Editing Dave Mustaine

{{short description|American musician (born 1961)}}
{{for|the Indonesian footballer|Dave Mustaine (footballer)}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name            = Dave Mustaine
| image           = HF2022Megadeth 2.jpg
| caption         = Mustaine with Megadeth at [[Hellfest]] 2022
| birth_name      = David Scott Mustaine
| birth_date      = {{nowrap|{{Birth date and age|1961|9|13}}}}
| birth_place     = [[La Mesa, California]], U.S.
| instrument      = {{flatlist|
* Guitar
* vocals
}}
| occupation      = {{flatlist|
* Musician
* songwriter
* producer
}}
| genre           = {{flatlist|
* [[Thrash metal]]
* [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]]
}}
| years_active    = 1978–present
| current_member_of  = [[Megadeth]]
| past_member_of = {{flatlist|
* Panic
* [[Metallica]]
* [[MD.45]]
}}
{{Infobox person
| child = yes
| spouse = {{marriage|Pamela Anne Casselberry|1991}}
| children = 2, including [[Electra Mustaine|Electra]]
| website         = {{URL|megadeth.com}}
}}
}}

'''David Scott Mustaine''' (born September 13, 1961) is an American musician. He is best known as the co-founder, frontman, primary songwriter and sole consistent member of the [[thrash metal]] band [[Megadeth]] and for his time as the lead guitarist of [[Metallica]].<ref name="Co-Founder">{{cite web |title=Megadeth History confirms the founders of Megadeth |url=http://www.megadeth.com/history#1983 |publisher=Megadeth |date=2014 |access-date=June 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906102158/http://www.megadeth.com/history#1983 |archive-date=September 6, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><!-- Discuss this on the talk page before removing CO from founder --> Mustaine has released sixteen studio albums with Megadeth, sold over 50 million records worldwide,<ref>{{Cite web |title=band |url=https://www.megadeth.com/pages/band |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=Megadeth |language=en}}</ref> with six albums platinum-certified, and won a [[Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance]] in 2017 at the [[59th Grammy Awards]], for [[Dystopia (song)|the title track]] of their fifteenth studio album, ''[[Dystopia (Megadeth album)|Dystopia]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/gibson-dave-mustaine-megadeth-guitar-collection/|work=[[UDiscoverMusic]]|title=Gibson Team With Megadeth's Dave Mustaine For New Guitar Collection|first=Tim|last=Peacock|date=December 15, 2021|access-date=May 25, 2022|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601142121/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/gibson-dave-mustaine-megadeth-guitar-collection/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Prior to forming Megadeth, Mustaine was the lead guitarist of [[Metallica]] but did not appear on any albums. He was, however, credited as a writer on four songs from ''[[Kill 'Em All]]'' and two songs from ''[[Ride the Lightning]]''. Mustaine was born into a family of [[Jehovah's Witnesses]].<ref name="autogenerated1987">Jodi Beth Summers talks to Dave Mustaine, "Out to Lunch", ''[[Hit Parader]]'', June 1987</ref> He now identifies as a [[born-again]] [[Christian]].<ref name="life">{{cite web|url=https://metalinsider.net/news-around-the-world/the-story-of-dave-mustaine|title=The Story of Dave Mustaine|work=Metal Insider|access-date=May 25, 2022|date=April 1, 2021|archive-date=May 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525091207/https://metalinsider.net/news-around-the-world/the-story-of-dave-mustaine|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=72074 |title=Dave Mustaine Explains Why He Refuses To Share Stage With His 'Confessed Enemy' – Blabbermouth.net |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |date=May 8, 2007 |access-date=August 4, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031032008/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=72074 |archive-date=October 31, 2010 }}</ref> Mustaine has been to rehab throughout his life, fighting alcohol and drug problems,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/dave-mustaine-drugs-why-would-i-want-to-glorify-something-like-that|title=Dave Mustaine: "Drugs? Why would I want to glorify something like that?"|work=[[Metal Hammer]]|via=[[Loudersound.com]]|date=September 24, 2020|first=Clay|last=Marshall|access-date=May 25, 2022|archive-date=May 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525091207/https://www.loudersound.com/features/dave-mustaine-drugs-why-would-i-want-to-glorify-something-like-that|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/taranurin/2016/10/20/dave-mustaine-beer/?sh=6dd6b8a46ef8|work=[[Forbes]]|first=Tara|last=Nurin|date=October 20, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2022|title=Heavy Metal God Dave Mustaine Crafts A Not-So-Heavy Beer|archive-date=May 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525091206/https://www.forbes.com/sites/taranurin/2016/10/20/dave-mustaine-beer/?sh=6dd6b8a46ef8|url-status=live}}</ref> and briefly battled throat cancer in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-on-his-cancer-battle-its-been-a-real-eye-opening-experience|title=DAVE MUSTAINE On His Cancer Battle: 'It's Been A Real Eye-Opening Experience'|date=May 2, 2022|access-date=May 25, 2022|work=[[Full Metal Jackie]]|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|archive-date=May 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525091206/https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-on-his-cancer-battle-its-been-a-real-eye-opening-experience|url-status=live}}</ref> Mustaine has been married to Pamela Anne Casselberry since 1991, with whom he has two children, [[Electra Mustaine|Electra]] and Justis Mustaine.<ref name="marriage">{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-says-david-ellefson-helped-him-save-his-marriage|title=DAVE MUSTAINE Says DAVID ELLEFSON Helped Him Save His Marriage|work=MagentaMusik 360|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|first=Sara|last=Kelly-Husain|date=September 27, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2022|archive-date=May 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525091207/https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-says-david-ellefson-helped-him-save-his-marriage|url-status=live}}</ref>

In a popular vote on the internet forum of ''[[Ultimate Guitar]]'', Mustaine was ranked third in the top 25 [[rhythm guitar]]ists of all time,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/friday_top_25_best_rhythm_guitarists_of_all_time-88641|title=Friday Top: 25 Best Rhythm Guitarists of All Time|author=david89zenum|date=April 5, 2019|access-date=May 25, 2022|work=[[Ultimate Guitar]]|archive-date=May 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525091208/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/friday_top_25_best_rhythm_guitarists_of_all_time-88641|url-status=live}}</ref> first in [[Joel McIver|Joel McIver's]] book ''The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/dave_mustaine_discusses_the_100_greatest_metal_guitarists.html|title=Dave Mustaine Discusses 'The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists'|via=[[Ultimate Guitar]]|work=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]]|date=August 27, 2009|access-date=May 25, 2022|archive-date=June 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602090109/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/dave_mustaine_discusses_the_100_greatest_metal_guitarists.html|url-status=live}}</ref> tenth in ''[[Loudwire|Loudwire's]]'' "66 Best Hard Rock + Metal Guitarists of All Time",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/top-hard-rock-metal-guitarists-of-all-time/|work=[[Loudwire]]|date=July 13, 2016|title=The 66 Best Hard Rock + Metal Guitarists of All Time|access-date=May 25, 2022|archive-date=September 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922072712/https://loudwire.com/top-hard-rock-metal-guitarists-of-all-time/|url-status=live}}</ref> and third in their "10 Greatest Rhythm Guitarists in Rock + Metal".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/10-greatest-rhythm-guitarists/|title=10 Greatest Rhythm Guitarists in Rock + Metal|work=[[Loudwire]]|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|date=March 22, 2018|access-date=May 25, 2022|archive-date=May 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525091206/https://loudwire.com/10-greatest-rhythm-guitarists/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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== Early life ==

Mustaine was born on September 13, 1961,<ref name=McIver/> in [[La Mesa, California]],{{Sfn|Layden|2011}} (a nearby suburb of [[San Diego]]) to parents Emily Marie (''[[née]]'' David) and John Jefferson Mustaine. His father was of French, German, Irish, and Finnish descent,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.is.fi/viihde/art-2000000385739.html |title=Megadeth-laulaja pelästyi: "Voi Luoja, kuolen Venäjällä" |website=[[Ilta-Sanomat]] |date=March 17, 2011 |publisher=[[Sanoma]] |access-date=April 25, 2017 |language=fi |quote=Suomalaiset sukujuuret isänsä puolelta omaavalla Davella |archive-date=November 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123133023/https://www.is.fi/viihde/art-2000000385739.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.fi/viihde/musiikki/artikkeli/dave-mustaine-kaveeraa-suomalaiskiekkoilijoiden-kanssa/2869740 |title=Dave Mustaine kaveeraa suomalaiskiekkoilijoiden kanssa |website=MTV.fi |date=February 4, 2008 |publisher=[[Bonnier Group]] |access-date=April 25, 2017 |language=fi |quote=Minulla on myös osittain suomalaiset sukujuuret |archive-date=April 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425192912/http://www.mtv.fi/viihde/musiikki/artikkeli/dave-mustaine-kaveeraa-suomalaiskiekkoilijoiden-kanssa/2869740 |url-status=live }}</ref> while his mother was of [[History of the Jews in Germany|German Jewish]] ancestry.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Arts-and-Culture/Music/Proving-its-mettle-369390|title=Heavy metal band Megadeth is dead set on performing in Israel|website=The Jerusalem Post &#124; JPost.com|date=August 2, 2014 |access-date=December 10, 2018|archive-date=June 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626202656/https://www.jpost.com/Arts-and-Culture/Music/Proving-its-mettle-369390|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/mustaine-mania/dave-mustaine-thinks-jews-arent-metal|title=Dave Mustaine Thinks Jews Aren't Metal; Wanted Marty Friedman To Change His Name|date=March 29, 2012|website=Metal Injection|access-date=February 23, 2020|archive-date=February 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223031447/https://metalinjection.net/mustaine-mania/dave-mustaine-thinks-jews-arent-metal|url-status=live}}</ref> The Mustaine family were [[Jehovah's Witnesses]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Bresky|first=Ben|date=August 8, 2005|url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_hitparader1987.html|title=Megadeth Play Israel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303192141/http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_hitparader1987.html |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=June 6, 2022}}</ref>

Mustaine had three older sisters, Michelle, Suzanne, and Debbie, who were 18, 15, and 3 respectively when he was born. Due to the significant age difference between Mustaine and his sisters, as a child he often thought of them as his aunts rather than sisters. Mustaine has described family life as tumultuous during his early life, lamenting years later that "life unraveled in a great many ways" for his family before he was born. Mustaine has described his father as "a very smart and successful man, good with his hands and head" who was a branch manager for [[Bank of America]] before moving to [[NCR Voyix|NCR]], where the corporation's transition from mechanical to electrical technology ultimately made him expendable and cost him his job. A longtime problem drinker, John Mustaine's issues with alcohol only grew worse from then on, and he left his four-year-old son permanently after Emily divorced him in 1965.<ref name="mustaine-memoir">{{cite book |last1=Mustaine |first1=David |title=Mustaine: A Life in Metal |date=September 16, 2010 |publisher= [[HarperCollins|HarperCollins UK]]|isbn=9780007324132}}</ref>

==Early career==
{{external media | width = 210px | float = right | headerimage=[[File:100 5623.JPG|210px]]
|video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czF_UZMxQ1w Dave Mustaine – Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction? (Part 1)], 10:09, [[Loudwire]]<ref name="loud A">{{cite magazine | title =Dave Mustaine – Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction? (Part 1) | magazine =[[Loudwire]]| url =http://loudwire.com/dave-mustaine-plays-wikipedia-fact-or-fiction-part-1/ | access-date =April 2, 2016 | archive-date =April 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404195830/http://loudwire.com/dave-mustaine-plays-wikipedia-fact-or-fiction-part-1/ | url-status =live }}</ref>
|video2=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy_Ncy8akAU Part II], 9:59, [[Loudwire]]<ref name="loud B">{{cite magazine | title =Dave Mustaine Plays 'Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?' (Part 2)|magazine=[[Loudwire]]|url=http://loudwire.com/dave-mustaine-plays-wikipedia-fact-or-fiction-part-2/|access-date=April 2, 2016 | archive-date =April 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402033606/http://loudwire.com/dave-mustaine-plays-wikipedia-fact-or-fiction-part-2/ | url-status =live }}</ref> }}

===Panic===
Panic was Mustaine's first band. The initial lineup was Dave Harmon on drums, Tom Quecke on guitar, Bob Evans on bass{{sfn|Layden|2011|p=30}} and Pat Voelkes as the singer,{{sfn|Layden|2011|p=31}} with Mustaine on lead guitar. The first gig, played at [[Dana Point, California|Dana Point]], featured Mike Leftwych as a substitute drummer.{{sfn|Layden|2011|p=31}} Leftwych and a sound man were killed in a car crash after the show.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/megadeths-dave-mustaine-talks-first-gig-first-guitar-and-advice-new-players|title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Talks First Gig, First Guitar and Advice for New Players|last=Harward|first=Randy|work=[[Guitar World]]|date=November 5, 2014|accessdate=August 10, 2023|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108090055/https://www.guitarworld.com/megadeths-dave-mustaine-talks-first-gig-first-guitar-and-advice-new-players|archivedate=November 8, 2014}}</ref> Mustaine stated that after the band started to fall apart in 1981, Quecke was also killed in a separate car crash shortly after.<ref>{{cite web|date=August 27, 2007|title=Dave's band Panic?|url=http://www.megadeth.com/scorpion_archive.php?scorpion_id=59|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706204749/http://www.megadeth.com/scorpion_archive.php?scorpion_id=59|archive-date=July 6, 2012|work=megadeth.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=[[Loudwire]]|date=March 23, 2013|title=Dave Mustaine - Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction? (Part 1)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czF_UZMxQ1w|access-date=December 6, 2020|publisher=[[YouTube]]|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108173722/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czF_UZMxQ1w|url-status=live}}</ref>

The first song that Mustaine ever wrote was [[Jump in the Fire]]. Panic songs that Mustaine went on to reuse for Megadeth include N2RHQ (renamed [[Hangar 18 (song)|Hangar 18]]), Child Saint (renamed Rust in Peace... Polaris)<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Grow |first1=Kory |title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine: My Life in 15 Songs|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/megadeths-dave-mustaine-my-life-in-15-songs-118539/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=January 11, 2017 |access-date=August 2, 2023}}</ref> and [[Mechanix]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-stories-behind-10-of-megadeths-biggest-songs|title=The stories behind 10 of Megadeth's biggest songs|work=[[Kerrang!]]|date=March 20, 2019|accessdate=August 2, 2023|last=Travers|first=Paul}}</ref> Cover songs that Panic played included Nature's Child by [[Triumph (band)|Triumph]] and This Planet's on Fire (Burn in Hell) by [[Sammy Hagar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvB59lniEpk&start=917|title=Kyle Meredith with... Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)|work=YouTube|date=August 16, 2024|accessdate=August 16, 2024}}</ref>

===Metallica===
{{See also|Metallica}}
In 1981, Mustaine disbanded Panic and joined [[Metallica]] as the lead guitarist. Metallica's drummer [[Lars Ulrich]] had posted an ad in a local newspaper, ''[[The Recycler]]'', looking for a lead guitarist.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://groovyhistory.com/dave-mustaine-fired-metallica-megadeth|title=Fired From Metallica, So He Formed Megadeth: Dave Mustaine's Story|date=September 13, 2020|work=groovyhistory.com|access-date=June 1, 2022|archive-date=January 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122134857/https://groovyhistory.com/dave-mustaine-fired-metallica-megadeth|url-status=live}}</ref> In his own words, Mustaine remembers his first meeting with [[James Hetfield]] and Ulrich: "I was in the room warming up and I walked out and asked, 'Well, am I gonna audition or what?', and they said, 'No, you've got the job.' I couldn't believe how easy it had been and suggested that we get some beer to celebrate."<ref name="RealmOfDeth">{{cite web|title=Megadeth vs. Metallica|url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/related_metallica.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308053342/http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/related_metallica.html|archive-date=March 8, 2013|work=megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl}}</ref>

Metallica began recording their first album titled ''[[Kill 'Em All]]'' in 1983 but Mustaine's tenure with Metallica was short-lived. [[Brian Slagel]], owner of [[Metal Blade Records]], recalled in an interview: "Dave was an incredibly talented guy but he also had an incredibly large problem with alcohol and drugs. He'd get wasted and become a real crazy person, a raging megalomaniac, and the other guys just couldn't deal with that after a while. I mean, they all drank of course, but Dave drank more… much more. I could see they were beginning to get fed up of seeing Dave drunk out of his mind all the time."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metallicaworld.co.uk/dave_mustaine.htm |title=Dave Mustaine |access-date=May 16, 2008 |work=MetWorld |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120131700/http://www.metallicaworld.co.uk/dave_mustaine.htm |archive-date=January 20, 2017}}</ref>

