List of Megadeth band members

Megadeth is an American thrash metal band formed by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine after he was fired from Metallica.^[1] The first line-up, in 1983, after their name change from Fallen Angels, featured Mustaine on guitar, drummer Richard Girod, vocalist Lor Kane, guitarist Greg Handevidt and bassist David Ellefson.^[2] The band's current line-up includes consistent member Mustaine, bassist James LoMenzo (2006 to 2010, and since 2021), drummer Dirk Verbeuren (since 2016) and guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari (since 2023).

(left to right) Marty Friedman, Dave Mustaine, Nick Menza and David Ellefson.

(left to right) Shawn Drover, James MacDonough, Dave Mustaine and Glen Drover.

(left to right) James LoMenzo, Dave Mustaine, Shawn Drover and Chris Broderick.

(left to right) David Ellefson, Shawn Drover, Dave Mustaine and Chris Broderick.

(left to right) David Ellefson, Dirk Verbeuren, Dave Mustaine and Kiko Loureiro.

(left to right) Dave Mustaine, Dirk Verbeuren and Kiko Loureiro (James LoMenzo not shown).

Six line-ups of Megadeth performing in 1991, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2018 and 2022.

History

Lor Kane, the band's first vocalist, would quickly leave the group.^[3] After playing with various vocalists, including Billy Bonds^[4] and John Cyriis,^[5] Mustaine ultimately took up lead vocals himself.^[3] Megadeth recorded Last Rites, a three-song demo, in 1984, which featured drummer Lee Rauch.^[6] Slayer guitarist Kerry King covered live dates at Ruthie's Inn and The Stone while a permanent replacement was sought.^[3] Jazz fusion drummer Gar Samuelson would go on to join the band. After playing a few shows as a three-piece, guitarist Chris Poland also joined.^[7] During Megadeth's 1985 tour promoting their debut album, Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!, Poland left the band and was temporarily replaced by Mike Albert.^[8] On the tour, Mustaine offered the drummer position to Exciter drummer Dan Beehler, though he declined the offer.^[9] Poland then rejoined Megadeth in October of the same year, shortly before they began work on Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?^[8] After years of problems stemming from substance abuse, Mustaine fired both Poland and Samuelson before recording the third album So Far, So Good... So What! Poland was initially replaced by Jay Reynolds, who proved unable to perform the solos in-studio and was replaced by Jeff Young, his guitar instructor.^[10] Samuelson was replaced in 1987 by Chuck Behler, who was his drum tech.^[11]

Marty Friedman became the band's first long term lead guitarist from 1990 till 2000.

During their world tour in support of So Far, So Good... in February 1988, Mustaine noticed problems developing with Behler.^[12] Six months later, Mustaine fired both Behler and Young.^[13] In July 1989, Nick Menza was hired to replace Behler on the drums.^[8] After a lengthy search for a new lead guitarist, Megadeth enlisted Marty Friedman, who officially joined in February 1990.^[14] The lineup remained unchanged for almost eight years, until Menza discovered a tumor on his knee, which forced him to leave the tour to undergo surgery. He was replaced by Jimmy DeGrasso, temporarily at first. Following the Ozzfest tour in 1998, however, DeGrasso replaced Menza permanently, after Mustaine claimed that Menza had "lied about having cancer".^[15] Following the release of Risk, the band began a new world tour in September 1999. Three months into the tour, Friedman announced that he would be leaving the band, citing "musical differences".^[8] Megadeth enlisted guitarist Al Pitrelli as Friedman's replacement in January 2000.^[8] In early 2002, Mustaine suffered several injuries, which led him to announce in a press release that Megadeth had disbanded.^[16] Following nearly a year of recovery, Mustaine began work on what was to be his first solo album.^[17] The new material was recorded with session musicians Vinnie Colaiuta and Jimmy Lee Sloas, but the project was put on hold when Mustaine agreed to remix and remaster Megadeth's eight-album back catalog with Capitol Records.^[13]

In May 2004, Mustaine returned to his newest recordings, intended as a solo effort, but because of outstanding contractual obligations with the band's European label EMI, he was forced to release one more album under the "Megadeth" name.^[17] Mustaine decided to reform the band, and contacted the Rust in Peace line-up to re-record backing tracks on his latest songs. While drummer Nick Menza initially signed on, Marty Friedman and David Ellefson were both unable to come to an agreement with Mustaine.^[18] Chris Poland was hired by Mustaine to contribute guitar solos for the new album. This marked the first time since the Rust in Peace demos that the two musicians had worked together.^[8]

Shawn Drover joined the band in 2004, replacing Nick Menza, and remained until 2014.

