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Band Timeline
1983
Formation of Megadeth by Dave Mustaine
Megadeth was formed in Los Angeles in 1983 by Dave Mustaine following his dismissal from Metallica. Focused on creating a band that was heavier and faster than his former group, Mustaine assembled new members including bassist David Ellefson. The name Megadeth was inspired by a political pamphlet referencing massive nuclear destruction, which encapsulated the band's aggressive and intense musical style. This founding marked the start of one of the pioneering bands of American thrash metal.
1985
Release of Debut Album "Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!"
In 1985, Megadeth released their debut album, "Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!", on the independent label Combat Records. The album showcased their technically complex musicianship and raw thrash metal sound. Although it achieved only moderate commercial success, it helped build a dedicated underground following and caught the attention of major record companies, paving the way for future success and broader recognition within the metal community.
1986
Breakthrough with "Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?"
Megadeth signed with Capitol Records and released "Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?" in 1986. This album was pivotal, significantly raising the band's profile in the metal underground and beyond. Featuring intricate compositions and politically charged lyrics, it solidified Megadeth's reputation as one of the leaders in thrash metal. Despite facing controversies related to band members' substance issues, the album's success established Megadeth as a major force in the heavy metal scene during the 1980s.
1990
Release of "Rust in Peace" and Rising Mainstream Recognition
In 1990, Megadeth released "Rust in Peace," an album now widely regarded as a landmark in thrash metal history. This record featured highly technical guitar work, complex arrangements, and tackled themes of war and political strife. The album received critical acclaim and commercial success, elevating Megadeth to new heights in the music industry. It is often cited as one of the greatest metal albums and helped attract mainstream attention, much expanding the band's audience worldwide.
1992
Continued Success with "Countdown to Extinction"
"Countdown to Extinction" was released in 1992 and continued Megadeth's streak of platinum-selling albums. It displayed the band's ability to blend aggression with melody and further refined their lyrical focus on social and political issues. The album broadened their fanbase and secured their standing among the 'big four' of thrash metal. Extensive touring in support of the album helped increase their global presence and solidified their reputation as a top-tier metal band.
2002-2004
Temporary Disbandment and Reformation
Megadeth disbanded temporarily in 2002 after Dave Mustaine suffered an arm injury that compromised his ability to play guitar. This period marked a challenging time for the band, compounded by internal conflicts and legal disputes, particularly involving bassist David Ellefson. In 2004, Mustaine reformed Megadeth with new members, marking a fresh start. This era also underscored Mustaine's role as the sole consistent member, and the band began working on new material, signaling their return to the metal scene.
2017
Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance
Megadeth won their first Grammy Award in 2017 for the song "Dystopia." This award recognized the band's enduring influence and excellence within the metal genre, more than three decades after their formation. The Grammy win also highlighted Megadeth's ability to remain relevant and innovative in a rapidly evolving musical landscape. The award served as a significant milestone reflecting their sustained contribution to heavy metal music.
2022
Release of "The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead!"
In 2022, Megadeth released their sixteenth studio album, "The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead!" The album continued to deliver the band's signature blend of technical mastery and aggressive thrash metal style. It was received well by fans and critics, evidencing their lasting place in heavy metal despite lineup changes and industry shifts. The album reinforced Megadeth's commitment to producing new music while upholding the high standards set during their long career.
2025
Announcement of Final Album and Final Tour
On August 14, 2025, Dave Mustaine announced that the upcoming seventeenth studio album and the planned 2026 tour would be Megadeth's last. This announcement marked an impending end to their over four-decade-long career. It signified a major moment for fans and the metal community, reflecting on the band's influential legacy. Mustaine's decision highlights the closure of an era for one of thrash metal's most successful and enduring bands.
Albums
Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!
8 tracks
1985
Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?
8 tracks
1986
So Far, So Good… So What!
8 tracks
1988
Rust in Peace
9 tracks
1990
Countdown to Extinction
11 tracks
1992
Youthanasia
12 tracks
1994
Cryptic Writings
12 tracks
1997
Risk
12 tracks
1999
The World Needs a Hero
12 tracks
2000
The System Has Failed
12 tracks
2004
United Abominations
11 tracks
2007
Endgame
12 tracks
2009
Th1rt3en
14 tracks
2011
Super Collider
13 tracks
2013
Dystopia
11 tracks
2016
The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!
14 tracks
2022
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Kiko Loureiro
2015
Guitar
James Lomenzo
2022
Bass guitar
Dave Mustaine
1983
Lead vocals
Guitar
Dirk Verbeuren
2016
Drums (drum set)
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Shawn Drover
2004
2014
Drums (drum set)
Percussion
Greg Handevidt
1983
1984
Guitar
Dijon Carruthers
1983
1983
Drums (drum set)
Percussion
Jay Reynolds
1987
1987
Guitar
Nick Menza
1989
1998
Drums (drum set)
Jeff Young
1987
1988
Guitar
Background vocals
Jimmie Lee Sloas
2004
2004
Bass guitar
Lee Rausch
1984
1984
Drums (drum set)
Chuck Behler
1987
1988
Drums (drum set)
David Ellefson
1983
2002
Electric bass guitar
Background vocals
James MacDonough
2004
2006
Background vocals
Bass guitar
James Lomenzo
2006
2010
Bass guitar
Background vocals
Kerry King
1983
1983
Guitar
Background vocals
Glen Drover
2004
2008
Background vocals
Guitar
Chris Poland
2004
2004
Guitar
Background vocals
Chris Poland
1984
1987
Background vocals
Guitar
Marty Friedman
1990
1999
Background vocals
Guitar
Chris Broderick
2008
2014
Background vocals
Guitar
Gar Samuelson
1984
1987
Drums (drum set)
Al Pitrelli
2000
2002
Guitar
Background vocals
Jimmy DeGrasso
1998
2002
Drums (drum set)
David Ellefson
2010
2021
Electric bass guitar
Background vocals
Story of Megadeth
Megadeth, the thrash metal titans, emerged from the Los Angeles scene in 1983, spearheaded by the visionary guitarist and vocalist Dave Mustaine. Instantly recognizable for their technically masterful musicianship and complex guitar work, they solidified their place as one of thrash`s "Big Four," alongside Metallica, Anthrax, and Slayer, significantly shaping and popularizing the genre. Their music is a whirlwind of intricate arrangements, blistering fast tempos, blistering dual guitar leads, and lyrics exploring themes of war, politics, religion, death, and the complexities of human relationships.
Their 1985 debut, Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!, released on Combat Records, generated initial buzz, paving the way for a major label deal with Capitol. The subsequent release of Peace Sells... but Who`s Buying in 1986 catapulted them to underground metal stardom. While internal struggles, including substance abuse and band member conflicts, plagued Megadeth throughout the late 1980s, they persevered, achieving multiple platinum albums, including the landmark So Far, So Good... So What! Their legacy as a pioneering force in thrash metal remains undeniable.
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