On one occasion, Mustaine brought his dog to rehearsal; the dog jumped onto the car of Metallica bassist [[Ron McGovney]] and scratched the paint.<ref name="grunge">{{cite web|url=https://www.grunge.com/198022/the-real-reason-dave-mustaine-left-metallica/|title=Metallica's Shadiest Moments|first=Pauli|last=Poisuo|date=March 31, 2020|access-date=June 1, 2022|work=[[Static Media|Grunge]]|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094200/https://www.grunge.com/198022/the-real-reason-dave-mustaine-left-metallica/|url-status=live}}</ref> Hetfield allegedly yelled at Mustaine's dog and kicked it in a fit of rage, which provoked Mustaine into physically attacking Hetfield.<ref name=grunge/> Mustaine was fired following the altercation, but the next day, Mustaine asked to be allowed back in the band and was granted his request.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/original_metallica_bassist_ron_mcgovney_james__lars_put_up_with_mustaines_asshole_behavior_because_he_was_such_good_guitarist.html|title=Original Metallica Bassist Ron McGovney: James & Lars Put Up With Mustaine's Asshole Behavior Because He Was Such Good Guitarist|work=[[Talk is Jericho]]|via=[[Ultimate Guitar]]|date=July 14, 2018|access-date=June 1, 2022|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131010132/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/original_metallica_bassist_ron_mcgovney_james__lars_put_up_with_mustaines_asshole_behavior_because_he_was_such_good_guitarist.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Another incident occurred when Mustaine, who had been drinking, poured a can of beer down the neck and into the [[Pickup (music technology)|pickups]] of McGovney's bass, resulting in electrical damage.<ref name=grunge/> McGovney claimed that he was unaware of the damage and that he received an electric shock upon plugging it into an amplifier.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9557l5mkGqI|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101201444/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9557l5mkGqI| archive-date=November 1, 2020 | url-status=dead|title=Behind the music- Megadeth |website=[[YouTube]] |access-date=December 13, 2020}}</ref>

On April 11, 1983, after Metallica had driven to New York to record their debut album, Mustaine was officially ejected from the band because of his alcoholism, [[Substance abuse|drug abuse]], overly [[Aggression|aggressive behavior]], and personal clashes with founding members Hetfield and Ulrich, an incident Mustaine refers to as "no warning, no second chance".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/dave-mustaine-fired-from-metallica-anniversary/|date=April 11, 2022|access-date=June 1, 2022|title=39 Years Ago: Dave Mustaine Fired From Metallica|first=Jon|last=Wiederhorn|work=[[Loudwire]]|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095832/https://loudwire.com/dave-mustaine-fired-from-metallica-anniversary/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-why-i-lost-my-job-with-metallica|title=DAVE MUSTAINE: Why I Lost My Job With METALLICA|work=Lydverket|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=October 15, 2009|access-date=June 1, 2022|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095835/https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-why-i-lost-my-job-with-metallica|url-status=live}}</ref> The band packed up Mustaine's gear, drove him to the [[Port Authority Bus Terminal]], and put him on a [[Greyhound bus]] bound for Los Angeles.<ref name=RealmOfDeth /> On this bus ride Mustaine scribbled some lyrical ideas on the back of a [[Flyer (pamphlet)|hand bill]], which later became the song "[[Set the World Afire]]" from the 1988 Megadeth album ''[[So Far, So Good... So What!]]''<ref>{{cite web|quote=Set the World Afire' was the song that was actually titled 'Megadeth,' that I wrote about Alan Cranston when I first left Metallica and got in the bus. It was kind of a post-apocalyptic song about what happens after the bomb was dropped.|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/dave_mustaine_speaks_on_why_he_had_to_fire_early_megadeth_members_talks_how_marty_friedman_behaved_at_audition.html|work=[[Gibson (guitar company)|Gibson]]|via=[[Ultimate Guitar]]|date=August 26, 2021|access-date=June 1, 2022|title=Dave Mustaine Speaks on Why He Had to Fire Early Megadeth Members, Talks How Marty Friedman Behaved at Audition|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095832/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/dave_mustaine_speaks_on_why_he_had_to_fire_early_megadeth_members_talks_how_marty_friedman_behaved_at_audition.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

During his time in Metallica, Mustaine toured with the band, co-wrote four songs that appeared on ''Kill 'Em All,'' and co-wrote two songs that eventually appeared on the 1984 album ''[[Ride the Lightning]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-reveals-his-favorite-metallica-song-that-he-wrote|work=[[LA Weekly]]|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|title=DAVE MUSTAINE Reveals His Favorite METALLICA Song That He Wrote|date=January 18, 2016|access-date=June 1, 2022|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095833/https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-reveals-his-favorite-metallica-song-that-he-wrote|url-status=live}}</ref> Mustaine has also made unverified claims to have written parts of "Leper Messiah" from ''[[Master of Puppets]]''.<ref name=RealmOfDeth />

===Fallen Angels===
Fallen Angels was the name of the short-lived band that Mustaine founded after his departure from Metallica. In April 1983, after returning to California to live with his mother, he landed what he calls his first real job with the aid of Robbie McKinney. McKinney and a friend, Matt Kisselstein, worked with Mustaine as telemarketers. Mustaine quit his job after earning enough money to move to an apartment in Hollywood, and recruited McKinney, who played guitar, and Kisselstein, who played bass, for his band Fallen Angels.{{sfn|Layden|2011|p=103}} In his biography, Mustaine describes that "We lacked the chemistry, the energy, the spark—or whatever you want to call it—that gives a band life in its infancy."{{sfn|Layden|2011|p=103}} The partnership did not last.{{sfn|Layden|2011|p=103}}

This paved the way for his partnership with [[Dave Ellefson]] and Greg Handevidt. Ellefson was playing the opening bass line of Van Halen's "[[Runnin' with the Devil]]" in the apartment below Mustaine's.{{Sfn|Layden|2011|p=105}} After stomping on the floor and shouting for them to stop, Mustaine, being hung over at the time, took a potted plant and threw it out of his window and hit the air conditioner of the apartment below.{{Sfn|Layden|2011|p=105}} This resulted in the two coming up to Mustaine's apartment to ask for cigarettes. Mustaine replied "There's a store on the corner" and slammed the door in their faces.{{Sfn|Layden|2011|p=105}} A few minutes later, they knocked on the door, this time asking if they could buy him beer.{{Sfn|Layden|2011|p=106}} Mustaine's reply: 'OK, now you are talking'. They spent the night talking about music, and soon after, Mustaine, Ellefson and Handevidt were bandmates.

With little confidence in his own vocal capabilities, Mustaine added 'Lor' Kane to the Fallen Angels roster. Kane did not stay long, although he is credited for the suggestion that they should change the name to Megadeth, knowing that Mustaine had written a song of the same name.{{Sfn|Layden|2011|p=108}} After Kane left, the first of many drummers, [[Dijon Carruthers]], joined the band. The lineup of Mustaine, Ellefson, Handevidt, and Carruthers was one of the first incarnations of Megadeth.{{Sfn|Layden|2011}}

==Megadeth==
{{Main|Megadeth}}

===1980s===
Following unsuccessful vocalist auditions, Mustaine took on vocal duties himself at Megadeth's first rehearsal in addition to playing lead and rhythm guitar.<ref name=gibson/> In 1984, Megadeth produced a three-song demo with drummer [[Lee Rauch]], who replaced Carruthers after Mustaine and Ellefson decided they could not trust him. Carruthers had chosen to hide his black heritage from them by claiming he was Spanish, and they could not understand why he would deceive them.{{Sfn|Layden|2011|p=109}} [[Kerry King]] joined the band for a few shows; however, he opted to leave Megadeth after less than a week so he could continue working on his own band, [[Slayer]]. Jazz-influenced drummer [[Gar Samuelson]] replaced Rauch, who left after Mustaine convinced him to play with a broken foot.{{Sfn|Layden|2011}} Megadeth recorded a demo as a three-piece band, which captured the attention of guitarist [[Chris Poland]], also a jazz player and a friend of Samuelson, who subsequently joined the band.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/553544-Megadeth-Killing-Is-My-Business-And-Business-Is-Good/images|publisher=[[Loud Records]]|type=liner notes|id=9046-2|access-date=May 30, 2022|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095832/https://www.discogs.com/release/553544-Megadeth-Killing-Is-My-Business-And-Business-Is-Good/images|url-status=live}}</ref> In November, the band signed a deal with [[Combat Records]] and began touring.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/combat-records-relaunch-david-ellefson-emp-label-group/|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=May 30, 2022|date=November 29, 2017|title=Thrash Label Combat Records Revived By Megadeth's David Ellefson|first=Marc|last=Schneider|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095831/https://www.billboard.com/pro/combat-records-relaunch-david-ellefson-emp-label-group/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 1985, Megadeth released their first album, ''[[Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!]]'', via Combat Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newnoisemagazine.com/retro-review-megadeth-killing-is-my-business-and-business-is-good-1985/|title=Retro Review: Megadeth – 'Killing is My Business…and Business is Good!' (1985)|date=November 6, 2015|first=Tony|last=Shrum|work=New Noise Magazine|access-date=May 30, 2022|archive-date=June 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609231651/http://newnoisemagazine.com/retro-review-megadeth-killing-is-my-business-and-business-is-good-1985/|url-status=live}}</ref> That summer, the band toured the U.S. and Canada with [[Exciter (band)|Exciter]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metal-rules.com/2012/07/25/exciter-john-ricci/|work=metal-rules.com|first=Arto|last=Lehtinen|date=July 25, 2012|title=EXCITER – John Ricci|access-date=May 30, 2022|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061941/https://www.metal-rules.com/2012/07/25/exciter-john-ricci/|url-status=live}}</ref> Guitarist [[Mike Albert]] replaced Chris Poland when he was incarcerated for possession of heroin.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}} After Poland was released, he rejoined the band in October and the band then began recording their second studio album for Combat. On New Year's Eve of that year, Megadeth played in San Francisco with [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]] and [[Metal Church]]. Metallica was the headliner. This was the only time Megadeth and Metallica were on the same card, until 1991.

In 1986, a year after releasing their debut album, Mustaine approached [[Jackson Guitars]] for a custom-built guitar. Jackson modified their existing Jackson King V model for Mustaine by adding two more [[fret]]s to the standard 22 fret King V.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.groundguitar.com/dave-mustaine-guitars-and-gear/|work=groundguitar.com|title=Dave Mustaine's Guitars and Gear|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=July 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727110758/https://www.groundguitar.com/dave-mustaine-guitars-and-gear/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 1990s, the company began mass-producing a Dave Mustaine signature series Jackson King V, which continued into the early 2000s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mastermind - Tribute to Dave Mustaine|url=http://www.jacksonguitarpalace.com/davemustaine/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318225822/http://www.jacksonguitarpalace.com/davemustaine/|archive-date=March 18, 2018|website=jacksonguitarpalace.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://arrowlordsofmetal.nl/dave-mustaine-a-life-in-guitars/|first=Ramon|title=Dave Mustaine – a life in guitars|last=van Hengel|date=February 23, 2021|access-date=June 6, 2022|work=arrowlordsofmetal.nl|archive-date=May 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520050704/https://arrowlordsofmetal.nl/dave-mustaine-a-life-in-guitars/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The following year, major label [[Capitol Records]] signed Megadeth and obtained the rights to their second studio album, ''[[Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?]]'' Megadeth opened a U.S. tour with [[King Diamond (band)|King Diamond]] and [[Motörhead]]. ''Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?'', released on September 19, 1986, is often regarded as a thrash metal classic,<ref name="pswb">{{cite web|url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/megadeth-peace-sells-but-whos-buying-album/|date=September 19, 2021|first=Joel|last=McIver|title='Peace Sells… But Who's Buying?' How Megadeth Set The Thrash Standard|work=[[UDiscoverMusic]]|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=August 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813085816/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/megadeth-peace-sells-but-whos-buying-album/|url-status=live}}</ref> producing the notable title track (the opening bass lick of which was used by [[MTV News]] segments)<ref name=pswb/> as well as the thrash anthem "Wake Up Dead".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lamb-of-god-megadeth-wake-up-dead-1330839/|title=Lamb of God, Megadeth Pledge Allegiance to the Riff on Megajam 'Wake Up Dead'|date=April 1, 2022|first=Kory|last=Grow|access-date=June 6, 2022|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|archive-date=June 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609101837/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lamb-of-god-megadeth-wake-up-dead-1330839/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 1987, Megadeth opened for [[Alice Cooper]] on his ''Constrictor'' tour. The band also toured with [[King Diamond (band)|King Diamond]] whose previous band, [[Mercyful Fate]], were a huge influence on Megadeth. In March, Megadeth's first world tour began in the U.K. Mustaine and Ellefson guested on the band Malice's ''License to Kill'' album. Megadeth re-recorded "[[These Boots Are Made for Walkin'#Megadeth version|These Boots]]" for the soundtrack to the film "[[Dudes (film)|Dudes]]", and that summer went on tour with [[Overkill (band)|Overkill]] and [[Necros]]. Amid drug problems and suspicions of stealing the band's equipment and [[pawn shop|pawning]] it for drug money, Mustaine fired Poland and Samuelson after their last show in Hawaii.

[[Chuck Behler]], who had been Samuelson's drum tech, became Megadeth's new drummer with guitarist [[Jeff Young]] replacing Poland. Megadeth released their third studio album, ''[[So Far, So Good... So What!]]'', in January 1988. The album contains the song "[[In My Darkest Hour]]", which, according to the liner notes of ''So Far, So Good... So What!'', was composed after the death of Metallica's bass player [[Cliff Burton]]. "Hook in Mouth" attacked the [[Parents Music Resource Center]] with gusto, although their cover of the [[Sex Pistols]]' "[[Anarchy in the UK]]", despite a guest appearance from ex-Pistol [[Steve Jones (musician)|Steve Jones]], was ill-advised in the eyes of ''Allmusic's'' critic.

Later that year, Megadeth opened for [[Dio (band)|Dio]] and then [[Iron Maiden]] on tour before playing the [[Monsters of Rock]] festival at Castle Donington in the U.K. with [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]], [[Iron Maiden]], [[Guns N' Roses]], [[David Lee Roth]], and [[Helloween]]. Shortly after, Mustaine fired Behler and Young, accusing Young of having thoughts of a relationship with Mustaine's then-girlfriend. Around this period, Mustaine produced the debut album from Seattle thrash band [[Sanctuary (band)|Sanctuary]], called ''[[Refuge Denied]].''

