INTERVIEW WITH DAVE MUSTAINE: After Friedman's departure
In this interview, Dave Mustaine firmly defends Megadeth as a band despite Marty Friedman's departure, announcing that Al Pitrelli has just signed a ten-album contract with the new Sanctuary label, proving his permanence. He praises Pitrelli for learning "every note" of the previous solos and having great stage presence. He denies that Friedman left because of the direction of *Risk*, stating that Marty was part of that decision (he wanted a slow song). He confirms that the new material will be heavier, in line with Megadeth's tradition. He comments on the tour with Mötley Crue, praises Slipknot over Limp Bizkit, and takes a stand against Napster because it "steals" from bands, although he understands the need for fans to access music. Finally, he promises that Megadeth will record and release a live album in Buenos Aires now that they have new management and record label.
Date
October 1, 2000
Media
Diario Página 12 (AR)
Interviewer
Roque Casciero
Interviewees
Roque Casciero
After Friedman's departure, there may be the feeling that Megadeth is no longer a band but just your solo project.
Dave Mustaine
“If someone said that to David Ellefson (the bassist forever), he'd kick their ass! Megadeth has always been my project and has also always been a band. Al Pitrelli plays the solos of all the guitarists who have been in Megadeth perfectly, so if any of our fans in Buenos Aires listened to us now, they would be very happy because we sound like a fucking Megadeth live concert and not like a bar band.”
Roque Casciero
So, did you feel that you sounded like a bar band?
Dave Mustaine
“No, but I know there are many bar bands that play Megadeth covers and the guitarists, when it's time to do my solos or those of the other guitarists, just get as close as possible and imagine that is enough. And it's not enough: either you do it well, or you don't do it. Al and I sat down and learned every note of every solo of every song we play. Plus, he sings well, has great stage presence, and is very friendly with the fans.”
Roque Casciero
When Pitrelli joined, it didn't feel like a permanent change.
Dave Mustaine
“He just signed the ten-album contract with the Sanctuary label along with Megadeth. I don't know, is that permanent? (laughs out loud).”
Roque Casciero
Megadeth issued an official statement saying that Friedman had left because he had other musical interests. Could you be more specific?
Dave Mustaine
“I don't know, you'd have to ask Marty. He wanted to play different music than Megadeth's.”
Roque Casciero
Did his departure have anything to do with the band's new musical direction on Risk?
Dave Mustaine
“No, the new direction on Risk was part of what he did. I wanted the songs to be faster, but when we were making the arrangements, Marty said we needed a really slow song. I replied: Man, I can't write slow ones, this is killing me. I don't know, he's happy now and so are we. I'm not mad at Marty, I think he's very talented and he helped us a lot to be who we are.”
Roque Casciero
Some fans were disappointed with that new musical direction of the band, but the new songs on the compilation (Kill the King and Dread & the Fugitive Mind) sound more similar to Megadeth's tradition. Is that what should be expected in the future?
Dave Mustaine
“Yes, unless... (laughs). I was going to say unless Marty returns to the band (laughs). No, I think we are doing what we want.”
Roque Casciero
How did the tour with Mötley Crue go?
Dave Mustaine
“It was very fun. Towards the end of the tour it was as if we were the headliner and kicked Mötley Crue's ass every night. They had girls dancing in underwear, bombs, fire, confetti, and all that shit on stage: it was a whole Hollywood rock star show. And we just came out with our instruments, so I felt a little uncomfortable. But towards the end of the tour, I thought: You know what? We are better, the fans love us, and our music is not about two barely dressed girls dancing around. I don't give a damn if someone plays after us. By the end of the tour it was quite obvious that we were better received every night. And when we finished, we got on our bus to leave and found that there was incredible traffic of people leaving the concert while Mötley Crue was still on stage. But I want to be clear: Nikki (Sixx, bassist and founder of Mötley Crue) is my friend and I wish him the best with whatever he does. I don't know if they will reach the level of popularity they once had again, but it was fun to see them play some songs that I listened to while growing up.”
Roque Casciero
What do you think of the rise of bands like Slipknot or Limp Bizkit?
Dave Mustaine
“It's not the kind of music I listen to, but they are quite exciting. For me, Slipknot is better than Limp Bizkit, although the latter are more popular because Fred Durst knows the music business and has taken advantage of his influence. I suppose this is a compliment to him. Do I listen to these new metal bands? No. I know who they are, but most of the singers sound the same, as do the drummers, guitarists, and bassists. There are many better bands than those.”
Roque Casciero
What do you think of the Napster episode?
Dave Mustaine
“I don't like it. Now it's very different from when it started. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think it's not fair for a band, that lives by making music and selling their records, that there is a site where everyone can take that product without paying. I don't think the guy created it to steal from the bands but to give something to the fans. But to give something to someone, you have to take something from another. How would you feel if I entered your house and stole your damn television?”
Roque Casciero
So you agree with Metallica's stance.
Dave Mustaine
“No, although I understand what Lars says. He is very rich and his fight is not so much for a guy who has millions of dollars to have one million more, but that there are bands that need to be paid for their music to be able to continue making music. Otherwise, they will have to do something else to feed their families. I don't think it's bad that people can download MP3 files of songs that the bands want to put on the Internet for free. On our website, we have put free MP3 files and videos for people to download. So I'm not against the first idea of Napster, but it is a fact that, even if you invent something good, there are people who will use it for evil. It's human nature.”
Roque Casciero
You recorded a live album in Buenos Aires. Will that be released at some point?
Dave Mustaine
“We haven't recorded a live album in Buenos Aires because it never seemed to be the right time. We have waited and waited, but now that we have changed management and record company, we will finally be able to do it the next time we go. It's no longer about if we could, now it's about when.”
Roque Casciero
But one of your concerts was recorded for that album that never came out.
Dave Mustaine
“I never heard that recording. Rock & Pop has it. But the next time we go, we will finally do the live album.”