir

Yet another brief feud that was sparked on the "Clash of the Titans" tour was between Mustaine and Suicidal Tendencies frontman Mike Muir. Muir was upset that Mustaine apparently tried to throw his band off the bill and responded by attacking Mustaine's alcohol addictions and joking that he "lived at the Betty Ford Center."^[25] The feud nearly became violent on the Clash of the Titans tour when he challenged Mustaine to an onstage fist-fight. Muir claimed that "There are a lot of people who would like to see Dave get his butt kicked, and the Lord knows Mike Muir ain't goin' down. I'll fuck him up... I'd dazzle him, left'n'right. I wanna see a little blood, y'know what I'm sayin'?" Mustaine responded to Muir verbally, claiming that Muir was stupid for trying to intimidate him (Mustaine holds black belts in Karate and Tae Kwon Do according to megadeth.com's FAQ section), and claiming to be a Suicidal fan as well. This feud did not carry on past the end of the tour. Suicidal even opened for Megadeth on their 1992 Countdown to Extinction tour (and ex-Suicidal drummer Jimmy DeGrasso worked in Megadeth as well as MD.45 earlier).^[21] Despite Muir's behavior he and Mustaine are now on good terms, with Mustaine claiming that he and Muir are "good friends today."

[edit] Rotting Christ

In May 2005, Dave Mustaine refused to play at a Greek concert if black metal band Rotting Christ were on the bill (apparently because of their name). In response to their forced cancellation, the band´s vocalist, Sakis Tolis noted:

"I didn't expect something like that from Dave Mustaine, because, you know, he's supposed to be metal — you know, 'metal band,' all metal ... I just feel sorry for him and for every new Christian with new ideas, because we think Christianity is the worst thing to happen in human history. This is a well-organized trick in order to control society, so when I see someone that's very much Christian, that's full of the system, I feel very sorry for him because he's not free."

[edit] Suicide Silence

As Suicide Silence were touring with Megadeth, Mustaine created a feud with them upon him booting them from their final show that was to be held in Reno, Nevada. Vocalist Mitch Lucker originally attempted to hide what was happening upon announcing "We're sorry to announce that we won't be playing tonight in Reno. Megadeth, Warbringer and Arcanium will still be there so head out and show your support for those awesome bands!". But then it was announced by one of the band managers: "Suicide Silence are not allowed to play Reno due to Dave Mustaine's ego. Kicked off last two days of tour and had laminates removed." Following along, drummer Alex Lopez explained "Dave Mustaine kicked us off the Megadeth tour [because] he wanted to take our laminates for a little incident [some] weeks ago, so we told him to fuck off." Bassist Dan Kenny stated, "I would love a fist fight with Dave Mustaine, I hear he is quite good at MMA; I would triangle him in a second!"^[26][27]

[edit] References

v · d · eMegadeth Dave Mustaine · Dave Ellefson · Shawn Drover · Chris Broderick Greg Handevidt · Chris Poland · Mike Albert · Gar Samuelson · Jeff Young · Chuck Behler · Nick Menza · Marty Friedman · Jimmy DeGrasso · Al Pitrelli · James MacDonough · Glen Drover · James LoMenzo Studio albums Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! · Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? · So Far, So Good... So What! · Rust in Peace · Countdown to Extinction · Youthanasia · Cryptic Writings · Risk · The World Needs a Hero · The System Has Failed · United Abominations · Endgame Live albums Rude Awakening · Gigantour · That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires · Rust in Peace Live Compilation albums Capitol Punishment: The Megadeth Years · Still Alive... and Well? · Back to the Start · Anthology: Set the World Afire Extended plays Maximum Megadeth · Hidden Treasures Songs "The Mechanix" · "These Boots" · "Wake Up Dead" · "Peace Sells" · "I Ain't Superstitious" · "Anarchy in the U.K." · "Mary Jane‎" · "In My Darkest Hour" · "Liar" · "Hook in Mouth" · "No More Mr. Nice Guy" · "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due" · "Hangar 18" · "Go to Hell" · "Symphony of Destruction" · "Foreclosure of a Dream‎" · "Sweating Bullets" · "Skin o' My Teeth" · "Angry Again" · "99 Ways to Die" · "Paranoid" · "New World Order" · "Train of Consequences" · "À Tout le Monde" · "A Secret Place" · "Trust" · "Almost Honest" · "Use the Man" · "Crush 'Em" · "Insomnia" · "Breadline" · "Moto Psycho" · "Dread and the Fugitive Mind" · "Die Dead Enough" · "Of Mice and Men" · "The Scorpion" · "Gears of War" · "À Tout le Monde (Set Me Free)" · "Never Walk Alone... A Call to Arms" · "Dialectic Chaos" · "This Day We Fight!" · "44 Minutes" · "The Hardest Part of Letting Go... Sealed With a Kiss" · "Head Crusher" · "The Right to Go Insane" · "Sudden Death" Video albums Rusted Pieces · Exposure of a Dream · Evolver: The Making of Youthanasia · Rude Awakening · Video Hits · Arsenal of Megadeth · That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires · Blood in the Water: Live in San Diego · Rust in Peace Live · The Big 4 Live from Sofia, Bulgaria (with Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax) Box sets Warchest Related articles Discography · Members · Vic Rattlehead · Clash of the Titans · Gigantour · Metallica · MD.45 · Slayer · Plays Megadeth For Cello · Dave Mustaine feuds and rivalries · American Carnage Tour · European carnage tour Book:Megadeth  · Category:Megadeth  · Category:Megadeth audio samples  · Portal:Heavy metal  · Commons:Megadeth