[[Nick Menza]], who was Chuck Behler's drum tech, joined Megadeth in 1989, and the band recorded their only track ever as a three-piece: a cover of [[Alice Cooper (band)|Alice Cooper]]'s "No More Mr. Nice Guy" for the horror film ''[[Shocker (film)|Shocker]].'' Film director [[Penelope Spheeris]] would later recount in the Megadeth episode of ''[[Behind the Music]]'' that Mustaine showed up to the video shoot so fried on heroin and other drugs that he could not sing and play guitar at the same time; therefore, the singing and playing had to be recorded separately. Mustaine was arrested for "impaired driving" that March with seven or more drugs in his system and was forced by authorities to enter a rehabilitation program (the first of his 15 visits to rehabilitation centers).<ref name="listcouk" >{{cite news|url=https://www.list.co.uk/article/75858-interview-megadeths-dave-mustaine-ive-been-homeless-totally-fucked-up-an-addict-and-here-i-am-sober/|title=Interview: Megadeth's Dave Mustaine – 'I've been homeless, totally fucked up, an addict and here I am sober'|publisher=The List|access-date=April 18, 2016|first=Henry|last=Northmore|date=October 27, 2015|website=www.list.co.uk|quote=Now after 15 trips to rehab Mustaine has been clean and sober for years, with Ellefson back in the lineup alongside Lamb of God's Chris Adler on drums and Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro.|archive-date=April 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420211855/https://www.list.co.uk/article/75858-interview-megadeths-dave-mustaine-ive-been-homeless-totally-fucked-up-an-addict-and-here-i-am-sober/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===1990s===
<!-- blah blah blah {{BLP sources section|date=December 2021}} -->

Following [[Cacophony (band)|Cacophony's]] disbanding in 1989, [[Marty Friedman (guitarist)|Marty Friedman]] was auditioned the same year to fill in the vacant lead-guitar position, and joined the band in February 1990.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/watch-marty-friedman-audition-megadeth-1989/|work=[[Loudwire]]|title=Watch Marty Friedman Audition for Megadeth in 1989|first=Joe|last=DiVita|date=September 24, 2020|access-date=May 27, 2022|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094200/https://loudwire.com/watch-marty-friedman-audition-megadeth-1989/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="megahistory">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101193455/http://www.megadeth.com/history.php|url=http://www.megadeth.com/history.php|archive-date=January 1, 2011|work=[[Megadeth]]|title=History|access-date=May 27, 2022}}</ref> In September of that year, the band joined the [[Clash of the Titans tour|"Clash of the Titans"]] tour overseas with [[Slayer]], [[Suicidal Tendencies]], and [[Testament (band)|Testament]].<ref name=megahistory/> The tour began one month before Megadeth released ''[[Rust in Peace]]'' (1990), which was cited as one of the best thrash metal records of all time by publications such as ''[[Decibel (magazine)|Decibel]]'' and ''[[Kerrang!]]'' and continued their commercial success.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2012/03/30/megadeath-rust-in-peace/|work=[[Decibel (magazine)|Decibel]]|first=Chris|last=Dick|date=March 30, 2012|title=Megadeth – "Rust in Peace"|access-date=May 27, 2022|archive-date=September 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922044159/https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2012/03/30/megadeath-rust-in-peace/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501135923/http://www.kerrang.com/wheretostartwith/artists/megadeth|url=http://www.kerrang.com/wheretostartwith/artists/megadeth|work=[[Kerrang!]]|archive-date=May 1, 2009|title=Megadeth - Where to Start with|access-date=May 27, 2022}}</ref> They then went back on the road to promote the new album, this time as support for [[Judas Priest]].<ref name=megahistory/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sleazeroxx.com/reviews/megadeth-rust-in-peace/|title=Megadeth: 'Rust In Peace'|date=September 24, 2020|access-date=May 27, 2022|first=Ruben|last=Mosqueda|website=sleazeroxx.com|archive-date=September 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922082752/https://sleazeroxx.com/reviews/megadeth-rust-in-peace/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Megadeth started off 1991 by performing for an audience of 145,000 people at [[Rock in Rio]] before starting their own world tour with [[Alice in Chains]] as their special guest.<ref name="1991tour">{{cite web|url=https://megadeth.com/news/2018/megadeth-world-tours-1990-1991/|title=Megadeth World Tours 1990-1991|work=[[Megadeth]].com|date=September 22, 2018|access-date=May 27, 2022|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061940/https://megadeth.com/news/2018/megadeth-world-tours-1990-1991/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://whiplash.net/materias/biografias/254229-rockinrio.html|title=Rock In Rio 1991: 10 curiosidades sobre a 2ª edição do evento|first=Igor|last=Miranda|date=December 12, 2016|website=whiplash.net|access-date=May 27, 2022|language=pt|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061940/https://whiplash.net/materias/biografias/254229-rockinrio.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://aliceinchainsarchives.com/1991-3/|title=1991 – Alice in Chains Archives|access-date=May 27, 2022|website=aliceinchainsarchives.com|date=June 22, 2021}}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Mustaine was married in April, the same month the ''[[Rusted Pieces]]'' home video was released.<ref name=megahistory/><ref name=marriage/> That summer, the Clash of the Titans tour hit the U.S., featuring Megadeth, Slayer, and [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]], with Alice in Chains taking the opening slot.<ref name=1991tour/> Later that year, the Megadeth song "Go to Hell" was featured on the soundtrack to ''[[Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey]]''.<ref name=megahistory/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/black-dahlia-murder-megadeth-go-to-hell-cover/|title=Hear the Black Dahlia Murder Cover Megadeth's 'Bill & Ted' Song|date=August 31, 2020|first=Philip|last=Trapp|work=[[Loudwire]]|access-date=May 27, 2022|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://loudwire.com/black-dahlia-murder-megadeth-go-to-hell-cover/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Also in 1991, Mustaine collaborated with Sean Harris from [[Diamond Head (English band)|Diamond Head]] on the track "Crown of Worms".<ref name="cow">{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/dave-mustaine-brian-tatler-diamond-head-metallica-interview/|work=[[Loudwire]]|title=How Diamond Head Influenced Dave Mustaine + Metallica - Interview|date=May 24, 2018|first=Joe|last=DiVita|access-date=May 27, 2022|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094201/https://loudwire.com/dave-mustaine-brian-tatler-diamond-head-metallica-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref> Mustaine would later appear on Diamond Head's reformation album ''[[Death and Progress]]''.<ref name=cow/> Mustaine's wife, Pamela, gave birth to their son Justis in 1992. July of that year saw the release of Megadeth's most commercially successful record: ''[[Countdown to Extinction]]'',  which debuted at No. 2 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and boasted some of the band's most commercially successful songs, including "[[Symphony of Destruction]]", "[[Sweating Bullets (song)|Sweating Bullets]]" and "[[Skin o' My Teeth]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/artist-artist-lists-lists/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-megadeths-countdown-extinction/23505|work=[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]]|date=July 12, 2017|first=Richard|last=Bienstock|title=10 Facts About Megadeth's 'Countdown to Extinction' Album|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=July 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715063301/https://www.revolvermag.com/artist-artist-lists-lists/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-megadeths-countdown-extinction/23505|url-status=live}}</ref> The original version of the "Symphony of Destruction" video was edited due to its depiction of a political leader being assassinated;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rockandrollgarage.com/hear-dave-mustaine-marty-friedmans-isolated-guitar-symphony-destruction/|work=rockandrollgarage.com|first=Rafael|last=Polcaro|title=Hear Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman's isolated guitar on "Symphony Of Destruction"|date=January 17, 2018|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=November 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103001926/http://rockandrollgarage.com/hear-dave-mustaine-marty-friedmans-isolated-guitar-symphony-destruction/|url-status=live}}</ref> "Skin o' My Teeth" was aired on MTV with a disclaimer from Mustaine insisting that the song did not endorse suicide.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rockerteeshirts.com/blogs/rockers-blog/megadave-the-man-behind-megadeth|title=Megadave: The Man Behind Megadeth|date=November 5, 2018|first=Martin|last=Grossman|work=rockerteeshirts.com|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124055913/https://rockerteeshirts.com/blogs/rockers-blog/megadave-the-man-behind-megadeth|url-status=live}}</ref> Ellefson contributed lyrics to the family-farm ballad "[[Foreclosure of a Dream]]", and Menza wrote the lyrics about [[canned hunt]]ing for the title track.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/dave-ellefson-megadeth-metal-allegiance|work=[[Songfacts]]|title=Dave Ellefson (Megadeth, Metal Allegiance)|date=December 2, 2015|first=Greg|last=Prato|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/dave-ellefson-megadeth-metal-allegiance|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- I know there was a discussion about the reliability of songfacts, this is an official interview so please don't remove :) -->

[[Pantera]] and Suicidal Tendencies opened for Megadeth on the ''Countdown to Extinction'' tour, and [[MTV News]] also invited Mustaine to cover the [[Democratic National Convention]] for them that summer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/countdown-to-extinction-how-megadeth-kicked-booze-and-drugs-to-survive-the-90s|work=[[Metal Hammer]]|via=Loudersound|date=May 6, 2022|access-date=May 29, 2022|title="I'm lucky with my intake of drugs I didn't end up a glob of sh*t": how Megadeth made Countdown To Extinction|first=Rich|last=Hobson|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://www.loudersound.com/features/countdown-to-extinction-how-megadeth-kicked-booze-and-drugs-to-survive-the-90s|url-status=live}}</ref> In November, the "Exposure of a Dream" home video was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalstorm.net/bands/album.php?album_id=97550&band_id=163&bandname=Megadeth|title=''Megadeth - Exposure Of A Dream [DVD]''|work=[[Metal Storm (webzine)|Metal Storm]]|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://metalstorm.net/bands/album.php?album_id=97550&band_id=163&bandname=Megadeth|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1993, Mustaine guested on a new album by one of the bands who had influenced his own sound: Diamond Head, and also began a U.S. tour with [[Stone Temple Pilots]] as their opening act.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/stone-temple-pilots-dean-deleo-megadeth-dave-mustaine-real-gentleman-to-us/|title=Stone Temple Pilots' Dean DeLeo: Dave Mustaine 'Was a Real Gentleman to Us'|work=[[Loudwire]]|date=September 26, 2017|first=Chad|last=Childers|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094200/https://loudwire.com/stone-temple-pilots-dean-deleo-megadeth-dave-mustaine-real-gentleman-to-us/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/diamond-head-guitarist-on-being-managed-by-dave-mustaine-its-nice-to-be-working-with-professional-people-who-know-what-theyre-doing|work=Metal Nexus|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=June 4, 2018|access-date=May 29, 2022|title=DIAMOND HEAD Guitarist On Being Managed By DAVE MUSTAINE: 'It's Nice To Be Working With Professional People Who Know What They're Doing'|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://blabbermouth.net/news/diamond-head-guitarist-on-being-managed-by-dave-mustaine-its-nice-to-be-working-with-professional-people-who-know-what-theyre-doing|url-status=live}}</ref> The tour with Stone Temple Pilots which included a planned appearance at [[Nippon Budokan|Budokan]], was ultimately canceled due to Mustaine's continuing struggles with addiction.<ref name="gibson">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6URPndg9cg|title=Icons: Dave Mustaine of Megadeth|date=August 20, 2021|work=[[Gibson (guitar company)|Gibson]]|via=YouTube|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6URPndg9cg|url-status=live}}</ref> In June, Megadeth played Milton Keynes Bowl with Diamond Head and Metallica and later opened for Metallica on a handful of European Stadium dates.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metallica.com/events/event-12437.html|title=1993-06-05 Milton Keynes, England|work=[[Metallica]]|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=March 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315145951/https://www.metallica.com/events/event-12437.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Megadeth was kicked off [[Aerosmith]]'s U.S. tour after just seven dates because a comment made by Mustaine ("We don't have much time to play because Aerosmith don't have much time left to live") was deemed extraordinarily offensive to Aerosmith.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/20-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-megadeth/|work=[[Loudwire]]|first=Eduardo|last=Rivadavia|date=September 5, 2014|access-date=May 29, 2022|title=20 Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Megadeth|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://loudwire.com/20-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-megadeth/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.grunge.com/267136/what-you-didnt-know-about-megadeth/|title=What You Didn't Know About Megadeth|work=[[Static Media|Grunge]]|date=October 24, 2020|first=Nicholas|last=Vrchoticky|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://www.grunge.com/267136/what-you-didnt-know-about-megadeth/|url-status=live}}</ref> "Angry Again" was featured on the soundtrack to the 1993 [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] movie ''[[Last Action Hero]]'', while "99 Ways To Die" was featured on ''[[The Beavis and Butt-Head Experience]]'' compilation album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/last-action-hero-original-soundtrack--mw0000097397|title=Last Action Hero [Original Soundtrack] Review by Jason Birchmeier|first=Jason|last=Birchmeier|access-date=May 29, 2022|work=[[AllMusic]]|archive-date=March 2, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170302101344/http://www.allmusic.com/album/last-action-hero-original-soundtrack-mw0000097397|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-beavis-and-butt-head-experience-mw0000621825|first=Bradley|last=Torreano|title=The Beavis and Butt-Head Experience Review by Bradley Torreano|access-date=May 29, 2022|work=[[AllMusic]]|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-beavis-and-butt-head-experience-mw0000621825|url-status=live}}</ref>

Megadeth spent the majority of 1994 making ''[[Youthanasia]],'' a more commercial album that had high expectations due to the success of ''[[Countdown to Extinction]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/megadeth-youthanasia-album/|work=[[UDiscover Music]]|first=Caren|last=Gibson|date=November 1, 2021|title='Youthanasia': How Megadeth Traded Speed For Power In The Metal Stakes|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121072101/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/megadeth-youthanasia-album/|url-status=live}}</ref> The band covered [[Black Sabbath]]'s song "[[Paranoid (Black Sabbath song)|Paranoid]]" for ''[[Nativity in black#Nativity in Black|Nativity in Black: A Tribute to Black Sabbath]]'' and performed on MTV's "Night of the Living Megadeth" in celebration of the Halloween release of their new album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/gw-archive/megadeth-12-great-and-occasionally-obscure-covers-thrash-kings|work=[[Guitar World]]|title=Megadeth: 12 Great (and Occasionally Obscure) Covers from the Thrash Kings|first=Richard|last=Bienstock|date=September 29, 2015|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://www.guitarworld.com/gw-archive/megadeth-12-great-and-occasionally-obscure-covers-thrash-kings|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/tv/CHBQUTVAwzx/?hl=en|work=[[Megadeth]]|via=[[Instagram]]|title=Happy Halloween! MTV's 'Night of the Living Megadeth' Halloween Special 1994. 🎃 Happy Halloween everyone! Have a ghoul time today and stay safe!|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061941/https://www.instagram.com/tv/CHBQUTVAwzx/?hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> The release of Youthanasia was also followed by a brief South American tour to promote the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://guestpectacular.com/artists/megadeth/events/tour/youthanasia|work=guestpectacular.com|title=Megadeth on tour Youthanasia|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061945/https://guestpectacular.com/artists/megadeth/events/tour/youthanasia|url-status=live}}</ref>

Another soundtrack appearance, "Diadems" on ''[[Tales from the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight]]'', kicked off 1995.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/tales-from-the-crypt-demon-knight-original-soundtrack--mw0000627023|title=Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight [Original Soundtrack] Review by Alex Henderson|first=Alex|last=Henderson|access-date=May 29, 2022|work=[[AllMusic]]|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://www.allmusic.com/album/tales-from-the-crypt-demon-knight-original-soundtrack--mw0000627023|url-status=live}}</ref> Megadeth spent the first two months of the year on the "Youthanasia" tour with [[Corrosion of Conformity]] in tow.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/megadeth?page=1&year=1995|title=Megadeth's 1995 Concert & Tour History|work=concertarchives.org|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061942/https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/megadeth?page=1&year=1995|url-status=live}}</ref> In March, the ''[[Hidden Treasures (EP)|Hidden Treasures]]'' compilation hit European stores.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://musicbrainz.org/release/d7e5e5de-c1a9-4864-9620-2645d8b275f5|work=[[MusicBrainz]]|access-date=May 29, 2022|title=Release "Youthanasia" by Megadeth|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824062012/https://musicbrainz.org/release/d7e5e5de-c1a9-4864-9620-2645d8b275f5|url-status=live}}</ref> The "Evolver: The Making of Youthanasia" home video followed in May, and ''Hidden Treasures'' made it to the U.S. and Japan in July, just in time for the start of the "Reckoning Day" tour with special guests [[Flotsam and Jetsam (band)|Flotsam and Jetsam]], [[Korn]] and [[Fear Factory]]. In September the band performed at the "[[Monsters of Rock]]" festival in South America, Peru.