Poland opted to serve as a studio musician only, as he wished to remain focused on his own jazz fusion project, Ohm. Megadeth began a world tour in October 2004, enlisting bassist James MacDonough^[19] and guitarist Glen Drover.^[20] While in rehearsal for the tour, newly returned drummer Nick Menza once again parted ways with the band, as he was unable to prepare for the physical demands of a full U.S. tour. He was replaced five days before the first show by Shawn Drover,^[21] brother of new guitarist Glen Drover. In February 2006, MacDonough left the band, citing "personal differences" for his decision, and was replaced by bassist James LoMenzo.^[22] Two years later, Dave Mustaine announced that Glen Drover had quit Megadeth to focus on his family. He was replaced by Chris Broderick.^[23] On February 8, 2010, David Ellefson rejoined the band, replacing James LoMenzo.^[24]

In late November 2014, Shawn Drover quit the band after ten years, wanting to pursue his own musical interests. This was quickly followed by the departure of Chris Broderick, due to artistic and musical differences.^[25] Ellefson denied rumors that the band would disband, and said he and Mustaine would continue working on new music.^[26] In early 2015, Megadeth announced that Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro was hired as the new guitar player for the band^[27] to record Megadeth's fifteenth studio album alongside Lamb of God's drummer, Chris Adler.^[28] On July 7, 2016, Soilwork's Dirk Verbeuren was announced as Megadeth's new drummer.^[29]

Ellefson was dismissed from Megadeth amid allegations of sexual misconduct on May 14, 2021.^{[30][31][32][33]} Months later, former bassist James LoMenzo returned to the line-up for the Metal Tour Of The Year.^[34] LoMenzo officially became the band's new bassist in 2022.^[35]

In September 2023, Kiko Loureiro announced he would be taking a break from the tour in order to spend time with his children, with Teemu Mäntysaari filling in for the rest of the tour.^[36] However, in November 2023, Kiko stated he would be extending his break, entering an indefinite hiatus,^[37] while Mustaine confirmed that the band would go on with Mäntysaari as guitarist.^[38] That same month, Loureiro confirmed that he had left the band.^[39]

Members

Current

Image	Name	Years active	Instruments	Release contributions
	Dave Mustaine	1983–2002 2003–present [1][16]	guitars lead vocals piano bass [40]	All Megadeth releases
	James LoMenzo	2006–2010 2021–present [21][24][34][35]	bass backing vocals	United Abominations (2007) Endgame (2009) "Delivering the Goods" (2022) (Non-album single)
	Dirk Verbeuren	2016–present (touring musician earlier in 2016)[29]	drums	The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! (2022) "Delivering the Goods" (2022) (Non-album single)
	Teemu Mäntysaari	2023–present (touring musician earlier in 2023)	guitars backing vocals	none to date

