When it comes to Dave Mustaine from Megadeth, he isn’t exactly known as a kind and gentle person. Originally a member of Metallica during its early days, he was actually kicked out because of how violently drunk and out of control he’d get. Seriously, Dave Mustaine was too much of a wild man for early Metallica. But Mustaine has calmed down over the years, found God and put down the bottle. His politics have been scrutinized for years, as they probably should be, but that being said, there is still the softer side of Mr. Mustaine.
Dave can be an alright guy sometimes, and if you need proof, look no further than the recent death of former drummer and band-mate Nick Menza. Rolling Stone released a statement from Mustaine on Menza’s death, and it really hammers home the bond musicians have when they are in a band together.
Originally a tech for the band, Nick soon displayed such talent and personality, it didn’t take long for us to realize he belonged onstage with us behind the kit. We asked Nick to join Megadeth as our drummer in 1989. At the time, the band already had its first [gold] album, which only served to stoke the fire. We all wanted world domination, with so much of our lives and dreams ahead of us. As we navigated through the pitfalls of life and the music business, our first album with Nick, Rust in Peace, and subsequent albums Countdown to Extinction and Youthanasia, kept up the momentum. We parted ways after Cryptic Writings. We, like all brothers, would disagree at times, but our bond was strong throughout.
That’s as close as you are going to get to Mustaine admitting he can be difficult to work with and that he still holds his former band members in high regards.
(Via Rolling Stone)