A [[Grammy]] nomination for "Paranoid" began 1996 for Megadeth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/Music/9601/grammy_noms/grammy_list.html|work=[[CNN]]|title=List of Grammy nominees|date=January 4, 1996|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014085609/http://edition.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/Music/9601/grammy_noms/grammy_list.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Enlisting [[Fear (band)|Fear]] singer [[Lee Ving]], Mustaine released the album ''[[The Craving (album)|The Craving]]'' under the moniker "[[MD.45]]" with Suicidal Tendencies drummer [[Jimmy DeGrasso]] and [[Goldfinger (band)|Goldfinger]] bassist [[Kelly LeMieux]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.angrymetalguy.com/90s-metal-weirdness-md-45-the-craving/|work=angrymetalguy.com|first=Dr.|last=Fisting|date=April 29, 2012|title=90s Metal Weirdness: MD.45 – The Craving|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=July 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728211058/https://www.angrymetalguy.com/90s-metal-weirdness-md-45-the-craving/|url-status=live}}</ref> In September, Megadeth returned to the studio, this time in [[Nashville, Tennessee]], to record ''[[Cryptic Writings]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/steve-wariner-records-with-thrash-metal-pioneers-megadeth-45401/|title=Steve Wariner Records With Thrash-Metal Pioneers Megadeth|first=Joseph|last=Hudak|access-date=June 6, 2022|date=June 24, 2015|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024010903/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/steve-wariner-records-with-thrash-metal-pioneers-megadeth-45401/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/revisiting_cryptic_writings_by_megadeth-68865|title=Revisiting 'Cryptic Writings' by Megadeth|first=Maria|last=Pro|date=November 8, 2017|access-date=June 6, 2022|work=[[Ultimate Guitar]]|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025212756/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/revisiting_cryptic_writings_by_megadeth-68865|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Cryptic Writings'' (1997) included thrashing songs like "Vortex" and "FFF", which were reminiscent of Megadeth's older material,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/album-review-megadeth-cryptic-writings/|work=[[Metal Forces]]|first=Neil|last=Arnold|access-date=June 6, 2022|title=MEGADETH – Cryptic Writings (1997)|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121200849/http://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/album-review-megadeth-cryptic-writings/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sleazeroxx.com/reviews/megadeth-cryptic-writings/|work=sleazeroxx.com|title=Megadeth: 'Cryptic Writings'|first=Ruben|last=Mosqueda|date=June 17, 2017|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=September 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920145534/https://sleazeroxx.com/reviews/megadeth-cryptic-writings/|url-status=live}}</ref> alongside radio-friendly fare like "[[Trust (Megadeth song)|Trust]]", which reached the 5th spot on the U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock charts.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/best-megadeth-songs-top-15-8210738/|title=The 15 Best Megadeth Songs: Critic's Picks|first=Christa|last=Titus|date=March 15, 2018|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407214111/https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/best-megadeth-songs-top-15-8210738/|url-status=live}}</ref> In June, [[Misfits (band)|Misfits]] opened for the band on tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/megadeth?page=4&year=1997#concert-table|title=Megadeth's 1997 Concert & Tour History|access-date=June 6, 2022|work=concertarchives.org|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061942/https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/megadeth?page=4&year=1997#concert-table|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chaos Comics]] released "The Cryptic Writings of Megadeth" comic books in August,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.comics.org/issue/799665/|work=[[Grand Comics Database]]|access-date=June 6, 2022|title=Cryptic Writings of Megadeth #1|archive-date=December 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227235147/http://www.comics.org/issue/799665/|url-status=live}}</ref> and a remix of "Almost Honest" showed up on the "[[Mortal Kombat Annihilation]]" soundtrack.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/song/almost-honest-mt0006197328|title=Almost Honest by Megadeth - Track Info|access-date=June 6, 2022|work=[[Allmusic]]|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061941/https://www.allmusic.com/song/almost-honest-mt0006197328|url-status=live}}</ref>

Mustaine's daughter, Electra Mustaine, was born on January 28, 1998, the same month that "Trust" was nominated for a Grammy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://megadeth.com/news/2022/happy-birthday-electra-mustaine-3/|work=[[Megadeth]]|date=January 28, 2022|access-date=June 1, 2022|title=Happy Birthday Elecra Mustaine!|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095831/https://megadeth.com/news/2022/happy-birthday-electra-mustaine-3/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/megadeth-into-glory-ride|work=[[MetalHammer]]|via=Loudersound|first=Dave|last=Ling|date=June 7, 2007|access-date=June 1, 2022|title=Megadeth: Into Glory Ride|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095832/https://www.loudersound.com/features/megadeth-into-glory-ride|url-status=live}}</ref> Megadeth played on the [[Howard Stern Show]] and that summer took part in [[Ozzfest]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-news/flashback-david-bowie-plays-howard-sterns-44th-birthday-bash-in-1998-53731/|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|first=Andy|last=Greene|date=February 4, 2014|title=Flashback: David Bowie Plays Howard Stern's 44th Birthday Bash in 1998|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616122933/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-news/flashback-david-bowie-plays-howard-sterns-44th-birthday-bash-in-1998-53731/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ozzy.com/archives/tour/ozzfest-1998|work=ozzy.com|access-date=June 6, 2022|title=Ozzfest 1998|archive-date=June 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624033232/https://www.ozzy.com/archives/tour/ozzfest-1998|url-status=live}}</ref> Two days after Nick Menza had undergone surgery for a benign knee tumor, he received a call from Mustaine informing him that his services would no longer be needed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/nick-menza-i-was-fired-from-megadeth-two-days-after-surgery|work=RockRage|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=February 19, 2002|access-date=June 6, 2022|title=NICK MENZA: "I Was Fired From MEGADETH Two Days After Surgery"|archive-date=July 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713193330/https://blabbermouth.net/news/nick-menza-i-was-fired-from-megadeth-two-days-after-surgery|url-status=live}}</ref> Jimmy DeGrasso, who Mustaine had played with previously in MD.45, fulfilled Menza's duties.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/nick-menza-obituary|work=[[Metal Hammer]]|via=[[Loudersound]]|first=Dom|last=Lawson|date=May 24, 2016|title=Nick Menza: Obituary|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=September 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920091244/https://www.loudersound.com/features/nick-menza-obituary|url-status=live}}</ref> On New Year's Eve, Megadeth opened for Black Sabbath at [[Chase Field]] alongside [[Soulfly]], Slayer, and Pantera.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/megadeth-black-sabbath-db2d1c7a-ac85-409d-a2cf-117452f6a195|work=concertarchives.org|access-date=June 6, 2022|title=Dec 31, 1998: Megadeth / Black Sabbath at Chase Field Phoenix, Arizona, United States|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061942/https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/megadeth-black-sabbath-db2d1c7a-ac85-409d-a2cf-117452f6a195|url-status=live}}</ref>

While touring after ''Cryptic Writings,'' Mustaine told interviewers that songs like "She-Wolf" and "Vortex" had reinvigorated his love for classic music by bands like [[Iron Maiden]] and [[Motörhead]], and that he intended to write an album that was "1/2 Peace Sells, 1/2 Cryptic Writings"; however, after hearing about a comment that [[Lars Ulrich]] had made in the press in which he said he wished Mustaine would take more "risks", intentions changed. Managers and producers had more input. The song "[[Crush 'Em]]" was written with the express purpose of being played in wrestling arenas. In later years, Mustaine would blame much of this period on Friedman's desire to go in a more "[[pop music|pop]]" direction. Recorded with producer [[Dann Huff]], again in Nashville, ''[[Risk (Megadeth album)|Risk]]'' was released on August 31, 1999. "Crush 'Em" made it onto the ''Universal Soldier: The Return'' soundtrack and into WCW wrestling events (notably played live on Monday Nitro). In July, the band covered "Never Say Die" for a second Black Sabbath tribute. They closed the [[Woodstock '99]] music festival and again opened for Iron Maiden in Europe. The year ended with Marty Friedman announcing his departure from the band.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/marty-friedman-explains-decision-to-leave-megadeth-i-just-couldnt-go-on-anymore|title=MARTY FRIEDMAN Explains Decision To Leave MEGADETH: 'I Just Couldn't Go On Anymore'|date=August 11, 2014|work=[[Wondering Sound]]|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=June 1, 2022|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095834/https://blabbermouth.net/news/marty-friedman-explains-decision-to-leave-megadeth-i-just-couldnt-go-on-anymore|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2000s ===

[[File:Megadeth live in Bucharest, June 15th, 2005-2.jpg|thumb|Mustaine performing in [[Bucharest]], [[Romania]] in 2005]]

As the tour behind ''[[Risk (Megadeth album)|Risk]]'' soldiered on, [[Al Pitrelli]] replaced Friedman on the road. In April, the new lineup entered the studio to begin work on a new album a couple of months before they officially parted ways with Capitol Records. The summer was spent on the road with [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]] and [[Mötley Crüe]]. Capitol released a compilation album in the fall, ''[[Capitol Punishment: The Megadeth Years]]'', featuring two brand new (and more metal-leaning) songs, "[[Dread and the Fugitive Mind]]" was one of the brand new songs and appeared on the next studio album the following year. With a new deal in place with [[Sanctuary Records]], Megadeth returned to the studio toward the end of the year to finish their album and on New Year's Eve, played a show in Anchorage, Alaska.

An acoustic tour sponsored by radio stations, a press tour, and a video shoot for the song "Moto Psycho" all preceded the May 2001 release of ''[[The World Needs A Hero]].'' The summer was filled with festival appearances supporting [[AC/DC]]. In September, Megadeth set out across North America with Endo and [[Iced Earth]]. VH1's "Behind the Music" special on Megadeth aired that year and was later released on DVD. At the end of the year, the band filmed two shows in Arizona, which were released as the 2CD and DVD ''[[Rude Awakening (Megadeth album)|Rude Awakening]].'' The early part of 2002 saw the release of a remixed and re-mastered ''Killing Is My Business...'' with bonus tracks and expanded packaging, followed by ''Rude Awakening''.

In January 2002, Mustaine was admitted to the hospital to have a [[kidney stone]] removed. While undergoing treatment, he was administered pain medication that triggered a relapse. Following his hospital stay, he immediately checked himself into a treatment center in Texas.<ref name="GW2003" /> While at rehab, Mustaine suffered an injury causing severe nerve damage to his left arm. The injury, induced by falling asleep with his left arm over the back of a chair caused compression of the [[radial nerve]].<ref>Mustaine, Dave. Megadeth, Behind the Music. VH1. 2011</ref> He was diagnosed with [[radial neuropathy]],<ref name="Billboard-04-03-02" /> also known as Saturday Night Palsy, which left him unable to grasp or even make a fist with his left hand.<ref name="Megadeth Disbands Press Release" />

On April 3, 2002, Mustaine announced in a press release that he was disbanding Megadeth, officially due to his arm injury.<ref name="Billboard-04-03-02">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/76247/injury-forces-mustaine-to-disband-megadeth |title=Injury Forces Mustaine To Disband Megadeth |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=April 3, 2002 |access-date=May 1, 2015 |archive-date=July 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150727073056/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/76247/injury-forces-mustaine-to-disband-megadeth |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Megadeth Disbands Press Release">{{cite web |publisher=Megadeth's Official website |title=Megadeth Disbands Press Release |year=2006 |url=http://www.megadeth.com/news/pr/disband.html |access-date=November 15, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061021225745/http://www.megadeth.com/news/pr/disband.html |archive-date=October 21, 2006}}</ref> For the next four months, Mustaine underwent intense physical therapy five days a week.<ref name="GW2003">{{cite journal |last=Epstein |first=Dan |title=Die Another Day |date=August 2003 |journal=Guitar World |url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_guitarworld2003.html |access-date=November 21, 2006 |archive-date=July 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729174243/http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_guitarworld2003.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Slowly, Mustaine began to play again, but was forced to "re-teach" his left hand.

Mustaine himself gave what he called "the [[Reader's Digest]] version" of the whole matter during an interview for [[SuicideGirls]]: "I went into retirement because my arm got hurt really bad. I broke up the band which at the time was [[Al Pitrelli]], [[Dave Ellefson]], [[Jimmy DeGrasso]], and myself. I was having problems with Al because he liked to drink, and we didn't want to show up at places with him drunk. Al also got married to a nice woman, but he wanted to spend time with her. After a few years, most married men are willing to die, so I figured if we got a couple years into the marriage that might have changed. But the fact was, Al wasn't fitting. DeGrasso was really hard to be around because he was so negative all the time with his complaining about money and wanting things. Ellefson was all about 'play my songs, play my songs.' I hated being around these guys so when the arm injury happened, it was a welcome relief and an indication that I had to stop."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://suicidegirls.com/interviews/Megadeth+-+Dave+Mustaine/ |title=Megadeth – Dave Mustaine |access-date=May 16, 2008 |author=Daniel Robert Epstein |date=September 14, 2004 |work=SuicideGirls.com |archive-date=June 4, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080604192354/http://suicidegirls.com/interviews/Megadeth+-+Dave+Mustaine/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[File:Dave Mustaine at Priest Fest.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Mustaine in 2009]]Mustaine went through physical therapy for his arm injury. During his recovery, he explored other areas of the music industry, including production. Contrary to what doctors had predicted, within a short time he fully recovered. However, all was mostly quiet on the Megadeth front for the better part of 2003. Mustaine left Jackson guitars, did a solo acoustic performance at a benefit show, unveiled his new ESP model at the NAMM convention, and oversaw the release of ''Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?'' as an audio DVD presented in Dolby 5.1 surround sound.

At the same time, Mustaine's personal life once again underwent changes. It was during this period that Mustaine became a Christian. He expressed his intent to withdraw from a show in Greece that had [[Rotting Christ]] and [[Dissection (band)|Dissection]] opening for Megadeth.<ref name="autogenerated3" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tartareandesire.com/interviews/rottingchrist2.html |title=Rotting Christ interview at |publisher=Tartareandesire.com |date=September 22, 2005 |access-date=November 8, 2011 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110080610/http://www.tartareandesire.com/interviews/rottingchrist2.html |archive-date=November 10, 2016 }}</ref> Mustaine told ''[[The Daily Times (Blount County, Tennessee)|The Daily Times]]'' during a recent interview, his own world was already shattered, and becoming a Christian was the one way he's found to put the pieces back together. "I went back to being a Jehovah's Witness, but I wasn't happy with that." He later said in an interview, "Looking up at the cross, I said six simple words, 'What have I got to lose?' Afterwards my whole life has changed. It's been hard, but I wouldn't change it for anything. Rather go my whole life believing that there is a God and find out there isn't than live my whole life thinking there isn't a God and then find out, when I die, that there is."<ref name="thedailytimes.com">{{cite web |url=http://rockgod.co.nz/id192.htm |title=ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIER: Megadeth's Dave Mustaine talks of his spiritual reinvention |author=Wildsmith, Steve |date=November 19, 2009 |access-date=May 13, 2013 |archive-date=February 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206091045/http://rockgod.co.nz/id192.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Mustaine also considers his talent a gift from God. "To be the No. 1 rated guitar player in the world is a gift from God and I'm stoked about it, but I think Chris is better than I am, anyway," he said. "Either way, I don't put too much earthly merit on it."<ref name="thedailytimes.com" />

In 2004 Mustaine oversaw the remixing and re-mastering of Megadeth's entire [[Capitol Records]] catalog. All albums were re-released with bonus tracks and full liner notes. With one album remaining in his contract to [[Sanctuary Records]], Mustaine began recording what he intended to be his first solo album with drummer [[Vinnie Colaiuta]] and bassist [[Jimmy Sloas]]. Complete with guest solos from old friend Chris Poland, this project became a new Megadeth album, ''[[The System Has Failed]],'' released on September 14, 2004. One month before, Mustaine announced a new touring lineup for Megadeth: [[Glen Drover]] ([[King Diamond]]/[[Eidolon (band)|Eidolon]]) and [[James MacDonough]] ([[Iced Earth]]). Nick Menza had briefly been a part of the new band before differences once again caused his departure. One week before a new US tour with [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]] supporting, new drummer (and Glen's brother) [[Shawn Drover]] ([[Eidolon (band)|Eidolon]]) joined Megadeth.

The "Blackmail The Universe" tour started in February 2005 with Diamond Head and Dungeon supporting. Capitol released a new greatest hits, ''[[Greatest Hits: Back to the Start|Back to the Start]],'' in June, a month before Mustaine created "Gigantour" with [[Dream Theater]], [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]], [[Fear Factory]], [[Symphony X]], [[The Dillinger Escape Plan]], [[Life of Agony]], and more. During 2005 Gigantour Mustaine brought a "spiritual counselor" to help him avoid the problems that almost cost him his life due to his prior drug addictions. The Dillinger Escape Plan frontman [[Greg Puciato]] stated: "He had a pastor walking around with him on tour and riding on his bus, I think to help keep him on the straight and narrow path."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=43063 |title=Dave Mustaine takes a Pastor on tour |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |access-date=October 21, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001010227/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=43063 |archive-date=October 1, 2007 }}</ref>

''[[Arsenal of Megadeth]]'', a two-disc anthology DVD, was released on March 21, 2006. Bass player James LoMenzo ([[Black Label Society]], [[White Lion]]) replaced James MacDonough in February shortly before the band headed to the Dubai Desert Rock Festival in the United Arab Emirates. On April 19, the band began recording a new album, ''[[United Abominations]],'' at SARM studios in the UK ([[David Gilmour]]'s house), they announced a worldwide deal with [[Roadrunner Records]] in May 2006. ''United Abominations'' was released worldwide on May 15, 2007. However, the album had already been leaked before its release. On January 13, 2008, Dave Mustaine confirmed that guitarist Glen Drover had quit Megadeth to focus on his family and that he had been replaced by [[Chris Broderick]] of [[Jag Panzer]]. The new lineup made its live debut in Finland on February 4 and returned to the US for Gigantour 2008 in the spring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://megadeth.com/announcement.php |title=Press Release |date=January 14, 2008 |publisher=Megadeth.com |access-date=November 8, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108011144/http://www.megadeth.com/announcement.php |archive-date=November 8, 2011 }}</ref> The band's twelfth studio album, ''[[Endgame (Megadeth album)|Endgame]]'', was released on September 15, 2009.

