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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.
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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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