Former

Image	Name	Years active	Instruments	Release contributions
	Matt Kisselstein[41][3]	1983	bass	none
	Robbie McKinney[42]		guitars
	Greg Handevidt[43]
	Lor Kane[44]		vocals
	Richard Girod[45]		drums
	David Ellefson	1983–2002 2010–2021	bass backing vocals	All Megadeth releases from Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! (1985) to Rude Awakening (2002) and from Rust in Peace Live (2010) to Dystopia (2016)
	John Cyriis[5]	1983	lead vocals	none
	Billy Bonds[4]
	Brett Frederickson[46]	1983 (died 2019)	drums
	Dijon Carruthers	1983
	Lee Rauch	1984 (died 2023)		Last Rites (contested)[47]
	Gar Samuelson	1984–1987 (died 1999)		Last Rites (contested)[47] Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! (1985) Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? (1986)
	Chris Poland	1984–1985 1985–1987 1990 (session only) 2004 (session only)	guitars	Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! (1985) Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? (1986) Rust in Peace (1990) (bonus tracks only) The System Has Failed (2004)
	Mike Albert	1985		none
	Jay Reynolds[10]	1987
	Chuck Behler	1987–1989	drums	So Far, So Good... So What! (1988)
	Jeff Young		guitars
	Nick Menza	1989–1998 2004 (died 2016)	drums backing vocals	all Megadeth releases from Rust in Peace (1990) to Cryptic Writings (1997)
	Marty Friedman	1990–2000 (guest at two shows in 2023)	guitars backing vocals	all Megadeth releases from Rust in Peace (1990) to Risk (1999)
	Jimmy DeGrasso	1998–2002	drums	Risk (1999) The World Needs a Hero (2001) Rude Awakening (2002)
	Al Pitrelli	2000–2002	guitars backing vocals	The World Needs a Hero (2001) Unplugged in Boston (2021) Rude Awakening (2002)
	Jimmie Lee Sloas[13]	2004	bass	The System Has Failed (2004)[48]
	Vinnie Colaiuta[13]		drums
	Glen Drover	2004–2008	guitars backing vocals	That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires (2005) Gigantour (2006) United Abominations (2007)
	James MacDonough	2004–2006	bass backing vocals	That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires (2005) Gigantour (2006)
	Shawn Drover	2004–2014	drums backing vocals	all Megadeth releases from That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires (2005) to Countdown to Extinction: Live (2013)
	Chris Broderick	2008–2014	guitars backing vocals	All Megadeth releases from Endgame (2009) to Super Collider (2013)
	Kiko Loureiro	2015–2023	guitars backing vocals piano flute	Dystopia (2016) The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! (2022) "Delivering the Goods" (2022) (Non-album single)
	Chris Adler	2015–2016	drums	Dystopia (2016)

Other contributors

Session

Image	Name	Years active	Instruments	Release contributions
	Steve Jones	1988 (guest)	guitar solo on "Anarchy in the U.K."[49]	So Far, So Good... So What! (1988)
	Jimmie Wood	1994	harmonica on "Train of Consequences" and "Elysian Fields"	Youthanasia (1994)[50]
	Bob Findley	2001 2013	trumpet on "Silent Scorn" horn on "A House Divided"	The World Needs a Hero (2001) Super Collider (2013) [51]