Mustaine planned to open Megadeth's California recording studio to under-privileged children to teach them about rock 'n' roll. The band owns a building in [[San Diego]], California, which has housed their recording equipment over the years. In an interview with ''[[Kerrang!]]'', Mustaine wanted to make better use of the studio by turning the space into a learning center for children who come from under-privileged backgrounds. He also said he vowed to teach them how to play instruments.<ref name="music">{{cite web |url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/dave_mustaine_to_open_school_of_rock.html |title=Dave Mustaine to Open School of Rock |work=ultimate-guitar.com |access-date=August 14, 2009 |archive-date=August 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090817101625/http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/dave_mustaine_to_open_school_of_rock.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2010s===
[[File:Megadeth @ Arena Joondalup (12 12 2010) (5272639121).jpg|thumb|Mustaine performing with Megadeth at the [[No Sleep Til Festival]] in [[Perth]] (2010)]]
In 2010, longtime bassist [[David Ellefson]] rejoined Megadeth eight years after its disbanding in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2010/02/09/david-ellefson-rejoins-megadeth/|title=David Ellefson rejoins Megadeth|first=Kevin|last=Johnson|date=February 9, 2010|work=No Treble|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=May 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506231256/http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2010/02/09/david-ellefson-rejoins-megadeth/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ellefson and Mustaine agreed to keep any unresolved issues in the past and to work on building and maintaining their friendship again. Ellefson has since said that he feels that "having that time away created a realization for both of us that while we are both productive individually, Megadeth is definitely stronger with both of us in it together."<ref>{{cite web |title=CasinoReviews Interviews – Dave Ellefson – Founding member of Megadeth |url=https://casinoreviews.com/blog/casinoreviews-interviews-dave-ellefson-founding-member-of-megadeth |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129150826/https://casinoreviews.com/blog/casinoreviews-interviews-dave-ellefson-founding-member-of-megadeth |url-status=usurped |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |access-date=January 29, 2023}}</ref> Megadeth embarked on a ''Rust in Peace'' 20th-anniversary tour, playing the album in its entirety, along with fan favorites such as "Wake Up Dead", "In My Darkest Hour" and "Skin O' My Teeth".

On June 16, "The Big Four" thrash metal bands (Megadeth, Metallica, Anthrax, and Slayer) shared the stage in [[Warsaw]], Poland.<ref name="tbf">{{cite web|url=http://www.krakowpost.com/1769/2009/12|title=The "Big Four" of Heavy Metal Play Poland in 2010|first=Daniël|last=van Hoven|date=December 17, 2009|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=April 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426030635/http://www.krakowpost.com/1769/2009/12|url-status=live}}</ref> The event happened in various other countries like Switzerland,<ref name=tbf/> the Czech Republic,<ref name=tbf/> the United Kingdom,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jul/22/big-four-tour-metallica-slayer|work=[[The Guardian]]|title=Thrash is back on the menu with the Big Four|first=Jamie|last=Thomson|date=July 22, 2010|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=August 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807210948/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jul/22/big-four-tour-metallica-slayer|url-status=live}}</ref> the United States, Greece, Turkey,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://megadeth.com/news/2010/the-big-four-confirmed-for-turkey-s-sonisphere/ |title=The 'BIG FOUR' confirmed for Turkey's Sonisphere |access-date=August 30, 2023 |archive-date=March 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323213242/http://www.megadeth.com/news.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Germany, Sweden<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-s-kerry-king-why-i-decided-to-sit-out-big-four-jam-in-sweden|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|work=[[Aftonbladet]]|date=July 4, 2011|access-date=June 6, 2022|title=SLAYER's KERRY KING: Why I Decided To Sit Out 'Big Four' Jam In Sweden|archive-date=April 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416004659/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-s-kerry-king-why-i-decided-to-sit-out-big-four-jam-in-sweden/|url-status=live}}</ref> and ended at the [[Yankee Stadium]] of New York City on September 14, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wearethepit.com/2020/08/watch-metallicas-entire-yankee-stadium-set-from-the-2011-big-four-show/|work=We Are the Pit|title=Watch Metallica's Entire Yankee Stadium Set From The 2011 Big Four Show|date=August 18, 2020|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=September 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921111836/https://www.wearethepit.com/2020/08/watch-metallicas-entire-yankee-stadium-set-from-the-2011-big-four-show/|url-status=dead}}</ref> "The Big Four" show in [[Sofia]], Bulgaria was recorded and released on Blu-ray and DVD. In 2016, Mustaine expressed interest in doing more Big 4 shows, although this is unlikely due to the breakup of Slayer.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mustaine |first1=Dave |title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine reviews Metallica's Hardwired… To Self-Destruct |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/dave-mustaine-reviews-metallicas-hardwired-to-self-destruct |website=Louder Sound |date=December 6, 2016 |publisher=Metal Hammer |access-date=August 1, 2023}}</ref>

On August 3, 2010, Mustaine released his autobiography in the United States, titled ''Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir''. The book covers Mustaine's life from childhood until the release of the 2009 Megadeth album ''Endgame''. The book was released in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand under the title ''Mustaine: A Life in Metal''. In December 2011, Mustaine appeared at Metallica's 30th-anniversary celebration at the Fillmore Theater and performed five songs from Metallica's debut album. On October 4, 2014, Mustaine's Alzheimer's-afflicted mother-in-law went missing from a campground. Her remains were discovered on November 26.<ref>{{cite web |title=Body of Missing Woman Found in Julian |url=http://www.cbs8.com/story/27495570/body-found-near-campsite-where-woman-went-missing |website=[[KFMB-TV|cbs8.com]] |access-date=November 28, 2014 |date=November 27, 2014 |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129183134/http://www.cbs8.com/story/27495570/body-found-near-campsite-where-woman-went-missing |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Dave Mustaine at the Electric Ballroom in London.jpg|thumb|left|Mustaine at the [[Electric Ballroom]], London, 2012]]
Following the release of Megadeth's 14th studio album, ''[[Super Collider (album)|Super Collider]]'' in 2013, Megadeth began working on their next album, ''[[Dystopia (Megadeth album)|Dystopia]]'' in 2015. David Ellefson commented that work would commence "after the first [day] of the year".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/david-ellefson-megadeth-to-start-work-on-new-album-in-early-2015-spend-much-of-next-year-off-the-road/|work=The Classic Metal Show|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=December 7, 2014|access-date=June 8, 2022|title=DAVID ELLEFSON: MEGADETH To Start Work On New Album In Early 2015, Spend Much Of Next Year 'Off The Road'|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050131/https://blabbermouth.net/news/david-ellefson-megadeth-to-start-work-on-new-album-in-early-2015-spend-much-of-next-year-off-the-road/|url-status=live}}</ref> Lineup changes included the departure of lead guitarist [[Chris Broderick]] and drummer [[Shawn Drover]], both of whom departed the band in late November 2014, both citing creative differences.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/nov/27/megadeth-shawn-drover-chris-broderick-leave-creative-differences|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=November 27, 2014|first=Sean|last=Michaels|title=One half of Megadeth leave group citing creative differences|access-date=June 8, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/nov/27/megadeth-shawn-drover-chris-broderick-leave-creative-differences|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite interview|title=CHRIS BRODERICK On His Decision To Leave MEGADETH: 'It Was Simply Time'|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/chris-broderick-on-his-decision-to-leave-megadeth-it-was-simply-time|interviewer=Jose Mangin|work=[[Liquid Metal (Sirius XM)|Liquid Metal]]|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=December 18, 2014|access-date=June 8, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050132/https://blabbermouth.net/news/chris-broderick-on-his-decision-to-leave-megadeth-it-was-simply-time|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chris Adler]] of [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]] was announced in March 2015 to replace Drover, and [[Kiko Loureiro]] of [[Angra (band)|Angra]] replaced Broderick on lead guitar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/megadeth-kiko-loureiro-well-wishes-angra-bandmates/|first=Chad|last=Childers|date=April 3, 2015|access-date=June 8, 2022|title=Angra Members Proud Guitarist Kiko Loureiro Joining Megadeth|work=[[Loudwire]]|archive-date=September 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920140152/https://loudwire.com/megadeth-kiko-loureiro-well-wishes-angra-bandmates/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/new-megadeth-drummer-chris-adler-goal-to-make-very-best-thrash-album-we-can/|title=Chris Adler on Megadeth: 'Goal Is to Make the Very Best Thrash Album'|access-date=June 8, 2022|date=March 29, 2015|first=Chad|last=Childers|work=[[Loudwire]]|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050131/https://loudwire.com/new-megadeth-drummer-chris-adler-goal-to-make-very-best-thrash-album-we-can/|url-status=live}}</ref>

At the end of March, Mustaine announced via [[Twitter]] that he was "almost done with the writing", and that recording would begin next week.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-megadeth-is-almost-done-writing-new-album-tracking-to-begin-next-week|title=DAVE MUSTAINE: MEGADETH Is 'Almost Done' Writing New Album; Tracking To Begin Next Week|date=March 31, 2015|access-date=June 8, 2022|work=[[Twitter]]|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-megadeth-is-almost-done-writing-new-album-tracking-to-begin-next-week|url-status=live}}</ref> Megadeth finished recording the album in July of that year, with the track listing was also revealed in a meeting between Mustaine and Megadeth's official fan club, the Cyber Army.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-new-album-track-listing-revealed-2|title=MEGADETH: New Album Track Listing Revealed|date=July 28, 2015|access-date=June 8, 2022|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050132/https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-new-album-track-listing-revealed-2|url-status=live}}</ref> Mustaine commented in an interview in June that fans are "gonna be happy", because the album is "really aggressive again", and that nothing in the record was too out of the ordinary, apart from small changes in Mustaine's playing due to his brief tenure with the [[San Diego Symphony]].<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617205338/https://www.guitarworld.com/megadeths-dave-mustaine-discusses-new-megadeth-album-working-new-guitarist-kiko-loureiro|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/megadeths-dave-mustaine-discusses-new-megadeth-album-working-new-guitarist-kiko-loureiro|archive-date=June 17, 2015|date=June 16, 2015|access-date=June 9, 2022|title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Discusses New Megadeth Album and Working with Guitarist Kiko Loureiro|first=Richard|last=Bienstock|work=[[Guitar World]]}}</ref> The first single from the new album, ''Fatal Illusion'', was released on October the 1st,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-pre-order-new-album-and-get-access-to-exclusive-behind-the-scenes-content|title=MEGADETH To Release 'Dystopia' Album In January; Hear Brand New Song 'Fatal Illusion' Right Now|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=June 8, 2022|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050133/https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-pre-order-new-album-and-get-access-to-exclusive-behind-the-scenes-content|url-status=live}}</ref> which was followed by the release of the title of the album and its release date via Twitter on October the 2nd.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/megadeth-5-1218564|via=[[NME]]|title=Megadeth announce 15th studio album 'Dystopia'|work=[[Twitter]]|access-date=June 8, 2022|first=James|last=Hendicott|date=October 3, 2015|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://www.nme.com/news/music/megadeth-5-1218564|url-status=live}}</ref> The Dystopia World Tour was announced in support of the album, with [[Children of Bodom]], [[Suicidal Tendencies]], and [[Havok (band)|Havok]] as supporting acts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/music/2015/12/07/megadeth-dystopia-tour-phoenix-concert/76934460/|title=Megadeth bringing Dystopia world tour to Phoenix|work=[[The Arizona Republic]]|first=Ed|last=Masley|date=December 7, 2015|access-date=June 9, 2022|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824062010/https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/music/2015/12/07/megadeth-dystopia-tour-phoenix-concert/76934460/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/megadeth-announce-2015-australian-tour/|work=[[Music Feeds]]|access-date=June 9, 2022|first=Tom|last=Williams|title=Megadeth Announce 2015 Australian Tour|date=August 20, 2015|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928210541/https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/megadeth-announce-2015-australian-tour/|url-status=live}}</ref> The next two singles, ''The Threat Is Real'' and ''[[Dystopia (song)|Dystopia]]'', were released on November 25 and January 7, 2016, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/megadeth-release-new-song-the-threat-is-real/|work=[[Loudwire]]|date=November 25, 2015|access-date=June 10, 2022|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|title=Megadeth Release New Song 'The Threat Is Real'|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050131/https://loudwire.com/megadeth-release-new-song-the-threat-is-real/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=January 7, 2016|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/hear-megadeth-shred-guitar-on-dystopia-title-track-59158/|title=Hear Megadeth Shred Guitar on 'Dystopia' Title Track|first=Kory|last=Grow|access-date=June 10, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/hear-megadeth-shred-guitar-on-dystopia-title-track-59158/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The album was released on January 22, 2016, and debuted at number 3 on the [[Billboard 200]], Megadeth's second-highest-charting album since 1992's ''[[Countdown to Extinction]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/news-megadeth-release-15th-studio-album-dystopia/|title=MEGADETH Release 15th Studio Album 'Dystopia'|work=[[Metal Forces]]|date=January 22, 2016|access-date=June 9, 2022|archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029122605/http://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/news-megadeth-release-15th-studio-album-dystopia/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/megadeth-dystopia-no-3-billboard-chart/|title=Megadeth's 'Dystopia' Reaches No. 3 on Billboard 200 Chart|work=[[Loudwire]]|first=Joe|last=DiVita|date=February 1, 2016|access-date=June 9, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050131/https://loudwire.com/megadeth-dystopia-no-3-billboard-chart/|url-status=live}}</ref> The album was met with generally positive acclaim, with Chad Bowar of [[Loudwire]], calling ''Dystopia'' a "first-rate Megadeth album,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/megadeth-dystopia-album-review/|title=Megadeth, 'Dystopia' - Album Review|work=[[Loudwire]]|first=Chad|last=Bowar|date=January 22, 2016|access-date=June 9, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://loudwire.com/megadeth-dystopia-album-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> however [[Slant Magazine]]'s Benjamin Aspray criticizing the lackluster solos, saying that they "rarely leave much of a mark", and commenting that Mustaine's voice has "never sounded so guttural or monotone".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/megadeth-dystopia/|title=Review: Megadeth, Dystopia|first=Benjamin|last=Aspray|date=January 22, 2016|access-date=June 9, 2022|work=[[Slant Magazine]]|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/megadeth-dystopia/|url-status=live}}</ref> Other critics noted the album's recurrent political themes and commentary on current affairs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/megadeth-dystopia-album/|work=[[UDiscoverMusic]]|date=January 22, 2022|access-date=June 9, 2022|first=Caren|last=Gibson|title='Dystopia': How Megadeth Readied Themselves For The Apocalypse|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/megadeth-dystopia-album/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.redandblack.com/culture/megadeth-returns-to-thrash-metal-with-dystopia/article_c9b576f2-c44d-11e5-9f2d-375f9180a4fc.html|work=[[The Red & Black (University of Georgia)|The Red & Black]]|date=January 26, 2016|title=Megadeth returns to thrash metal with 'Dystopia'|first=Emma|last=Korstanje|access-date=June 9, 2022|archive-date=January 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128055755/http://www.redandblack.com/culture/megadeth-returns-to-thrash-metal-with-dystopia/article_c9b576f2-c44d-11e5-9f2d-375f9180a4fc.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/dystopia-200881/|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=January 20, 2016|first=Kory|last=Grow|title=Megadeth 'Dystopia' Album Review|access-date=June 9, 2022}}</ref>
[[File:Dave Mustaine Show em Curitiba.jpg|Mustaine performing at [[Curitiba]], Brazil in 2016, on the Dystopia world tour|thumb|right]]
The title track of ''Dystopia'' winning the [[Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance]] at the [[59th Grammy Awards]] in February 2017 would start Megadeth's year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/megadeth-win-best-metal-performance-at-59th-annual-grammy-awards/|work=[[Loudwire]]|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|date=February 12, 2017|access-date=June 9, 2022|title=Megadeth Win Best Metal Performance at 59th Grammy Awards|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050132/https://loudwire.com/megadeth-win-best-metal-performance-at-59th-annual-grammy-awards/|url-status=live}}</ref> The band would begin touring again, with Megadeth closing that year's edition of Jakarta's [[Hammersonic Festival]] in May.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2017/05/09/megadeth-rocks-jakartas-hammersonic-festival-2017.html|title=Megadeth rocks Jakarta's Hammersonic Festival 201|work=[[The Jakarta Post]]|access-date=June 10, 2022|date=May 9, 2017|archive-date=February 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228154532/https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2017/05/09/megadeth-rocks-jakartas-hammersonic-festival-2017.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to touring, Mustaine also held a "Megadeth Boot Camp" in March, where fans would be invited to his home in [[Fallbrook, California]]. The bootcamp included lessons on guitar, bass and drums, alongside wine-tasting and a jam session to their 1992 hit ''[[Symphony of Destruction]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/dave-mustaine-on-megadeths-intimate-fan-boot-camp-bands-church-service-194236/|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|title=Dave Mustaine on Megadeth's 'Intimate' Fan Boot Camp, Band's Church Service|first=Kory|last=Grow|access-date=June 10, 2022|date=March 1, 2017|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050133/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/dave-mustaine-on-megadeths-intimate-fan-boot-camp-bands-church-service-194236/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June in an interview with [[WRIF]]'s Mark "Meltdown" Milligan, Mustaine commented that work on the followup to ''Dystopia'' would begin soon, with recording to start around "November, December of this year".<ref>{{cite interview|interviewer=Mark Milligan|via=[[WRAT]]|work=[[WRIF]]|date=June 28, 2017|access-date=June 9, 2022|url=https://wrat.com/2017/06/28/megadeth-aiming-start-working-new-album-end-2017/|title=Megadeth Aiming To Start Working on New Album By End of 2017|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061944/https://wrat.com/2017/06/28/megadeth-aiming-start-working-new-album-end-2017/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The band would embark on several European shows in August, with Megadeth headlining the [[Wacken Open Air]] festival in Germany alongside [[Volbeat]], [[Accept (band)|Accept]], and [[Alice Cooper (band)|Alice Cooper]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://techrush.de/wacken-2017-die-wiese-rockt-seit-28-jahren/|title=Wacken 2017: Die Wiese rockt seit 28 Jahren|date=August 3, 2017|first=Merlin|last=Hess|access-date=June 10, 2022|work=techrush.de|language=de|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061944/https://techrush.de/wacken-2017-die-wiese-rockt-seit-28-jahren/|url-status=live}}</ref> They would also headline that years [[Lokerse Feesten]] in Belgium, alongside [[Marilyn Manson]] and Alice Cooper.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalfans.be/metalfestivals/lokerse-feesten-metaldag-2017|date=August 6, 2017|access-date=June 10, 2022|title=Lokerse Feesten: Metaldag 2017|language=nl|work=metalfans.be|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061944/https://metalfans.be/metalfestivals/lokerse-feesten-metaldag-2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Megadeth also performed at that year's [[Summer Breeze Open Air]] festival, where [[Nuclear Blast]] celebrated their label's 30th anniversary, with the band co-headlining with [[Korn]], [[Amon Amarth]], [[Kreator]] and [[Heaven Shall Burn]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.summer-breeze.de/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/14/SB17-onlineflyer-07-inclSecrets-UK.jpg|title=Summer Breeze 2017 Online Flyer|work=[[Summer Breeze Open Air]]|access-date=June 10, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://www.summer-breeze.de/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/14/SB17-onlineflyer-07-inclSecrets-UK.jpg|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/10-things-we-learned-at-summer-breeze-2017|work=[[Metal Hammer]]|first=Dave|last=Everly|date=August 26, 2017|title=10 things we learned at Summer Breeze 2017|access-date=June 10, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://www.loudersound.com/features/10-things-we-learned-at-summer-breeze-2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Next was an appearance at the [[Bloodstock Open Air]] in [[Walton-on-Trent]], co-headlining with [[Ghost (Swedish band)|Ghost]] and Amon Amarth.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/aug/14/bloodstock-festival-review-metal-amon-amarth-megadeth|work=[[The Guardian]]|title=Bloodstock festival review – metal's big friendly giants head for Valhalla|first=Dom|last=Lawson|date=August 14, 2017|access-date=June 10, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/aug/14/bloodstock-festival-review-metal-amon-amarth-megadeth|url-status=live}}</ref> They would finish August with an appearance headlining the [[Elbriot]] festival in [[Hamburg]], alongside [[Trivium (band)|Trivium]] and [[Hatebreed]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wacken.com/de/news-details/elbriot-2017-bestaetigt-die-ersten-bands/|title=Elbriot 2017 bestätigt die ersten Bands|work=[[Wacken Open Air]]|date=December 20, 2016|access-date=June 10, 2022|language=de|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025212034/https://www.wacken.com/de/news-details/elbriot-2017-bestaetigt-die-ersten-bands/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following this, Megadeth would tour North America in September alongside [[Scorpions (band)|Scorpions]] on their "Crazy World Tour", named after the latter band's [[Crazy World (Scorpions album)|1990 LP]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/megadeth-joining-scorpions-for-north-american-fall-tour-111899/|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=March 24, 2017|title=Megadeth Joining Scorpions for North American Fall Tour|first=Ryan|last=Reed|access-date=June 10, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050131/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/megadeth-joining-scorpions-for-north-american-fall-tour-111899/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November, Mustaine joined the DJ roster for [[Gimme Radio]], promoting his involvement with Megadeth as well as his favorite music and playlists on ''The Dave Mustaine Show''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metalnexus.net/megadeth-frontman-dave-mustaines-radio-show-to-premiere-today/|title=MEGADETH Frontman Dave Mustaine's Radio Show To Premiere Today|date=November 9, 2017|access-date=August 6, 2018|archive-date=August 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806210831/http://metalnexus.net/megadeth-frontman-dave-mustaines-radio-show-to-premiere-today/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Gigantour==
In the summer of 2005, Mustaine launched a travelling North American metal festival. He named it [[Gigantour]] after a favorite childhood cartoon of his, [[Gigantor]]. It spanned six weeks and was co-headlined by Megadeth and [[Dream Theater]], with a variety of other supporting metal acts such as [[Fear Factory]] and [[the Dillinger Escape Plan]]. Mustaine has been quoted as saying that his main intention when conceiving the tour was to bring the American metal audiences an eclectic and affordable alternative to [[Ozzfest]].

