After signing with Capitol Records, Megadeth released its major-label debut Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying? in 1986, which eventually went platinum, followed by So Far, So Good… So What! in 1988. Membership is open for true Megadeth fans to join the Cyber Army Fan Club. There are multiple levels of membership, including a free tier. The top membership tier, the premium level, comes with loads of perks and exclusive access to members-only contests, giveaways, and prizes. The band reformed in 2004, and has since released The System Has Failed (2004), United Abominations (2007), Endgame (2009), Thirteen (2011) and Super Collider (2013). Megadeth has sold over 50 million records worldwide, earned platinum certification for six of their fourteen studio albums. The band has been nominated for 12 Grammy awards, and won its first Grammy for the song “Dystopia” in 2017 for Best Metal Performance. Megadeth’s sixth full-length album Youthanasia in 1994 followed the same mainstream trend as its predecessor, and was succeeded by a rare collection of unheard recordings titled Hidden Treasures. The band subsequently released Cryptic Writings in 1997, Risk in 1998 with former Suicidal Tendencies drummer Jimmy DeGrasso, and The World Needs a Hero in 2001. In the early years, Megadeth’s line-up changed regularly. In 1984, it replaced Lee Rausch with jazz fusion drummer Gar Samuelson and guitarist Chris Poland. The band’s debut album, Killing Is My Business… and Business is Good!, released through Combat Records in 1985, attracted major label interest and became popular in both underground and mainstream metal circles.

Due to COVID-19, Megadeth’s tour, The Metal Tour of the Year with Lamb of God, Trivium, and In Flames, was postponed from the summer of 2020 to 2021, with Hatebreed replacing In Flames due to visa complications. For me, Havok was the highlight of the night, but do not think that means that the night was any kind of disappointment. Rather, I just think that the half-hour set from Havok was that killer. Havok for me is the Megadeth of the modern era with improvements. Lyrically, they bring a much more thought-provoking game to the table that Megadeth has ever done, and musically Havok is definitively more "thrash." I am not much of a fan of Children of Bodom, and Suicidal Tendencies dropped Houston among other cities from their end of the tour. That meant that, for me, Megadeth was the only one that had the power to really step it up, if anyone. Truthfully, it seemed like they spent too much effort to include songs for which they made videos. I would have been happier with more songs from the newest CD mixed with fewer oldies-but-goodies. I will close by just noting, however, that the newest lineup of members is really good though. Dave's voice was a little weak at times, but the instrument play even through some of the most intense solo parts was nearly flawless whether it was Dave or Kiko. Overall thoughts: Great concert! Havok 5/5; Children of Bodom NR; Suicidal Tendencies NR; Megadeth 4/5. Megadeth hosted its own music festival, dubbed Gigantour, in July 2005 and numerous times since then. The group also had a MegaCruise in October 2019. Megadeth, the American thrash metal band have been recording and touring consistently since their formation in 1983 minus a brief hiatus in the mid 00's. Dave Mustaine and co are known for having one of the most energetic and technical live shows on the circuit and whether you like the frontman or not, you cannot deny his talents as a showman.

Biography

In 2002 Mustaine relapsed on his drug addiction after receiving pain medication following the removal of a kidney stone. He subsequently suffered nerve damage to his left arm, which left the guitarist unable to use his left arm. After temporarily disbanding Megadeth, Mustaine underwent a great deal of physical and mental therapy before releasing the compilation album Still Alive… and Well?. Over the course of its 39-year career, Megadeth has had numerous guitarists, drummers, and bassists. Mustaine has the distinction of being the only original band member still in the group. Following the dismissal of Ellefson, the band’s current lineup includes Mustaine, drummer Dirk Verbeuren, guitarist Kiko Loureiro, and bassist James LoMenzo. Megadeth are an impressive live band as every member endeavours to get the best possible sound out of their instrument and they demonstrate this on extended versions of cult hits such as 'System Of Destruction'. Their dedication to the metal sound is a clue that Megadeth are likely to still be touring thirty years for now should they all be able. The band has its own mascot named Vic Rattlehead. The mascot regularly appears on stage with the group during performances and on tours. He is also featured on album cover artwork and promotional materials.