Lawrence 'Lor' Kane

Lawrence Renna

“Lor”

Lawrence 'Lor' Kane holds a unique and fundamental place in Megadeth's history as the band's first vocalist, even though his tenure was brief. In 1983, Dave Mustaine was still unsure about taking on the role of singer, so he recruited Lor Kane, a Californian vocalist with traditional heavy metal influences, to front the fledgling lineup. Together with Mustaine, Ellefson, and Handevidt, Lor was part of the embryonic lineup called Fallen Angels, which soon changed its name to Megadeth. Lor is credited with suggesting the name 'Megadeth', inspired by a Mustaine song titled 'Megadeath' (which would later become 'Set The World Afire'). According to accounts, the idea came up during a late-night drive, and his contribution proved historic for the band's identity. Lor Kane sang in the early rehearsals and helped shape the band's first songs, but after a few weeks, Mustaine decided to part ways, feeling that Lor did not fit the musical direction and attitude he envisioned. Mustaine then chose to become Megadeth's vocalist himself, marking the start of a new era. After leaving the band in 1983, Lor Kane did not return to the renowned metal scene. His main legacy was naming Megadeth and sparking what would come next, being remembered in interviews and stories for his role in the band's beginnings. Lawrence 'Lor' Kane thus represents a brief but significant chapter in Megadeth's history: the vocalist who preceded Mustaine and whose contribution was key to the group's identity.