The second annual Gigantour began in September 2006 and was composed of Megadeth, [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]], [[Opeth]], and [[Arch Enemy]]. The second stage bands were [[Overkill (band)|Overkill]], [[Into Eternity (band)|Into Eternity]], [[Sanctity (band)|Sanctity]], and [[the SmashUp]].

The 2007 Gigantour featured [[Bring Me the Horizon]], [[Static-X]], [[DevilDriver]], and [[Lacuna Coil]] along with Megadeth. Megadeth appeared on their first tour to Bangalore, India in March 2008.

The 2008 installment of the tour featured Megadeth, [[Children of Bodom]], [[In Flames]], [[High on Fire]], and [[Job for a Cowboy]] (and [[Evile]] for the UK and Scandinavia tour).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=87190 |title=Gigantour 2008 lineup |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=November 8, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502051211/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=87190 |archive-date=May 2, 2009 }}</ref>

Megadeth ''[[Blood in the Water: Live in San Diego]]'' (from the Gigantour 2008) premiered on HDNet Sunday November 2 at 8 p.m. in high definition and 5.1 audio (Repeats check www.hd.net)

In November 2011, it was announced the Gigantour would start up again. The lineup consisted of Megadeth, [[Motörhead]], [[Volbeat]], and [[Lacuna Coil]]. The tour kicked off at the [[Susquehanna Bank Center]] in Camden, New Jersey on January 26, 2012.

==Equipment==
[[File:JACK1.jpg|thumb|230px|A KV1, same model played by Mustaine before the Y2KV was created]]

As of 2021, Dave Mustaine uses [[Gibson (guitar company)|Gibson guitars]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Singer|first=Quentin|title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Is Officially A 'Gibson Ambassador'|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/quentinsinger/2021/02/23/megadeths-dave-mustaine-is-officially-a-gibson-ambassador/|access-date=March 11, 2021|website=Forbes|language=en|archive-date=March 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307161813/https://www.forbes.com/sites/quentinsinger/2021/02/23/megadeths-dave-mustaine-is-officially-a-gibson-ambassador/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Dave Mustaine Collection was launched February 2021 in partnership with Gibson, and will span acoustic and electric guitars across the Gibson, [[Epiphone]], and [[Kramer Guitars|Kramer]] ranges.<ref>{{cite web|last=Roche|first=Sam|title=Dave Mustaine details the development of his signature Gibson acoustic: "I know you're gonna be blown away"|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/dave-mustaine-details-the-development-of-his-signature-gibson-acoustic-i-know-youre-gonna-be-blown-away|access-date=March 11, 2021|website=guitarworld|date=March 9, 2021|language=en|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309202039/https://www.guitarworld.com/news/dave-mustaine-details-the-development-of-his-signature-gibson-acoustic-i-know-youre-gonna-be-blown-away|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarplayer.com/news/gibson-announces-new-dave-mustaine-collection-guitars|title=Gibson Announces New Dave Mustaine Collection Guitars|first=Jackson|last=Maxwell|date=February 24, 2021|work=[[Guitar Player]]|access-date=May 30, 2022|archive-date=August 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816044257/https://www.guitarplayer.com/news/gibson-announces-new-dave-mustaine-collection-guitars|url-status=live}}</ref>

Mustaine used [[B.C. Rich]] guitars early in his career (and for his entire duration with Metallica), most notably a B.C. Rich Bich 10 string with just the regular six strings. First the guitar started in a natural finish, but Mustaine painted it black around the time 'Peace Sells' was released. In 1987, he switched to [[Jackson Guitars]]. In March 2009, while he was guest hosting [[Bruce Dickinson]]'s Friday night radio show, Mustaine attributed his choice of the [[Flying V]] guitar to being a fan of [[UFO (band)|UFO]]'s [[Michael Schenker]] when he was growing up.

After switching to Jackson Guitars he helped to re-design the guitar maker's version of the [[Jackson King V|King V]] model (at the time, it was a "double Rhoads size" meaning it had two of the longer fins from the RR). The reshaped Mustaine KV1 model had slightly shorter fins, Kahler bridge and [[Seymour Duncan]] TB-5 bridge and SH-4 neck pickups. He also specified 24 frets rather than the original King V's 22, a tradition that Jackson still keeps on its King V models today, and the KV1, as have all of Mustaine's signature models, also featured a smaller, medium fretwire compared to the extra jumbos featured on most Jacksons.

Mustaine later switched to [[ESP Guitars]]. The company released the DV8 signature model in the 2004 NAMM convention also at which time Mustaine announced his ESP endorsement deal. In 2005, Mustaine and ESP teamed up to release the ESP Axxion, (pronounced Action), in order to celebrate Megadeth's 20th anniversary. The ESP Axxion and ESP DV8 were both successful and cheaper models such as the LTD-DV8 R, LTD DV200 and the LTD Axxion were released to target a bigger market.

[[File:Megadeth (2).JPG|200px|thumb|left|Mustaine with his Dean VMNT USA ''Gears of War'' guitar, during the ''[[United Abominations]]'' tour, 2007]]

However, on December 6, 2006, Mustaine announced that he was leaving ESP and shifting his endorsement to [[Dean Guitars]]. His new signature guitar was revealed during [[NAMM Show]] on January 19, 2007. The signature guitar is called the [[Dean VMNT]]. The V-shaped guitar is very similar to his earlier Jackson and ESP Signature models. The release campaign of the VMNT had a limited copy of only 150 in the world and are signed by Mustaine.

"After two successful years, I have decided to leave ESP guitars. This was a business decision and had nothing to do with the guitars or the manufacturing of the guitars, and I wish the staff of ESP, both in the USA and in Japan and Korea the very best of health and prosperity. Meanwhile, I am taking my Classic Metal V known formerly as a Jackson King V1 or an ESP DV8, and my new guitar design presently known as an Axxion, which was the recipient of the Gold Award from Guitar World Magazine for 2005 for new guitar designs with me. I will also be re-introducing through my new endorsement many special models, including re-issues of my old models from over the span of my career, as well as some retro V shapes, similar to the formerly known Jackson Y2KV or a Gibson Flying V. I will make my announcement and be attending the 2007 NAMM show to meet Megadeth fans and all metal fans, musicians of all styles-especially guitarists."

Until 2021 he used his signature models by made by Dean Guitars, the Dean VMNT and Zero. The US models were available briefly in limited run after release, although the Korean and Chinese models are in continuous production. Mustaine used the US and Korean models on stage.

In February 2021, Mustaine announced that he was leaving Dean Guitars and shifting his endorsement to Gibson.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.musicradar.com/news/megadeths-dave-mustaine-leaves-dean-guitars-to-partner-with-gibson|title= Megadeth's Dave Mustaine leaves Dean Guitars to partner with Gibson|work= Music Radar|date= February 22, 2021|access-date= May 4, 2022|archive-date= September 17, 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210917014942/https://www.musicradar.com/news/megadeths-dave-mustaine-leaves-dean-guitars-to-partner-with-gibson|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://metaladdicts.com/dave-mustaine-leaves-dean-guitars-joins-gibson/|title=MEGADETH's DAVE MUSTAINE Leaves DEAN Guitars, Joins GIBSON|work=Metal Addicts|date=February 20, 2021|access-date=May 4, 2022|archive-date=May 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504081833/https://metaladdicts.com/dave-mustaine-leaves-dean-guitars-joins-gibson/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://usdaynews.com/celebrities/megadeth-dave-mustaine-leaves-dean/|title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Leaves Dean for Gibson Predictably|work=US Day News|date=February 19, 2021|access-date=May 4, 2022|archive-date=February 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220005620/https://usdaynews.com/celebrities/megadeth-dave-mustaine-leaves-dean/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeths-dave-mustaine-splits-with-dean-partners-with-gibson|title=MEGADETH's DAVE MUSTAINE Splits With DEAN, Partners With GIBSON|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 19, 2021|access-date=May 4, 2022|archive-date=May 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504081833/https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeths-dave-mustaine-splits-with-dean-partners-with-gibson|url-status=live}}</ref>

Mustaine has also recently collaborated with [[Marshall Amplification]] in order to produce the 1960DM Dave Mustaine Signature Cabinets. He is now using his signature Marshall cabinets on tour.

