Before Megadeth became one of the biggest names in thrash metal, and before Metallica ruled the world of heavy music, everything started in a much simpler and almost unbelievable way. In the early 1980s, the Bay Area metal scene was small, raw, and full of hungry young musicians. One of them was Dave Mustaine, a talented and fiery guitarist who was still trying to make a name for himself.
At that time, Metallica was not the global powerhouse we know today. It was a young band formed by James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich, with bassist Ron McGovney. They were looking for a lead guitarist who could match their aggressive sound and energy. That search led them to Dave Mustaine — and what happened next became a legendary metal story.
When Mustaine showed up to meet Hetfield and McGovney, there was no formal audition set up. No list of songs. No pressure-filled tryout. Instead, Mustaine simply plugged in his guitar and began warming up. Even that short moment was enough to turn heads. His speed, confidence, and unique style immediately stood out.
According to Mustaine, after he finished warming up, he asked a simple question:
“Man, where’s my audition?”
The answer shocked him.
They replied: “You got the gig.”
Just like that, without a traditional audition, Dave Mustaine became Metallica’s lead guitarist.
Mustaine joined Metallica in 1981, and although his time in the band was short, it was extremely important. During his tenure, he helped shape Metallica’s early aggressive sound. Many riffs and musical ideas that Mustaine worked on during those years later appeared on Metallica’s first two albums, Kill ’Em All and Ride the Lightning. Even though he did not officially record on those albums, his influence is still felt in their DNA.
However, the band’s internal dynamics were far from stable. Alcohol, personality clashes, and constant tension created problems. By April 1983, Metallica decided to part ways with Mustaine. The moment became infamous in rock history: Mustaine was fired and sent back to Los Angeles on a bus, angry, hurt, and determined to prove himself.
That painful moment became the spark for something bigger.
During that bus ride, Mustaine made a promise to himself — he would form a band that was faster, heavier, and more technical than Metallica. That promise became Megadeth, one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.
Over the years, Mustaine’s relationship with his Metallica past has been complicated. At times, he has expressed pride in being part of the band’s early formation. At other times, he has spoken openly about frustration, feeling his contributions were not always fully recognized. Still, there is no denying that both bands helped shape each other’s legacy.
Now, as Dave Mustaine prepares to close the final chapter of Megadeth — with the band’s 17th and expected final album set for January 2026, followed by a farewell tour — his early story with Metallica feels even more meaningful.
What began as a simple guitar warm-up turned into the foundation of two legendary metal careers. Dave Mustaine’s journey proves that sometimes, the most unexpected moments can change music history forever. 🤘