INTERVIEW WITH DAVE MUSTAINE
Dave Mustaine talks about his foray into acting in 'Black Scorpion', the change of drummer from Nick Menza to Jimmy De Grasso and the latter's good reception. He discusses Megadeth's musical evolution from its beginnings to 'Cryptic Writings' and how this has affected its fan base. In addition, he mentions his appreciation for the Brazilian public, his relationship with Alice Cooper (his godfather) and his business plans outside of music, such as a barbecue restaurant. The guitarist also reflects on whether metal is what he wants to do for the rest of his life.
Date
January 14, 1999
Media
Tatiana Barrios (Unknown)
Interviewer
Tatiana Barrios
Interviewees
Tatiana Barrios
I read in many places that you started playing guitar to gain popularity with girls, is that true? When did you realize it was important to you?
Dave Mustaine
“It wasn't when I started, I did it because it was easy to meet people and become popular. I'm still trying to figure out if it's what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
Tatiana Barrios
You had a role in the series "Black Scorpion," how was that?
Dave Mustaine
“It was very interesting, before I had other roles but playing myself like in "The Heavy Metal Years." "Black Scorpion" was interesting because I was playing someone other than myself. The director called me because he is a Megadeth fan and we have a lot of common interests.”
Tatiana Barrios
How was the New Year's concert with Pantera, Soulfly, Black Sabbath, and Slayer?
Dave Mustaine
“I had played with all of them before, but it was fun to play at home and it was the first New Year's concert.”
Tatiana Barrios
I read in El Ciberarmy/Megadinner Chat, that the new album was going to be completely different from all previous Megadeth albums, is that true?
Dave Mustaine
“I can't tell you because it's not finished yet, so I don't know. I'd love to tell you something but I'd be lying...”
Tatiana Barrios
I read in "Karate Inside" that you teach Karate to kids...
Dave Mustaine
“Yes, I teach karate, but since I'm in the studio now I'm not doing it.”
Tatiana Barrios
And does your son practice with you?
Dave Mustaine
“I've been teaching Justis since he was 4 years old...”
Tatiana Barrios
What do you think about playing in Brazil?
Dave Mustaine
“I love Brazil, the first time I was a little scared to play there but when you are there and you see the people and the beautiful places your image changes. Playing in São Paulo was fabulous, Vinhedo was a little strange because it's not like the other places we usually go, we don't even know how many fans we have there but it was fantastic. Curitiba was crazy. The more places you go the more friends you make, the more you learn about the country and it is much better.”
Tatiana Barrios
I always see notes talking about the Brazilian audience, what is the best audience?
Dave Mustaine
“The best audience in Brazil was at Rock in Rio 2, it was the biggest concert we have ever done. The Brazilian audience is very warm and wild.”
Tatiana Barrios
Many fans were very angry about Nick Menza's departure but after Monster Of Rock with Jimmy DeGrasso they saw that he replaced Nick perfectly or even better. Do you feel that tension in the fans after the great job Jimmy is doing?
Dave Mustaine
“A lot of people came and told me they were very angry about Nick's departure. I'm not going to make a change for the worse, Nick is a great drummer and a great person but we are going our separate ways. Jimmy is more than a member of the band, he is a great drummer and a great person.”
Tatiana Barrios
There are some rumors that Nick is starting a new project called "Alive after death" do you know anything about this?
Dave Mustaine
“I've never heard anything about that project.”
Tatiana Barrios
Megadeth changed musically a lot, looking back, what do you think of the first albums?
Dave Mustaine
“When I listen to "Cryptic..." and then "Killing..." I see two different bands. It's a natural progression, and we have a lot of different musicians... in the beginning everything went very fast and now it's more melodic. It is much more accessible to fans. If you only write about burning churches only people who burn churches will follow you. I love having new fans.”
Tatiana Barrios
I particularly consider "Cryptic..." as all the albums in one...
Dave Mustaine
“We always try to give our best, when I see bands like Iron Maiden that always do the same thing it's like their fans get smaller...”
Tatiana Barrios
However, some fans accuse Megadeth of becoming more commercial with "Cryptic...". What do you think about that?
Dave Mustaine
“I think they have the right to think whatever they want... But I don't worry too much if they don't like it because of that...”
Tatiana Barrios
There were some rumors about Megadeth's participation in the UFO tribute.
Dave Mustaine
“I don't know anything about that.”
Tatiana Barrios
I read that you are very good friends with Alice Cooper. How long have you known him?
Dave Mustaine
“About 10 years, he is my godfather...”
Tatiana Barrios
How did the idea for the restaurant come about?
Dave Mustaine
“We just opened it, it's a barbecue restaurant and it's really good. We thought people would love to eat delicious meat in a good place, plus we think we're going to make a lot of money.”
Tatiana Barrios
What are the plans for the next tour?
Dave Mustaine
“We have plans for the tour but nothing confirmed yet.”