Mustaine endorses Seymour Duncan and has his own Signature Live Wire pickups and uses Cleartone strings (.011 – .054 for D tuning, .010 – .052 for E tuning<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.megadeth.com/content/dave-mustaine |title=Dave Mustaine |publisher=Megadeth.com |access-date=August 4, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817192019/http://www.megadeth.com/content/dave-mustaine |archive-date=August 17, 2014 }}</ref>). The Seymour Duncan Dave Mustaine Signature Live Wire pickups were announced at NAMM 2015 and the official product video was performed by Danny Young on the Seymour Duncan YouTube channel.<ref>{{Citation|last=Seymour Duncan|title=Interview with Dave Mustaine|date=February 4, 2015|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv3Co0PsKRQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/jv3Co0PsKRQ| archive-date=December 11, 2021 |url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=Seymour Duncan|title=Seymour Duncan Pickups: Dave Mustaine Livewire Set|date=February 22, 2016|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKHAyA6gQ-4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/fKHAyA6gQ-4| archive-date=December 11, 2021 |url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.seymourduncan.com/pickup/dave-mustaine-set|title=Dave Mustaine|work=Seymour Duncan|access-date=March 25, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=March 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325232751/https://www.seymourduncan.com/pickup/dave-mustaine-set|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.seymourduncan.com/artist/daniel-young|title=Daniel Young|work=Seymour Duncan|access-date=March 25, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=March 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325232314/https://www.seymourduncan.com/artist/daniel-young|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Dean Zero debuted in 2010 with Dean guitars was a unique new shape for Mustaine, resembling the Gibson Explorer with sharper points. Mustaine has made a few appearances with this guitar, performing on ''[[Late Night with Jimmy Fallon]]'' and on shows during the Australian tour with [[Slayer]]. He had also used the guitar in the later dates of the 2009 Endgame tour. He says he primarily still used his VMNT's so he can grab on to the lower horn with his legs for certain songs.<ref name=DeanGuitars>{{cite web |url=http://www.deanguitars.com/mustaine_series2010.php |title=Dean Electric Guitars-Acoustic Guitars-Bass Guitars |publisher=Deanguitars.com |access-date=November 8, 2011 |archive-date=July 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704124107/http://www.deanguitars.com/mustaine_series2010.php |url-status=live }}</ref> He had also used [[Ovation Guitar Company|Ovation]] acoustic guitars for most of his career. However, he stopped endorsing the company after receiving a signature acoustic from Dean, dubbed the Mako.<ref name="DeanGuitars" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://hardrockhaven.net/online/2010/dave-mustaine-of-megadeth/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107045446/http://hardrockhaven.net/online/2010/dave-mustaine-of-megadeth/|archive-date=January 7, 2012|date=April 17, 2010|title=Dave Mustaine of Megadeth|first=Chris|last=A.}}</ref>

Mustaine has his own signature [[Zoom Corporation|Zoom]] pedal, called the Zoom G2.1DM.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/namm-2011-zoom-g2-1dm-dave-mustaine-signature-multi-fx-guitar-pedal-revealed-359375|title= NAMM 2011: Zoom G2.1DM Dave Mustaine Signature multi-FX guitar pedal revealed|work= Music Radar|date= January 15, 2011|access-date= May 4, 2022|archive-date= May 4, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220504082223/https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/namm-2011-zoom-g2-1dm-dave-mustaine-signature-multi-fx-guitar-pedal-revealed-359375|url-status= live}}</ref>

In 2022, Mustaine switched from using a [[Fractal Audio|Fractal]] Axe-FX to a [[Neural DSP]] Quad Cortex on tour for his amp tones, sending the signal to a Seymour Duncan PowerStage poweramp and then to on-stage speaker cabinets.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Parker |first1=Matt |title=Dave Mustaine's latest rig tour shows he's made the full switch to Neural DSP's Quad Cortex |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/dave-mustaine-megadeth-neural-dsp |website=guitarworld.com |date=October 14, 2022 |publisher=Guitar World |access-date=June 3, 2024}}</ref>

==Musicianship==
Mustaine is known for popularizing the "spider chord" technique for playing [[power chord]]s, a method streamlining hand position changes and reducing [[string noise]].<ref name="Jam">{{cite web|url=http://www.jamplay.com/video-help/answer-496.html|title=Video Question: Spider Chords|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706230544/http://www.jamplay.com/video-help/answer-496.html |date=August 28, 2009|archive-date=July 6, 2010|work=jamplay.com}}</ref>

Mustaine possesses a two-octave vocal range spanning from tenor through baritone pitch ranges.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}

In 2004, ''[[Guitar World]]'' magazine ranked Mustaine and [[Marty Friedman]] together at No. 19 on the 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guitar-world-s-100-greatest-heavy-metal-guitarists-of-all-time/|title=GUITAR WORLD's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists Of All Time|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|work=[[Guitar World]]|date=January 23, 2004|access-date=December 6, 2016|archive-date=September 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130905122448/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guitar-world-s-100-greatest-heavy-metal-guitarists-of-all-time/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2009, Mustaine was named the No. 1 player in [[Joel McIver]]'s book ''The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists''.<ref name=McIver>{{cite book |first=Joel|last=McIver|author-link=Joel McIver |title=The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists |pages=210, 218 |publisher=Jawbone Press |date=2008 |isbn=9781906002206}}</ref> As he told ''[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]]'' magazine in September 2009: "It was especially sweet when I found out that Joel has written books on Metallica. Every page I turned, I became more excited. I get to Number 5 and it's [[Kirk Hammett]], and I thought, 'Thank you, God'. At that point it didn't matter [which position I was]. To be better than both of them [James Hetfield and Hammett] meant so much – it's been one of the pet peeves of my career and I've never known how to deal with it. All I thought was&nbsp;– I win!"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-says-he-is-no-longer-struggling-with-his-metallica-demons/|title=DAVE MUSTAINE Says He Is 'No Longer Struggling' With His METALLICA Demons|work=[[Classic Rock]]|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=August 25, 2009|access-date=April 11, 2018|archive-date=April 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411174318/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-says-he-is-no-longer-struggling-with-his-metallica-demons/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2012, Mustaine was ranked the 12th-greatest guitarist of all time by a ''[[Guitar World]]'' magazine reader's poll.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/readers-poll-results-100-greatest-guitarists-all-time|title=Readers Poll Results: The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025131228/http://www.guitarworld.com/readers-poll-results-100-greatest-guitarists-all-time|archive-date=October 25, 2012|work=[[Guitar World]]|access-date=April 11, 2018|date=October 10, 2012}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Mustaine married Pamela Anne Casselberry in 1991.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web |url=http://www.eddietrunk.com/index.cfm/pk/view/cd/NAA/cdid/413575/pid/400512 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090913064715/http://www.eddietrunk.com/index.cfm/pk/view/cd/NAA/cdid/413575/pid/400512 |archive-date=September 13, 2009 |title=Dave Mustaine Says That He Knows That He Doesn't Make Lars Ulrich "Comfortable" &#124; Rock News &#124; Eddie Trunk |access-date=August 4, 2014}}</ref> They have two children together: Justis Mustaine (born 1992), who also plays the guitar and has appeared in several local theatrical productions,<ref name="sdrbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.sandiegoreader.com/bands/dave-mustaine/|work=[[San Diego Reader]]|title=Dave Mustaine|access-date=September 8, 2014|archive-date=September 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908114420/http://www.sandiegoreader.com/bands/dave-mustaine/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Electra Mustaine]] (born 1998), who is pursuing a career in [[country music]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/04/07/electra-mustaine-sings-country---but-dads-megadeth/82591002/|title=Electra Mustaine Sings Country – But Dad's In Megadeth|last=Blake|first=Kendra|date=April 7, 2016|work=The Tennessean|access-date=August 23, 2016|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061943/https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/04/07/electra-mustaine-sings-country---but-dads-megadeth/82591002/|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2014}}, they live in [[Nashville, Tennessee]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeths-dave-mustaine-drops-another-150000-from-asking-price-of-california-estate/|title=MEGADETH's DAVE MUSTAINE Drops Another $150,000 From Asking Price Of California Estate|date=July 25, 2018|website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|access-date=February 23, 2020|archive-date=February 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223031435/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeths-dave-mustaine-drops-another-150000-from-asking-price-of-california-estate/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Health===
In 2011, Mustaine said that his neck and spine condition, known as [[stenosis]], was caused by many years of headbanging.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wzlx.cbslocal.com/2011/11/07/ouch-headbanging-hurts/ |title=Ouch! Headbanging Hurts… |publisher=100.7 WZLX |date=November 7, 2011 |access-date=August 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223200338/http://wzlx.cbslocal.com/2011/11/07/ouch-headbanging-hurts/ |archive-date=February 23, 2015 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

On June 17, 2019, Mustaine announced that he had been diagnosed with throat cancer,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeths-dave-mustaine-diagnosed-with-throat-cancer/|title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Diagnosed With Throat Cancer|publisher=blabbermouth.net|date=June 17, 2019|access-date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=July 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729014854/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeths-dave-mustaine-diagnosed-with-throat-cancer/|url-status=live}}</ref> and on January 31, 2020, during a Megadeth concert, he announced that he was now cancer free.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Blistein|first=Jon|date=February 3, 2020|title=Dave Mustaine: I'm '100 Percent' Cancer-Free|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/megadeth-dave-mustaine-cancer-free-london-946799/|access-date=July 9, 2020|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|archive-date=February 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203152708/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/megadeth-dave-mustaine-cancer-free-london-946799/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Christianity===
Mustaine was raised as a [[Jehovah's Witness]]<ref name="autogenerated1987"/> and is now a [[born again]] [[Christians|Christian]].<ref name=autogenerated2/> In 1988, in response to the British government's [[Section 28]], Mustaine said: "More power to them. It says in the Bible that men should not lay with men like they lay with women. I mean I don't wanna fuck up and not go to heaven."<ref name="MegadumbInterview">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rocksbackpages.com/Library/Article/megadeth-megadumb|first=Roy|last=Wilkinson|title="MegaDumb: Interview with Dave Mustaine"|magazine=[[Sounds (magazine)|Sounds]]|date=May 28, 1988|access-date=June 1, 2022|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095831/https://www.rocksbackpages.com/Library/Article/megadeth-megadumb|url-status=live}}</ref> In an answer to a question about [[Judas Priest]] having an overt homosexual image, Mustaine stated "I don't wanna talk about this."<ref name="MegadumbInterview" /> In 2012, on [[KIRO-FM]] he was asked if he supports gay marriage and replied: "Well, since I'm not gay, the answer to that would be no."<ref name="GayMarriage">{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-opposes-gay-marriage/|title=DAVE MUSTAINE Opposes Gay Marriage|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|work=[[KIRO-FM|Seattle Sounds]]|date=February 17, 2012|access-date=August 4, 2014|first=Josh|last=Kerns|archive-date=January 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109071149/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-opposes-gay-marriage/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Kornelis, Chris (February 15, 2012) [http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/reverb/2012/02/megadeths_dave_mustaine_is_not.php Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Is Not Necessarily Voting For Santorum, But He Does Oppose Gay Marriage, and Won't Play Bass With Metallica] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218042538/http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/reverb/2012/02/megadeths_dave_mustaine_is_not.php |date=February 18, 2012 }}, ''Seattle Weekly''.</ref> He was then asked if he would support legislation to make gay marriage legal and said, "I'm Christian. The answer to that would be no."<ref name="GayMarriage" />

Mustaine began to focus on his Christian faith more directly while attending [[Alcoholics Anonymous]] meetings, and became a committed Christian.<ref name=autogenerated2 /> It has become his policy not to appear with any band that is seen as [[black metal]] or [[Satanism|satanic]], such as declining to appear in a music festival in Greece with the band [[Rotting Christ]] as well as in Israel with the band [[Dissection (band)|Dissection]].<ref name=autogenerated3>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_tours/dave_mustaine_vs_satanic_bands.html |title=Dave Mustaine vs. Satanic Bands |date=May 9, 2005 |work=ultimate-guitar.com |access-date=April 12, 2008 |archive-date=April 11, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411093038/http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_tours/dave_mustaine_vs_satanic_bands.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Mustaine had practiced [[black magic]] in his teenage years, which inspired several songs on Megadeth's second album, ''Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?'' Mustaine stated that he no longer wishes to play those tracks because of his changed spiritual beliefs. He said of one such song, "[[The Conjuring (song)|The Conjuring]]":

{{blockquote|Performance wise, 'The Conjuring' is one of the heaviest songs on the record, but unfortunately it's got black magic in it and I promised that I wouldn't play it any more, because there's a lot of instructions for hexes in that song. When I got into black magic I put a couple of spells on people when I was a teenager and it haunted me forever, and I've had so much torment. So I look back now and I think, 'Hmm, I don't wanna play "The Conjuring".'<ref>{{cite web |first=Matthew |last=Parker |url=http://www.musicradar.com/totalguitar/dave-mustaine-black-magic-ruined-my-life-390224 |title=Dave Mustaine: "Black magic ruined my life!" |work=[[Total Guitar]] |publisher=[[Music Radar]] |date=March 18, 2011 |access-date=November 23, 2013 |archive-date=December 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206124027/http://www.musicradar.com/totalguitar/dave-mustaine-black-magic-ruined-my-life-390224 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}

However, in 2016, Mustaine noted that [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]] drummer [[Chris Adler]]'s suggestion of re-recording the song with modified lyrics made him consider playing "The Conjuring" again, "as long as it doesn't hurt anybody".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeths-dave-mustaine-is-reconsidering-his-decision-to-never-play-the-conjuring-again/|title=MEGADETH's DAVE MUSTAINE Is Reconsidering His Decision To Never Play 'The Conjuring' Again|newspaper=Blabbermouth.net|date=January 21, 2016|access-date=October 31, 2017|archive-date=November 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104210420/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeths-dave-mustaine-is-reconsidering-his-decision-to-never-play-the-conjuring-again/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Politics===
Over his career, Mustaine has made numerous comments about both American and international politics, criticizing both politicians and political issues. In addition, Mustaine covered the 1992 [[Democratic National Convention]] for MTV.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/megadeth-dave-mustaine-endorses-rick-santorum-president-article-1.1023136|title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine endorses Rick Santorum for President - big change for one-time GOP critic|first=Ethan|last=Sacks|date=February 16, 2012|newspaper=[[New York Daily News]]|access-date=September 27, 2022}}</ref>

In a 1988 interview with ''[[Sounds (magazine)|Sounds]]'' journalist Roy Wilkinson, Mustaine spoke against illegal immigration, and stated that he would "build a great wall along the Mexican border and not let anybody in{{nbsp}}..." if he were President of the United States.<ref name="MegadumbInterview" />

