Megadeth is one of the “big four” American thrash metal bands, along with Slayer, Anthrax and Metallica. Formed in 1983 by singer/guitarist Dave Mustaine after he was fired from Metallica, Megadeth remains active.

Megadeth’s songs deal with war and government, with lyrics that often employ a comical sarcasm to exaggerate those topics’ grotesque elements.

The band’s lineup has changed numerous times, with only Mustaine remaining constant. Bassist David Ellefson had the second longest tenure with the group, from 1983 to 2002.

Virtuoso Marty Friedman handled guitar duties for Megadeth in the 1990s, but no longer plays with the band. Guitarist Chris Broderick, formerly of Nevermore, is the most recent member to join, debuting with Megadeth in Helsinki, Finland on February 4, 2008.

Megadeth disbanded in 2002 due to an arm injury Mustaine suffered, but reformed when he recovered in 2004.

In 2005, Mustaine founded the Gigantour, an annual ... read more »