Before becoming the voice of Megadeth, Dave Mustaine found himself on stage with Metallica as the lead guitarist. That was in 1981. Just two years later, Mustaine was let go from the group. While Mustaine went on to have a promising career in heavy metal, he often claimed that he was more than a guitarist for Metallica. Mustaine suggested he wrote music for the band. Although that statement led to a rift between Metallica and Mustaine, the musician recently urged the band to tour with Megadeth.
Open to the idea of rekindling a friendship with his former bandmates, Mustaine knew that it would come with some hurdles. He told Revolver, “I just think because there was a lot of hurt and misunderstanding around our time together that it would be difficult not to keep bringing up the past.” Not wanting to be negative about the idea, the singer had an idea – “A Megadeth/Metallica tour.”
Videos by American Songwriter
Don’t go throwing your money at Ticketmaster just yet – there are no plans for a Metallica/Megadeth tour. But the idea was floated by Mustaine. “I think what needs to happen is there needs to be a Megadeth/Metallica tour. Period. That would, I’m sure, make everything right. We could hang out. Spend time together. But I know they don’t really tour like we do. I mean, when we go out on tour, we play many, many shows.”
[RELATED: Dave Mustaine Reveals Why Former Megadeth Members Aren’t Participating in Farewell Tour]
Dave Mustaine Had a “Hard Time” How It Ended With Metallica
2026 was a special year for Megadeth. On Friday, January 23, the band will release their final self-titled album. Making the end of an era in heavy metal, the band also put the final touches on their upcoming tour. Turning the year into a time of celebration, thanks, and reflection, Mustaine promised he held his time with Metallica close.
“I really respect James [Hetfield’s] guitar playing. And I think that Lars [Ulrich] is a tremendous songwriter. I really did enjoy my time with them. That’s why I had such a hard time when it ended.”
Whether or not Megadeth and Metallica ever share the stage again, the mutual respect and acknowledgment of their shared history suggest that the door to reconciliation remains open after four decades.
(Photo by Mariano Regidor/Redferns)
Most Viewed
-
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MAY 02: Vince Gill of Eagles performs during the 55th Annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at Fair Grounds Race Course on May 02, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage) -
Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic -
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 23: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Morgan Wallen performs onstage during the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on September 23, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadio) -
Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images -
Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic -
JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" airs every weeknight at 11:35 p.m. ET and features a diverse lineup of guests that include celebrities, athletes, musical acts, comedians and human interest subjects, along with comedy bits and a house band. The guests for Monday, May 4 included Jelly Roll ("Beautifully Broken Comedy Night: Hosted by Jelly Roll") and Nicole Byer ("Netflix Is a Joke Fest"). (Disney/Randy Holmes)JELLY ROLL, JIMMY KIMMEL (Photo by Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty Images) -
Photo by Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images -
Clive Davis at the "Sunset Blvd." Opening Night on Broadway at St. James Theatre on October 20, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Jeanette D. Moses/Variety via Getty Images)