By Natalie Zina WalschotsDave Mustaine is one of the most iconic and universally recognized personalities in the realm of heavy metal. His music career has spanned 30 years and he is recognized as one of the most significant lead guitarists and metal vocalists of all time. His career began with a brief, but extremely influential early stint Metallica from 1981 to 1983. After that, Mustaine founded Megadeth, which still stands as one of the musical juggernauts in the genre, and one of the "Big Four" of thrash (along with Slayer, Metallica and Anthrax). While Mustaine has been considered a controversial figure, at times, his talent and appeal are undeniable. Megadeth have recently enjoyed a career renaissance. They have recently released a new album, Thirteen, to positive critical reception. Mustaine also helms the infamous Gigantour, the next incarnation of which features Motörhead, Volbeat and Lacuna Coil and will be making its way across North America in early 2012.
What are you up to?
I just finished breakfast, and soon I'll be on my way to the airport. I'll have to fight through the fans downstairs, which is always great, but I've recently had neck surgery and so haven't been able to stop and sign stuff as I'd like to. I've had to do a lot more waving from the window than I'd like to.
What are your current fixations?
My current fixation is that I'm sadly mesmerized by watching the news and how the government is destroying this country. It's pretty obvious to me that they're trying to get rid of the middle class. It also seems like we're moving more towards a single world currency, and I find that very frightening.
Why do you live where you do?
My move was prompted by the feud with [former and now current bassist] Dave Ellefson. There was that falling out, and the lawsuit. I left at that time; it was better to leave Arizona, which is a small area. It felt too close. I figured I was too emotional about the situation to continue to live there, so I went back to California. I live in Fallbrook because it is quite removed; it's in the hills and you have to do a lot of trekking to get to where I live. There is no way you can wind up on my property accidentally. You essentially have to trespass to end up on the property.
Name something you consider a mind-altering work of art:
I've always loved Dali's stuff. I've always thought his work is most like witnessing artwork take acid. I really like the one he did with the melting clocks. I don't know exactly what they're called. There's another one of Jesus on a cross; I got that one in my house, and the melting clocks painting is really good.
What has been your most memorable or inspirational gig and why?
The most memorable would have been the performance for Jimmy Kimmel. We all donned actual makeup from Universal Studios, all done up like the classic Universal movie monsters. I was just coming off surgery and was not very mobile, so I decided to be Frankenstein so no one would care if I was stiff. Jimmy dressed as the Donkey Kong gorilla, too. We played four songs, and it was really great; we had a lot of fun.
We've played a lot of shows that were bigger, of course. The biggest was the Rock in Rio show; we played to 40,000 people. All of the Big Four shows were really amazing. Those shows were certainly the most cathartic, the most healing. It was really great to be able to bury the hatchet and just play together. That was very important to me.
What's the meanest thing ever said to you before, during or after a gig?
I don't really keep track. Probably people taking pot-shots at my music or ability. I'm generally pretty numb to any of it. I was picked on every day in school, called a freckle-faced kid and stuff, so that kind of thing doesn't affect me. When they start attacking the music, that's something that stings. That's something I've worked on, so some of those comments suck.
What should everyone shut up about?
Everyone needs to shut up about this whole Occupy Wall Street thing. I think the protesters have very good intentions, but it's an example of good being mislead. The President is setting these guys up to be dead in the road. Everyone should protest at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue if they want some change. I also really hate some of these bleeding hearts, like Michael Moore, the fat dude who does these exposés. We don't need more of that; we need lower taxes and governments that listen.
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