	Heather Keckler	2001	spoken word on "The World Needs a Hero" and "1000 Times Goodbye"	The World Needs a Hero (2001)[51]
	Suzie Katayama	2001	strings on "Promises" and "Losing My Senses"
	Ken Mary	2001	Pro Tools
	Chris Vrenna	2001–2002		The World Needs a Hero (2001) Killing is My Business... Remastered (2018) [51]
	Tim Akers	2004	keyboards	The System Has Failed (2004)[48]
	Darien Bennet		additional vocals on "Blackmail the Universe"
	Michael Davis		sound effects
	Lance Dean		additional vocals
	Scott Harrison
	Celeste Amber Montague		additional vocals on "Blackmail the Universe"
	Justis Mustaine		backing spoken word vocals
	Ralph Patlan		additional vocals spoken word
	Robert Venable		additional vocals
	Jonathan Yudkin		strings banjo
	Eric Darken	2004 2016 2022	percussion	The System Has Failed (2004) Dystopia (2016) The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! (2022) [52][53]
	Charlie Judge	2004 2016	keyboards orchestral arrangements	The System Has Failed (2004) Dystopia (2016) [48][53]
	Chris Rodriguez	2004–2011 2016	backing vocals	The System Has Failed (2004) United Abominations (2007) Endgame (2009) Thirteen (2011) Dystopia (2016) [48][54][55][56][53]
	Axel Mackenrott	2007	keyboards	United Abominations (2007)[54]
	Cristina Scabbia		guest vocals on "À Tout le Monde (Set Me Free)"
	Brett Caldas-Lima		spoken word vocals on "United Abominations"
	Marie Soler
	Chris Clancy	2009	backing vocals	Endgame (2009)[55]
	Mark Newby-Robson		keyboards on "The Hardest Part of Letting Go...Sealed with a Kiss"
	David Draiman	2013	vocals on "Dance in the Rain"	Super Collider (2013)[57]
	Yao Zhao		cello on "Dance in the Rain"
	Tom Cunningham		fiddle on "The Blackest Crow" violin on "Dance in the Rain"
	The Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band (Brian Costello, Sean Costello, Mary Kate Peterson)		bagpipes on "Built for War"
	Electra Mustaine		backing vocals on "Forget to Remember" and "Beginning of Sorrow"
	Sarah Phelps		backing vocals on "Beginning of Sorrow"
	Willie Gee		guest speaker on "The Blackest Crow"
	Farah Siraj	2015	vocals on "The Threat Is Real" and "Poisonous Shadows"	Dystopia (2016)[53]
	Miles Doleac		voiceover in "Conquer or Die!"
	Blair Masters		keyboards programming
	Steve Di Giorgio	2021	bass	The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! (2022)[52]
	Ice-T		guest vocals on "Night Stalkers"
	Sammy Hagar		guest vocals on "This Planet's on Fire"
	Brandon Ray		additional vocals on "The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead!", "Life in Hell", "Sacrifice", "Junkie", "Killing Time", "Soldier On!", "Célebutante", "Mission to Mars" and "We'll Be Back"
	Roger Lima		keyboards effects
	Luliia Tikhomirova		voices on "Dogs of Chernobyl"
	Bill Elliot		voices on "Junkie"
	John Clement		voices on "Soldier On!" and "Mission to Mars"
	The Marching Metal Bastards		voices on "Soldier On!"
	Maila Kaarina Rantanen		voices on "Mission to Mars"

