Benedetta Baldin

Dave Mustaine of Megadeth discusses the role his playing had in influencing all big four thrash acts

Author Benedetta Baldin - 15.4.2026

Dave Mustaine discussed Megadeths significance as one of the “Big Four” of 1980s thrash metal, together with Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, in a recent interview with São Paulo, Brazil’s 89 FM A Rádio Rock radio station, as per Blabbermouth. This is what Mustaine said.

Well, I’ve been very invested in the metal community. Kerry [King, Slayer guitarist] and I played together [during the two bands’ early days], and I showed him how to play MEGADETH songs, which was before [Slayer] started having all their pivotal records. Kerry and I had a really great time together. And I wrote music in Metallica and I wrote music in Megadeth. So, I’ve been very influential with the guitar with these three bands. And when I met Scott [Ian, Anthrax guitarist] and the guys in Anthrax out in New York, same thing happened. Their first record was verydifferent from the record they made after they met me and the guys in Metallica. So I think that’s great. I love all those bands.

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