Dave Mustaine's Influence on Thrash Metal's Big Four

Dave Mustaine, the frontman of Megadeth, has asserted his significant influence on the "Big Four" of thrash metal, which includes Slayer, Metallica, and Anthrax. In a recent interview with Brazil's 89 FM A Rádio Rock, Mustaine reflected on his early collaborations and the impact he believes he had on these iconic bands. He noted his brief tenure with Metallica from 1982 to 1983, during which he contributed to their musical direction before his dismissal led him to form Megadeth.

“Their first record was very different from the record they made after they met me and the guys in Metallica”: Dave Mustaine reflects on the overarching influence he had on the guitarists of the Big FMegadeth's Dave Mustaine claims his guitar style influenced Slayer, Anthrax and Metallica early on

Mustaine's relationship with Slayer dates back to 1984 when Kerry King briefly joined Megadeth as a live guitarist. Although King has praised Mustaine's guitar skills, he has also criticized his personality. Mustaine claims that he shared his guitar techniques with King, which he believes influenced Slayer's early sound. Furthermore, Mustaine posited that his interactions with Scott Ian of Anthrax led to a notable shift in the band's musical style after they were exposed to Mustaine-era Metallica.

Megadeth's Dave Mustaine claims his guitar style influenced Slayer, Anthrax and Metallica early on“Their first record was very different from the record they made after they met me and the guys in Metallica”: Dave Mustaine reflects on the overarching influence he had on the guitarists of the Big F

In his interview, Mustaine expressed pride in his contributions to the metal community, stating, “I’ve been very invested in the metal community.” He emphasized his role in shaping the sound of these bands, claiming, “I wrote music in Metallica, and I wrote music in Megadeth. So I’ve been very influential with the guitar with these three bands.” He also acknowledged the evolution of Anthrax's sound post their interactions with him and Metallica.

“Their first record was very different from the record they made after they met me and the guys in Metallica”: Dave Mustaine reflects on the overarching influence he had on the guitarists of the Big FMegadeth's Dave Mustaine claims his guitar style influenced Slayer, Anthrax and Metallica early on

Megadeth is set to resume touring with a series of performances across South America, Mexico, and Europe. The band will appear at the Sonic Temple festival in Columbus, Ohio, on May 17, 2024, followed by additional shows in various locations, including Spain, Germany, and Australia. This tour marks a continuation of their legacy in the thrash metal genre.

Megadeth's Dave Mustaine claims his guitar style influenced Slayer, Anthrax and Metallica early on

While Mustaine's claims of influence are significant, they have not gone unchallenged. Some critics argue that attributing the evolution of these bands solely to his influence oversimplifies the collaborative nature of music creation within the thrash metal scene. Kerry King's mixed sentiments about Mustaine's personality also highlight the complexities of their relationship and the broader dynamics within the metal community.

“Their first record was very different from the record they made after they met me and the guys in Metallica”: Dave Mustaine reflects on the overarching influence he had on the guitarists of the Big F

• “I’ve been very invested in the metal community,” — Dave Mustaine, Frontman of Megadeth

“Their first record was very different from the record they made after they met me and the guys in Metallica”: Dave Mustaine reflects on the overarching influence he had on the guitarists of the Big F

• “I wrote music in Metallica, and I wrote music in Megadeth. So I’ve been very influential with the guitar with these three bands.” — Dave Mustaine

“Their first record was very different from the record they made after they met me and the guys in Metallica”: Dave Mustaine reflects on the overarching influence he had on the guitarists of the Big F

• “When I met Scott and the guys in Anthrax out in New York, same thing happened. Their first record was very different from the record they made after they met me and the guys in Metallica. So I think that's great.” — Dave Mustaine

“Their first record was very different from the record they made after they met me and the guys in Metallica”: Dave Mustaine reflects on the overarching influence he had on the guitarists of the Big F

In summary, Dave Mustaine's reflections on his influence within the thrash metal genre underscore his complex relationships with the "Big Four" bands, while also highlighting the ongoing evolution of Megadeth as they continue to tour and contribute to the metal community.

“Their first record was very different from the record they made after they met me and the guys in Metallica”: Dave Mustaine reflects on the overarching influence he had on the guitarists of the Big F