Live

Image	Name	Years active	Instruments	Notes
	Kerry King	1984 (guest 2010)	guitars	Slayer guitarist Kerry King performed with the band when Mustaine became lead singer but did not join full time due to his commitment to Slayer.[8] He later guested with the band in 2010.[58]
	Tony Laureano	2015–2016	drums	Laureano substituted for Chris Adler when the latter's schedule wouldn't permit him to play.[59]

Timeline

Line-ups

Period	Members	Studio releases
April–June 1983 (as Fallen Angels)	Dave Mustaine – guitar Matt Kisselstein – bass Lor Kane – vocals Robbie McKinney – guitar[60]	none – rehearsals only
June–July 1983	Dave Mustaine – guitar Lor Kane – vocals David Ellefson – bass Dijon Carruthers – drums
Summer 1983	Dave Mustaine – lead guitar Lor Kane – vocals David Ellefson – bass Greg Handevidt – guitar Dijon Carruthers – drums[61]
Summer 1983	Dave Mustaine – lead guitar Lor Kane – vocals David Ellefson – bass Greg Handevidt – guitar Richard Girod – drums[2]	Unreleased demo[43]
July–August 1983	Dave Mustaine – guitar David Ellefson – bass Greg Handevidt – guitar Richard Girod – drums	none – rehearsals only
August–September 1983	Dave Mustaine – guitar David Ellefson – bass Greg Handevidt – guitar Dijon Carruthers – drums
September–November 1983	Dave Mustaine – guitar David Ellefson – bass Dijon Carruthers – drums John Cyriis – vocals[5]
1983	Dave Mustaine – guitar David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Lee Rauch – drums Billy Bonds – vocals[4]
November–December 1983	Dave Mustaine – guitar David Ellefson – bass Brett Frederickson – drums
December 1983 − April 1984	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Lee Rauch – drums Kerry King – guitar	none – live shows and rehearsals
April–July 1984	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Lee Rauch – drums	none – rehearsals only
July–October 1984	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
October–December 1984	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Gar Samuelson – drums	none – live shows only
December 1984 – July 1985	Dave Mustaine – guitar, piano, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Gar Samuelson – drums Chris Poland – guitar	Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! (1985)
July–October 1985	Dave Mustaine – guitar, piano, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Gar Samuelson – drums Mike Albert – guitar	none – live shows only
October 1985 – June 1987	Dave Mustaine – guitar, piano, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Gar Samuelson – drums Chris Poland – guitar	Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? (1986) "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" (1987) (Dudes soundtrack)[62]
June–October 1987	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Chuck Behler – drums Jay Reynolds – guitar	none – rehearsals only
October 1987 – January 1989	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Chuck Behler – drums Jeff Young – guitar	So Far, So Good... So What! (1988)
January 1989 – July 1989	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Chuck Behler – drums	Rust in Peace demos[63]
July 1989 – November 1989	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Nick Menza – drums, backing vocals	"No More Mr. Nice Guy" (1989) (Shocker soundtrack)
November 1989 – February 1990	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Nick Menza – drums, backing vocals Chris Poland – guitar	Rust in Peace demos[64]
February 1990 – July 1998	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Nick Menza – drums, backing vocals Marty Friedman – guitar, backing vocals	Rust in Peace (1990) "Go To Hell" (1991) (Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey soundtrack) Countdown to Extinction (1992) "Breakpoint" (1993) (Super Mario Bros. soundtrack) "Angry Again" (1993) (Last Action Hero soundtrack) "99 Ways to Die" (1993) (The Beavis and Butt-Head Experience) "Paranoid" (1994) (Nativity in Black: A Tribute to Black Sabbath) Youthanasia (1994) "Diadems" (1995) (Demon Knight soundtrack) One new track on Hidden Treasures (1995) Cryptic Writings (1997)
July 1998 – January 2000	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Marty Friedman – guitar, backing vocals Jimmy DeGrasso – drums	"Never Say Die" (1999) (Nativity in Black II: A Tribute to Black Sabbath) Risk (1999)
January 2000 – April 2002	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Jimmy DeGrasso – drums Al Pitrelli – guitar, backing vocals	Three new tracks on Capitol Punishment: The Megadeth Years (2000) The World Needs a Hero (2001)
Inactive from April 2002 – October 2003