In 1988, Mustaine caused a riot when Megadeth played a concert in Northern Ireland after he dedicated a song to "the cause", later expressing surprise that this was a euphemism for supporting the [[Irish Republican Army]] in the conflict between Northern Ireland's [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] and [[Church Of Ireland|Protestant]] communities known as [[the Troubles]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news-article/mustaines-terrorist-blunder |title=Mustaine's Terrorist Blunder |magazine=Contactmusic.com |date=November 12, 2005 |access-date=August 4, 2014 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808051248/http://www.contactmusic.com/news-article/mustaines-terrorist-blunder |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Salmon |first=Chris |date=February 15, 2008 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/feb/15/popandrock5 |title=State of the Union. Tim Wheeler reflects on the musical tradition of Northern Ireland |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=August 4, 2014 |archive-date=August 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810190537/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/feb/15/popandrock5 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2009, Mustaine was interviewed by [[far-right]] conspiracy theorist and radio host [[Alex Jones]] for ''[[InfoWars]]'', in which Mustaine stated that the album ''Endgame'' was inspired by his Christian beliefs and belief in an upcoming [[New World Order (conspiracy theory)|New World Order]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/dave_mustaine_endgame_is_about_people_being_run_by_the_people_who_have_money.html|title=Dave Mustaine: ''Endgame'' "Is About People Being Run By The People Who Have Money"|work=[[InfoWars]]|via=[[Ultimate Guitar]]|date=December 10, 2009|access-date=August 4, 2014|archive-date=August 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821045358/http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/dave_mustaine_endgame_is_about_people_being_run_by_the_people_who_have_money.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In a 2016 ''[[Fox Business]]'' interview, Mustaine stated that he does not align himself with any established political party, describing himself as an [[Independent voter|Independent]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJmKg94S8A4|title=Dave Mustaine: Americans don't realize how great we have it|via=[[YouTube]]|work=[[Fox Business]]|date=December 17, 2016|access-date=July 11, 2018|archive-date=April 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411182508/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJmKg94S8A4|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Criticism of Barack Obama and 2012 U.S. presidential election====
{{too detailed|section|date=January 2025}}
In the 2010s, Mustaine grew increasingly vocal in his support of many Republican figures and positions, which is a change from his politics during the [[George H. W. Bush]] administration, when Mustaine acted as a reporter for [[MTV News]] during the [[1992 Democratic National Convention|Democratic National Convention in 1992]], and was seen as leaning to the political left, in light of the lyrics of "Foreclosure of a Dream".<ref>{{cite news |title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine endorses Rick Santorum for President – big change for one-time GOP critic |last=Sacks |first=Ethan |newspaper=Daily News |date=February 15, 2012 |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/megadeth-dave-mustaine-endorses-rick-santorum-president-article-1.1023136#ixzz1mUW5rYMJ |location=New York |access-date=February 15, 2012 |archive-date=February 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217201609/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/megadeth-dave-mustaine-endorses-rick-santorum-president-article-1.1023136#ixzz1mUW5rYMJ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Mustaine has criticized several [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] politicians. During the 2004 presidential campaign, Mustaine commented that he believed that [[John Kerry]] would "ruin our country".<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=28343 |title=Dave Mustaine Says John Kerry Will 'Ruin Our Country' – Blabbermouth.net | website = roadrunnerrecords.com |date=October 25, 2004 |access-date=August 4, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081209023000/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=28343 |archive-date=December 9, 2008}}</ref> In addition, Mustaine has made several comments critical of president [[Barack Obama]], calling him "the most divisive president we've ever had" in 2011,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=165143 |title=DAVE MUSTAINE Says OBAMA Is 'The Most Divisive President We've Ever Had' |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |date= October 25, 2011 |access-date=November 8, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027162842/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=165143 |archive-date=October 27, 2011 }}</ref> and commenting that he believed that Obama was [[Barack Obama citizenship conspiracy theories|born outside of the United States]] during a March 2012 interview on ''[[George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight]]''.<ref name="strombo">{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/megadeth-singer-gives-santorum-a-thumbs-up-1.1197614 |title=Megadeth singer gives Santorum a thumbs-up |publisher=[[CBC News]] |date=March 26, 2012 |access-date=March 27, 2012 |archive-date=March 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327170233/http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/03/26/megadeath-dave-mustaine.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In an August 2012 Singapore performance on the tour to support the band's then-new album ''Thirteen'', Mustaine expressed his views of President Obama and recent gun violence in the United States, making an accusation that Obama had staged the [[2012 Aurora, Colorado shooting|shootings at Aurora, Colorado]], and [[Wisconsin Sikh temple shooting|a Wisconsin Sikh temple]] in order to push a gun control agenda, while engaging the audience during onstage banter in between songs. Mustaine also criticized the [[ATF gunwalking scandal|'Fast and Furious' arms scandal]] and said that the country looked like it was turning into "Nazi America".<ref>{{cite news |title=Dave Mustaine, Megadeth Singer, Says Obama 'Staged' Aurora Shooting, Sikh Temple Shooting To Pass A Gun Ban |date=August 15, 2012 |work=The Huffington Post |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/15/dave-mustaine-megadeth-si_n_1784525.html |first=Matt |last=Ferner |access-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-date=July 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728154754/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/15/dave-mustaine-megadeth-si_n_1784525.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Dave Mustaine: Obama Staged Aurora, Sikh Temple Shootings |first=Marc |last=Schneider |date=August 16, 2012 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/480408/dave-mustaine-obama-staged-aurora-sikh-temple-shootings |access-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-date=January 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112181614/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/480408/dave-mustaine-obama-staged-aurora-sikh-temple-shootings |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Eakin |first=Marah |title=Dave Mustaine thinks Obama staged the shootings in Colorado and Wisconsin |url=https://www.avclub.com/dave-mustaine-thinks-obama-staged-the-shootings-in-colo-1798232868 |newspaper=The AV Club |date=August 15, 2012 |access-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-date=October 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131028162412/http://www.avclub.com/articles/dave-mustaine-thinks-obama-staged-the-shootings-in,83895/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Mustaine's comments drew criticism from wounded Aurora massacre survivor Carli Richards, who said Mustaine was being "absurd" and that his conspiracy theory shifted blame away from the shooter, noting that "[the president] didn't shoot me".<ref>{{cite news |title=Carli Richards, Aurora Shooting Survivor, Responds To Megadeth Singer's Obama 'Staged' Comment |date=August 17, 2012 |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/17/carli-richards-aurora-megadeth-dave-mustaine-obama_n_1799040.html |work=The Huffington Post |first=Timothy |last=Stenovec |access-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304085140/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/17/carli-richards-aurora-megadeth-dave-mustaine-obama_n_1799040.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tmz.com/2012/08/16/batman-megadeth-singer-barack-obama-victim-carli-richards-dave-mustain/#ixzz23uepOjqu |title='Batman' Massacre Victim to Megadeth Singer: Don't Blame Obama! |work=[[TMZ]].com |date=August 16, 2012 |access-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-date=July 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729050302/https://www.tmz.com/2012/08/16/batman-megadeth-singer-barack-obama-victim-carli-richards-dave-mustain/#ixzz23uepOjqu |url-status=live }}</ref> In response to the controversy over his comments, Mustaine told Alex Jones that his comments were done "in the heat of the moment". He also denied any intention to hurt anyone with his comments, but believed that the possibility of a conspiracy should still be looked into.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dave Mustaine addresses shooting comments controversy |date=August 17, 2012 |url=http://blog.sfgate.com/dailydish/2012/08/17/dave-mustaine-addresses-shooting-comments-controversy/ |work=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=August 18, 2012 |archive-date=November 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124081717/http://blog.sfgate.com/dailydish/2012/08/17/dave-mustaine-addresses-shooting-comments-controversy/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In February 2012, Mustaine gave a statement supportive of the [[Rick Santorum presidential campaign, 2012|presidential campaign]] of conservative Republican and former United States Senator [[Rick Santorum]]. Mustaine commented on Santorum's "presidential qualities" and pointed to Santorum's [[Rick Santorum presidential campaign, 2012#New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida|temporary suspension of his campaign to be with his sick daughter]] as the act that gained his attention and respect. However, Mustaine denied that his statement was intended as an endorsement of Santorum.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/dave-mustaine-im-not-ready-to-endorse-rick-santorum-20120216 |title=Dave Mustaine: I'm Not Ready to Endorse Rick Santorum |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=February 16, 2012 |access-date=August 4, 2014 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808104524/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/dave-mustaine-im-not-ready-to-endorse-rick-santorum-20120216 |url-status=live }}</ref> He expressed his hope that Santorum would win the nomination but stated that, regardless of the results, he would be voting against a second term for President Obama. Mustaine also criticized other Republican presidential candidates: he was critical of a $100 million trust fund that Massachusetts governor [[Mitt Romney]] set up for his sons and criticized Texas Congressman [[Ron Paul]] for his unorthodox political views, saying Paul "make[s] total sense for a while, and then he'll say something so way out that it negates everything else". Mustaine also admitted that he once supported former Georgia Congressman and House Speaker [[Newt Gingrich]], but that he no longer thought he could vote for him.<ref name=RickSantorumComments>{{cite news |title= Megadeath frontman wants to see Rick Santorum in the White House, report says |url= https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/megadeath-frontman-wants-to-see-rick-santorum-in-the-white-house-report-says/ |work= FoxNews.com |author= News Core |access-date= February 25, 2012 |date= February 15, 2012 |archive-date= February 26, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120226051439/http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/02/15/megadeath-frontman-wants-to-see-rick-santorum-in-white-house/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first= Dave |last= Mustaine |interviewer= Joe Bosso |url= http://www.musicradar.com/news/live/interview-megadeths-dave-mustaine-talks-guitar-politics-and-todays-music-529703/3 |title= Interview: Megadeth's Dave Mustaine talks guitar, politics and today's music &#124; Guitar News |website= MusicRadar.com |date= February 14, 2012 |access-date= August 4, 2014 |archive-date= May 24, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130524193442/http://www.musicradar.com/news/live/interview-megadeths-dave-mustaine-talks-guitar-politics-and-todays-music-529703/3 |url-status= live }}</ref>

===Martial arts===
Mustaine holds black belts in [[taekwondo]] and [[Benny Urquidez|Ukidokan karate]]. In 2007, he was made a Goodwill Ambassador of the World by the [[World Taekwondo Federation]].<ref>{{cite web |title="Taekwondo Changed My Life" Says Megadeth Leader Dave Mustaine |url=http://www.wtf.org/bbs/bbs.php?bbs_no=1222&bbs_code=10004&bbs_cate=&bbs_num=35&page=3&search=&keyword=&symode=view&PHPSESSID=a1584ee18820d1835f0695916bc14569 |work=wtf.org |access-date=May 16, 2011 |archive-date=March 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322192055/http://www.wtf.org//bbs/bbs.php?&bbs_cate=&bbs_code=10004&bbs_no=1222&bbs_num=35&keyword=&page=3&search=&symode=view |url-status=dead }}</ref> Mustaine has also trained [[Sanshou]] and [[Kickboxing]] and has recently become a dedicated practitioner of [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]]. In January 2021, he was awarded the rank of Purple Belt in the art.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://jitsmagazine.com/megadeth-frontman-dave-mustaine-earns-bjj-purple-belt-at-59/|title = Megadeth Frontman Dave Mustaine Earns BJJ Purple Belt at 59|date = January 17, 2021|access-date = January 17, 2021|archive-date = January 17, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210117150736/https://jitsmagazine.com/megadeth-frontman-dave-mustaine-earns-bjj-purple-belt-at-59/|url-status = live}}</ref> Shortly after Megadeth released their sixteenth studio album, Mustaine was promoted to brown belt in BJJ at the age of 61.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://jitsmagazine.com/megadeth-frontman-dave-mustaine-promoted-to-bjj-brown-belt/ | title=Megadeth Frontman Dave Mustaine Promoted to BJJ Brown Belt | date=October 9, 2022 }}</ref>

==Television appearances==
Mustaine has appeared on various television shows:
* In 1992 Mustaine covered the [[Democratic National Convention]] for MTV. He also hosted the [[MTV2]] Television Network's series ''[[Headbangers Ball]]'' on two occasions: once on a tribute to [[Dimebag Darrell]] in December 2004 and the second time as a special guest on an episode that aired August 27, 2005. He also played the song "Gears of War" with Megadeth on an episode about the video game release under the same name.
* ''[[The Drew Carey Show]]'': In the 1998 episode "[[In Ramada Da Vida]]". When Drew and the gang decide to start a band, they audition guitarists, including Mustaine. After Mustaine plays a fast guitar solo, Lewis Kiniski tells him "Don't be nervous, son, just slow down," to which Mustaine replies, "It's supposed to sound that way." Drew replies by saying, "Yeah, sure it is … next."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/6n7x82/joey-ramone-makes-sitcom-debut-on-drew-careyhttps://www.mtv.com/news/6n7x82/joey-ramone-makes-sitcom-debut-on-drew-carey|work=[[MTV]]|title=Joey Ramone Makes Sitcom Debut On 'Drew Carey'|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|date=August 16, 1998|access-date=August 27, 2022}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
* ''[[Black Scorpion (TV series)|Black Scorpion]]'': In the episode "Love Burns", Mustaine plays Torchy Thompson, a vengeful arsonist.
* ''[[Duck Dodgers (TV series)|Duck Dodgers]]'': Mustaine and Megadeth appear in the 2005 episode "In Space, No One Can Hear You Rock".<ref name="lwdd">{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/rock-metal-bands-appeared-kids-tv-shows/|work=[[Loudwire]]|date=August 22, 2022|access-date=August 27, 2022|first=Jordan|last=Blum|title=15 Rock + Metal Bands Who've Appeared on Kids TV Shows}}</ref> In the show, Mustaine voices a cryogenically frozen version of himself. He is unfrozen because the main cast requires an incredibly loud noise to overload a Martian sonic weapon, and "nobody rocks harder, faster, or louder than Dave Mustaine."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalised.wordpress.com/2014/02/19/dave-mustaine-with-duck-dodgers/|work=Metalised!|access-date=June 1, 2022|date=February 19, 2014|title=Dave Mustaine with Duck Dodgers|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061943/https://metalised.wordpress.com/2014/02/19/dave-mustaine-with-duck-dodgers/|url-status=live}}</ref> During this episode, he played the song "Back in the Day" from the album ''[[The System Has Failed]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-entire-duck-dodgers-episode-available-online|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|title=MEGADETH: Entire 'Duck Dodgers' Episode Available Online|date=November 13, 2005|access-date=June 1, 2022|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095832/https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-entire-duck-dodgers-episode-available-online|url-status=live}}</ref> Mustaine appeared again in the show in the finale, ''Bonafide Hero: Captain Duck Dodgers''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thetvdb.com/series/duck-dodgers/episodes/367147|access-date=June 1, 2022|title=Duck Dodgers - Bonafide Heroes|work=TheTVDB.com|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095832/https://thetvdb.com/series/duck-dodgers/episodes/367147|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=lwdd/>
* ''[[Never Mind the Buzzcocks]]'': Mustaine appeared on the second episode of season 8.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/never_mind_the_buzzcocks/episodes/8/2/|title=Never Mind the Buzzcocks|work=comedy.co.uk|access-date=June 1, 2022|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095832/https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/never_mind_the_buzzcocks/episodes/8/2/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Mustaine and Megadeth appeared in promotional videos for the [[NHL]] team [[Philadelphia Flyers]] in response to an inflammatory comment by Mike Wise in ''[[The Washington Post]]'' that suggested that some of the Flyers' fans could work security for Megadeth.<ref name=Wise>{{cite news|last=Wise|first=Mike|date=April 16, 2008|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/15/AR2008041503637.html?sid=ST2008041503786|title=Beaten to the Punch|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=June 1, 2022|archive-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228054438/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/15/AR2008041503637.html?sid=ST2008041503786|url-status=live}}</ref> Mustaine invited them to do so in a video address, sporting the jersey of team captain [[Jason Smith (ice hockey)|Jason Smith]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/want-to-work-security-for-megadeth/c-436087|work=[[NHL]]|date=April 30, 2008|title=Want to Work Security for Megadeth?|access-date=June 1, 2022|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095832/https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/want-to-work-security-for-megadeth/c-436087|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Mustaine appeared in an episode of ''[[Rock & Roll Jeopardy!]]'' along with [[George Clinton (funk musician)|George Clinton]] and [[Moon Zappa]]. He won the game by a fair margin.<ref>{{cite web|title=GAME SHOWS ARE METAL, PART 1: DAVE MUSTAINE ON JEOPARDY|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2009/03/16/game-shows-are-metal-part-1-dave-mustaine-on-jeopardy/|work=[[Metal Sucks]]|first=Axl|last=Rosenberg|date=March 16, 2009|access-date=June 1, 2022|archive-date=April 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411123905/https://www.metalsucks.net/2009/03/16/game-shows-are-metal-part-1-dave-mustaine-on-jeopardy/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Mustaine appeared in the reality series ''[[Hell's Kitchen (U.S. TV series)|Hell's Kitchen]]'' as one of the Blue Team's diners in [[Hell's Kitchen (American season 14)|season 14]]'s fifth dinner service.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-VfUIzMLIY|work=[[Hell's Kitchen]]|via=[[YouTube]]|title=Dave Mustaine Dines In Hell's Kitchen {{!}} Season 14 Ep. 5 {{!}} HELL'S KITCHEN|date=March 31, 2015|access-date=May 31, 2022|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095831/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-VfUIzMLIY&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Mustaine was featured on ''[[The O'Reilly Factor]]''{{'s}} "Watter's World" segment on March 17, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoS0RYH40cs |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/XoS0RYH40cs| archive-date=December 11, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Watters' World: Megadeth edition|last=Fox News|date=March 17, 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==Discography==
;Metallica
{{main|List of Metallica demos}}

;Megadeth
{{main|Megadeth discography}}

* ''[[Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!]]'' (1985)
* ''[[Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?]]'' (1986)
* ''[[So Far, So Good... So What!]]'' (1988)
* ''[[Rust in Peace]]'' (1990)
* ''[[Countdown to Extinction]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Youthanasia]]'' (1994)
* ''[[Cryptic Writings]]'' (1997)
* ''[[Risk (Megadeth album)|Risk]]'' (1999)
* ''[[The World Needs a Hero]]'' (2001)
* ''[[The System Has Failed]]'' (2004)
* ''[[United Abominations]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Endgame (Megadeth album)|Endgame]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Thirteen (Megadeth album)|Thirteen]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Super Collider (album)|Super Collider]]'' (2013)
* ''[[Dystopia (Megadeth album)|Dystopia]]'' (2016)
* ''[[The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead!]]'' (2022)

;MD.45
* ''[[The Craving (album)|The Craving]]'' (1996) <small>(guitar on original; guitar and vocals on 2004 reissue)</small>

;''Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock'' (video game)

Mustaine composed the song "[[Sudden Death (song)|Sudden Death]]" for the video game ''[[Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock]]'', released in September 2010, under the name of his band. The game also features two additional Megadeth titles, "[[Holy Wars... The Punishment Due]]" and "[[This Day We Fight!]]". Megadeth downloadable content was available for the game but as of March 31, 2015, the tracks were removed as all DLC for the game was removed;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-03-19-all-guitar-hero-dj-hero-song-dlc-to-be-removed|title=All Guitar Hero, DJ Hero song DLC to be removed|first=Tom|last=Phillips|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=March 19, 2014|access-date=October 31, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107003121/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-03-19-all-guitar-hero-dj-hero-song-dlc-to-be-removed|url-status=live}}</ref> the tracks that were available for purchase were "[[Symphony of Destruction]]", "[[Hangar 18 (song)|Hangar 18]]", and "[[Peace Sells]]".

Mustaine appeared on [[country music|country]] singer [[Brett Kissel]]'s song "Damn!" from his 2017 album ''[[We Were That Song]]''.

==See also==
* [[List of celebrities who own wineries and vineyards]]

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==Bibliography==
* {{cite book |last=Layden |first=Joe |title=Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir |year=2011 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers |isbn=9780061714405}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Dave Mustaine}}
* {{official website|http://www.megadeth.com/|name=Official Megadeth website}}
* {{allMusic}}
* {{IMDb name|615962}}

{{Clear}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-bef|before=''Original''}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Metallica]] lead guitarist|years=[[Lloyd Grant|1981–1983]]}}
{{s-aft|after= [[Kirk Hammett]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{Megadeth|state=plain}}
{{Metallica|state=collapsed}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mustaine, Dave}}
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