Marty Friedman

Martin Adam Friedman

“Marty”

Marty Friedman is globally recognized as one of the most virtuosic and innovative guitarists in metal, and within Megadeth he starred in the band's most commercially successful era. Born in 1962 in Washington D.C., he made his mark in the metal scene with the duo Cacophony (alongside prodigy Jason Becker), where he amazed with neoclassical technique and exotic melodies. Dave Mustaine brought him into Megadeth in 1990 after auditioning dozens of candidates, impressed by Marty's unique musicality—able to combine oriental scales, melodic feel, and blazing speed. Together with Mustaine, he co-wrote and recorded 'Rust in Peace', considered one of the greatest thrash metal albums ever, with iconic solos like 'Tornado of Souls' (his phrasing became a must-study for guitarists). The Mustaine/Friedman partnership lasted a golden decade: Marty contributed solos and harmonies to hits like 'Symphony of Destruction', 'Holy Wars', 'Hangar 18', 'Trust', and many more. His melodic style balanced Mustaine's aggression, resulting in a Megadeth sound that was polished, accessible, and technical. Offstage, Friedman was serene and introspective, fully devoted to music. By the late '90s, after 'Risk' (1999), Marty began to feel creatively unsatisfied within the band's format. Fascinated by Japanese culture and music, and eager to explore other genres (pop, electronic), he left Megadeth in 2000 on good terms. He moved to Japan in 2003, reinventing himself successfully: he released solo albums incorporating J-Pop and alternative metal influences, and became a major media celebrity in Japan. He appeared as a guest and panelist on hundreds of Japanese TV shows, helping popularize metal among mass audiences. He has also collaborated with artists of various styles, from J-Pop idols to metal projects like the rock band Lovebites. Despite the distance, Friedman always cherished his time in Megadeth. In 2023, to the delight of fans, Marty reunited with Mustaine on stage at a special concert in Tokyo, performing classics together after 23 years, which was acclaimed worldwide. Marty Friedman is a prime example of a versatile musician who transcended the metal niche: his autobiography 'Tokyo Jukebox' details this journey. But in the memory of metal fans, his legacy in Megadeth shines intensely—literally, with his black and blonde hair flying in unison in the '90s—and musically, with unforgettable solos that raised the genre's standard. Undoubtedly, Marty left an indelible mark as a fundamental part of Megadeth's history.