October 2003 – May 2004	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals (session) Chris Poland – guitar (session) Jimmie Lee Sloas – bass (session) Vinnie Colaiuta – drums (session)	none – sessions only
May–July 2004	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals (session) Chris Poland – guitar (session) Jimmie Lee Sloas – bass (session) Vinnie Colaiuta – drums (session) Tim Akers – keyboards (session) Charlie Judge – keyboards (session) Chris Rodriguez – backing vocals (session)	The System Has Failed (2004)
July–September 2004	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals Nick Menza – drums, backing vocals	none – rehearsals only
September–October 2004	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals Nick Menza – drums, backing vocals James MacDonough – bass, backing vocals Glen Drover – guitar, backing vocals
October 2004 – February 2006	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals James MacDonough – bass, backing vocals Glen Drover – guitar, backing vocals Shawn Drover – drums	none – live shows only
February–April 2006	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals Glen Drover – guitar, backing vocals Shawn Drover – drums James LoMenzo – bass, backing vocals
April 2006 – January 2007	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals Chris Rodriguez – backing vocals (session) Glen Drover – guitar, backing vocals Shawn Drover – drums, backing vocals James LoMenzo – bass, backing vocals Axel Mackenrott – keyboards (session)	United Abominations (2007)
January–November 2007	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals Glen Drover – guitar, backing vocals Shawn Drover – drums James LoMenzo – bass, backing vocals	none – live shows only
November 2007 – February 2010	Dave Mustaine – guitar, piano, vocals Shawn Drover – drums, backing vocals James LoMenzo – bass, backing vocals Chris Broderick – guitar, backing vocals	Endgame (2009)
February 2010 – November 2011	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals Chris Rodriguez – backing vocals (session) Shawn Drover – drums, backing vocals Chris Broderick – guitar, backing vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals	Thirteen (2011)
November 2011 – November 2014	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals Shawn Drover – drums, backing vocals Chris Broderick – guitar, backing vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals	Super Collider (2013)
November 2014 – April 2015	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals	none – rehearsals only
2014	Dave Mustaine – guitar David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Nick Menza – drums	Dystopia demos[65]
April–July 2015	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Kiko Loureiro – guitar, backing vocals Chris Adler – drums Charlie Judge – keyboards (session) Blair Masters – keyboards (session) Chris Rodriguez – backing vocals (session)	Dystopia (2016)
July 2015 – October 2015	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Kiko Loureiro – guitar, backing vocals Chris Adler – drums Tony Laureano – drums (touring)
May–July 2016	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Kiko Loureiro – guitar, piano, backing vocals Chris Adler – drums Dirk Verbeuren – drums (touring)	none – live shows only
July 2016 – May 2021	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals Kiko Loureiro – guitar, piano, backing vocals Dirk Verbeuren – drums
May–June 2021	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals, bass Kiko Loureiro – guitar, piano, backing vocals, flute Dirk Verbeuren – drums	The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! (2022)
June–August 2021	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals Kiko Loureiro – guitar, piano, backing vocals, flute Dirk Verbeuren – drums Steve Di Giorgio – bass (session)
August–December 2021	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals Kiko Loureiro – guitar, piano, backing vocals, flute Dirk Verbeuren – drums Steve Di Giorgio – bass (session) James LoMenzo – bass, backing vocals (touring)
December 2021 – November 2023	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals Kiko Loureiro – guitar, piano, backing vocals Dirk Verbeuren – drums James LoMenzo – bass, backing vocals (touring till May 2022) Teemu Mäntysaari – guitar, backing vocals (touring September 2023)	"Delivering the Goods" (2023) (single)
November 2023 – present	Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals Dirk Verbeuren – drums James LoMenzo – bass, backing vocals Teemu Mäntysaari – guitar, backing vocals

