Dave Mustaine explains Megadeth’s decision to cover Metallica’s ‘Ride The Lightning’
Dave Mustaine has recently shed light on Megadeth’s decision to cover Metallica’s iconic track, ‘Ride The Lightning’, for their upcoming final album. Fans speculated about the cover after cracking a code in the band’s social media posts, which led to the band confirming the recording.
Mustaine, who was dismissed from Metallica before the release of their debut album, ‘Kill ‘Em All’, has a deep history with the band. Despite his rocky relationship with them, he is recognized for writing several songs for Metallica. Now, with the cover of ‘Ride The Lightning’, Mustaine aims to pay homage to his storied past and show respect for the band.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Mustaine revealed that their version of ‘Ride The Lightning’ is more faithful to his original composition for Metallica than the reworked version led by James Hetfield. The decision to cover the track was driven by mutual respect and a desire to close the chapter on his career in a meaningful way.
Mustaine expressed admiration for Hetfield’s evolution as a musician, highlighting his prowess as a guitar player and singer. The decision to record the cover was not about rekindling old relationships but more about honoring the legacy of Metallica and showcasing respect for the band.
Despite not obtaining approval from James Hetfield or Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich for the re-recording, Mustaine proceeded with the track, aiming to show respect and pay tribute to his former bandmates. He emphasized that the cover was not an attempt to mend old wounds but rather a gesture of appreciation for the impact Metallica had on the music industry.
While Mustaine and Megadeth have had their share of conflicts over the years, they have reconciled, as evidenced by their joint performances with other thrash metal bands. Mustaine’s involvement in Metallica’s 30th-anniversary concert further exemplifies the evolving relationship between the two bands.
Looking forward, Mustaine hopes to reconnect with his former Metallica bandmates, acknowledging that time is needed to heal past wounds. His main priority with the ‘Ride The Lightning’ cover is to ensure that no feelings of disrespect linger and that he can leave his musical career with no regrets.
As Mustaine prepares to retire from music, the cover of ‘Ride The Lightning’ serves as a poignant reminder of his journey in the music industry. It symbolizes a closing chapter in his career, marked by respect, admiration, and a desire to showcase appreciation for the band that played a significant role in shaping his musical trajectory.