Questions
Who founded Megadeth and when?
Dave Mustaine founded Megadeth in Los Angeles in 1983, right after he was dismissed from Metallica on April 11, 1983.
Where did the name Megadeth come from?
Mustaine reportedly found a pamphlet by senator Alan Cranston using the word arsenal of megadeath. He adapted the spelling to Megadeth, saying it represented the annihilation of power.
Is Dave Mustaine the only original member left?
Yes. Mustaine is the only person to remain in the band throughout its existence, a run of more than 40 years across many lineup changes.
Did Megadeth really form as revenge against Metallica?
According to the article, Mustaine vowed revenge by forming a band that was faster and heavier than Metallica after his firing.
Did Mustaine write songs that ended up on Metallica records?
Yes. He had composed music including Mechanix, Ride the Lightning, and Phantom Lord for Metallica, and Metallica later recorded a slower version of Mechanix titled The Four Horsemen.
What is considered their genre-defining album?
Rust in Peace from 1990, which Decibel magazine called genre-defining. It features fan favorites like Holy Wars... The Punishment Due and Hangar 18.
What is their best-selling era album?
Countdown to Extinction (1992) reached number 2 on the Billboard 200 and was certified double platinum, home to Symphony of Destruction.
Have they ever had a number one album?
Their self-titled album Megadeth (2026) became their first number one entry on the Billboard 200.
Has Megadeth won a Grammy?
Yes. After twelve career nominations, they won their first Grammy in 2017 for the song Dystopia in the Best Metal Performance category.
What happened with the band’s very first recording budget?
For their 1985 debut they reportedly received only $8,000 from Combat Records and spent it all on drugs, alcohol, and food, which led them to fire the original producer.
Why did Mustaine break up the band in 2002?
In January 2002 he reportedly suffered radial neuropathy, nerve compression in his left arm while sleeping, leaving him unable to make a fist. He disbanded Megadeth that April, then recovered through physical therapy and reformed it in 2004.
Did a member of Slayer ever play in Megadeth?
Kerry King of Slayer filled in on rhythm guitar for five shows in 1984.
How chaotic were the early lineups?
Very. The band reportedly auditioned roughly 15 drummers in its early days and went through frequent lineup changes.
Are Megadeth one of the big four of thrash metal?
Yes. They are credited with helping develop and popularize thrash metal as one of the big four alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.
What is their debut album called?
Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!, released in 1985 on Combat Records.