References

1. Wiederhorn, Jon (April 11, 2023). "40 Years Ago: Dave Mustaine Fired From Metallica". Loudwire. Archived from the original on June 1, 2022. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
2. "Megadeath". Whiplash. 1. 1983. Archived from the original on December 24, 2022. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
3. Brannigan, Paul (June 12, 2019). "Megadeth's Killing Is My Business: hamburgers, heroin and one of metal's greatest debut albums". Metal Hammer. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
4. "8 Things You Didn't Know About Megadeth's 'Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good'". Revolver. June 12, 2018. Archived from the original on April 27, 2022. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
5. "Agent Steel Founder/Vocalist John Cyriis On Briefly Joining Megadeth - 'Dave Mustaine Was Not Prepared To Launch The First Album With My Lyrical Subjects'". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. October 24, 2019. Archived from the original on May 13, 2022. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
6. "Megadeth.com – History". Archived from the original on January 1, 2011. Retrieved December 27, 2010.
7. Doe, Bernard (December 1985). "Megadeth – Love It To Death". Metal Forces. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
8. "Timeline of the band's history". Megadeth.com. Archived from the original on March 15, 2009. Retrieved March 1, 2009.
9. "During Exciter's Heyday, Dan Beehler Was Asked To Join Megadeth And Venom!". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. November 5, 2005. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
10. Christopher, Michael (January 19, 2018). "Why Megadeth Struggled Through 'So Far, So Good … So What!'". Ultimate Classic Rock. Archived from the original on September 19, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
11. "30 Years of Megadeth Drummers: a Guide". Invisible Oranges. May 30, 2015. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
12. Doreian, Robyn (September 1990). "The Big Four". Hot Metal Magazine. Archived from the original on February 25, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2009.
13. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Megadeth Biography". AllMusic. TiVo Corporation. Archived from the original on April 9, 2011. Retrieved March 1, 2009.
14. Stix, John (1990). "A Founding Forefather of Thrash". Guitar for the Practicing Musician. Archived from the original on February 14, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2009.
15. "An Ugly American". March 2001. Archived from the original on February 14, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2009.
16. "Dave Mustaine suffers serious injury, announces departure from Megadeth; Group disbanding after nearly 20 years together" (Press release). Megadeth.com. April 3, 2002. Archived from the original on October 21, 2006. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
17. Nalbandian, Bob. "Dave Mustaine Interview, Pt. 6". HardRadio. Archived from the original on March 18, 2016. Retrieved October 7, 2008.
18. Nalbandian, Bob. "Dave Mustaine Interview, Pt. 2". HardRadio. Archived from the original on January 1, 2010. Retrieved October 7, 2008.
19. "Iced Earth Bassist Quits To Join Megadeth". Blabbermouth.net. September 11, 2004. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
20. "Megadeth: Eidolon Guitarist Glen Drover Joins The Fold". Blabbermouth.net. September 5, 2004. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
21. "Megadeth Tour Manager Talks About Drummer Nick Menza's Departure". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. November 5, 2004. Archived from the original on January 3, 2009. Retrieved March 7, 2009.
22. "Ex-Megadeth Bassist MacDonough: 'There Is No Animosity Here'". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. February 20, 2006. Archived from the original on July 10, 2009. Retrieved March 7, 2009.
23. "Gigantour 2008 North American tour dates announced; Megadeth to headline bill with In Flames, Children of Bodom, Job for a Cowboy and High on Fire" (Press release). Megadeth.com. January 14, 2008. Archived from the original on November 8, 2011. Retrieved March 7, 2009.
24. "Bassist David Ellefson Returns To Megadeth Line-Up" (Press release). Megadeth.com. February 8, 2010. Archived from the original on February 18, 2010. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
25. Kielty, Martin (November 26, 2014). "Broderick & Drover Quit Megadeth". Classic Rock. Archived from the original on November 28, 2014. Retrieved November 27, 2014.
26. Kaufman, Spencer (December 2, 2014). "Megadeth's David Ellefson: We Are Not Disbanding". Loudwire. Archived from the original on December 8, 2019. Retrieved December 3, 2014.
27. "Kiko Loureiro joins Megadeth". Loudwire. Megadeth. April 2, 2015. Archived from the original on July 9, 2015. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
28. "Meet Megadeth's New Guitarist: Kiko Loureiro of Angra". Guitar World. April 2, 2015. Archived from the original on July 2, 2016. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
29. "Megadeth Names Dirk Verbeuren New Full-Time Drummer". Blabbermouth.net. July 14, 2016. Archived from the original on July 25, 2018. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
30. "Statement from Megadeth". megadeth.com. May 24, 2021. Archived from the original on May 24, 2021. Retrieved May 24, 2021. We are informing our fans that David Ellefson is no longer playing with Megadeth and we are parting ways with him. We do not take this decision lightly.
31. @Megadeth (May 24, 2021). "Statement from Megadeth" (Tweet). Retrieved May 24, 2021 – via Twitter.
32. Jordan Moreau (May 24, 2021). "Megadeth Fires Bassist David Ellefson After Sexual Misconduct Allegations". Variety. Archived from the original on May 24, 2021. Retrieved May 24, 2021. Heavy metal band Megadeth has parted ways with bassist David Ellefson after he was accused of sexual misconduct.
33. Pasbani, Robert (June 9, 2021). "David Ellefson Was Actually Fired From Megadeth Four Days After Sexual Allegations Surfaced, New Details from Revenge Porn Report". Metal Injection. Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
34. "Megadeth Enlist Bassist James Lomenzo for Tour with Lamb of God". Revolver. August 11, 2021. Archived from the original on January 18, 2022. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
35. "Megadeth Announces James Lomenzo As 'Permanent' Replacement For David Ellefson". Blabbermouth. Archived from the original on May 31, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
36. Madarang, Charisma (September 6, 2023). "Megadeth's Kiko Loureiro Pulls Out of Tour, Temporary Replacement Announced". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on November 26, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
37. "Kiko Loureiro Extends His Absence From Megadeth: This Decision 'Hasn't Been Easy For Me'". Blabbermouth.net. November 19, 2023. Archived from the original on November 26, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
38. "Dave Mustaine: We Will Move Forward With Teemu Mäntysaari As Guitar Player For Megadeth". Blabbermouth.net. November 20, 2023. Archived from the original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
39. "Kiko Loureiro Opens Up About His Decision To Leave Megadeth". Blabbermouth.net. November 29, 2023. Archived from the original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
40. "Dave Mustaine On David Ellefson: 'The Guy That I Know And Love Was A Different Person'". Blabbermouth.net. August 31, 2022. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
41. Hadusek, Jon (May 26, 2021). "A Timeline of the "Strained Relationship" Between Megadeth's Dave Mustaine and Ousted Bassist David Ellefson". Consequence. Archived from the original on April 9, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
42. "Scorpion Q+A". Megadeth.com. Archived from the original on November 11, 2022. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
43. Daly, Andrew (August 2, 2023). ""I'd hear Dave Mustaine aimlessly riffing on the couch, and it's the riffs that ended up on the first two Megadeth – and, frankly, Metallica – records": Megadeth's first lead guitarist Greg Handevidt on the birth of a metal institution". Guitar World. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
44. DiVita, Joe (August 23, 2023). "How Did Megadeth Get Their Band Name?". Loudwire. Archived from the original on October 6, 2023. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
45. "David Ellefson Talks How Dave Mustaine Treated Him When They Met, Recalls What He Had to Say About Metallica". ultimate-guitar.com. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
46. "Obituary information for Brett Douglas Frederickson". Heritage Funeral Chapels. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
47. "David Ellefson Sets Record Straight: Lee Rauch 'Never Did Any Studio Recordings With' Megadeth". Blabbermouth. June 28, 2023. Archived from the original on December 21, 2023. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
48. The System Has Failed (liner notes). Megadeth. Sum Records. 2004. 2927-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
49. "Megadeth Mainman Refused Ex-Pistols Guitarist's Sexual Demands". Blabbermouth.net. February 28, 2005. Archived from the original on April 8, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
50. Youthanasia (liner notes). Megadeth. Capitol Records. 1994. 7243 8 29004 1 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
51. The World Needs A Hero (liner notes). Megadeth. Sanctuary Records. 2001. 06076-84503-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
52. The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! (liner notes). Megadeth. UMe. 2022. B0034810-02.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
53. Dystopia (liner notes). Megadeth. T-Boy Records. 2016. B0024164-02.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
54. United Abominations (liner notes). Megadeth. Roadrunner Records. 2007. RR 8029-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
55. Endgame (liner). Megadeth. Roadrunner Records. 2009. RR 7885-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
56. Th1rt3en (liner notes). Megadeth. Roadrunner Records. 2011. 1686-177002.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
57. Super Collider (liner notes). Megadeth. Tradecraft. 2013. 0602537396795.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
58. "KERRY KING On Playing With MEGADETH Again: 'I Never In A Million Years Thought It Would Happen'". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. October 25, 2010. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
59. "Megadeth Feat. Drummer Tony Laureano: Video Footage Of Puerto Rico Concert". Blabbermouth.net. April 29, 2016. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
60. Kielty, Martin (April 11, 2023). "Dave Mustaine After Metallica: 40 Moments for 40 Years". Ultimate Classic Rock. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
61. "DAVID ELLEFSON Says He Is Technically A Founding Member Of MEGADETH". Blabbermouth.net. February 6, 2016. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
62. "Former Megadeth Members David Ellefson And Chris Poland Reunite to Honor the Legacy of Drummer Gar Samuelson". Sonic Perspective. January 28, 2022. Retrieved March 29, 2023.
63. "Dave Mustaine on Making 'Rust in Peace,' Asking Slash and Dimebag to Join Megadeth". Revolver. September 23, 2020. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
64. "Former Megadeth Guitarist Chris Poland Is Working On 'Liar' Memoir". Blabbermouth.net. December 21, 2019. Archived from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
65. Megadeth - Babylonian Ships (feat. Nick Menza, 2014 Demo track). August 9, 2021. Archived from the original on November 25, 2023. Retrieved November 24, 2023 – via YouTube.

External links

• Official website