Blog posts

• 

  Dec 31, 05:48 PM

  NAMM signing times.........

  

  Just received my first signing time for the NAMM show.
  
  
  Saturday, January 16th
  VIC FIRTH - 4PM.
  
  
  More info coming soon on my other signings. Hope to see you there.
  
  
  Be well,
  Shawn.
• 

  Dec 27, 03:36 PM

  Put another log in the fire

  

  Droogies!
  
  In the studio yesterday it was time to stoke the old furnace, and actually fire up my amps WITHOUT my guitar tech, the inimitable Willie Gee. I started, much to my amazement, putting together some ideas, and I am really excited about what 2010 holds for me and Megadeth.
  
  Thank you to everyone that nominated me, Chris, me and Chris, and Megadeth's new record ENDGAME for Guitar World's prestigious Reader's Poll awards. I still can't believe I am nominated again for my eight time to win a Grammy. I have had my fingers crossed for a few weeks now.
  
  I hope to thank you in person for making 2009 such a great year at the MARSHALL and DEAN booths at the 2010 NAMM show. I am going over our plans for the show and we are going to be rolling out some killer new designs for DEAN Guitars and some brutal new models from MARSHALL Amps, so save some space on yer cameras for these babies.
  
  This convention is one of the most rewarding parts of the year, when I get to spend time with the companies that stand by me in my career with the equipment I have chosen and I need to sound and perform my best
  
  Anyway, I hope everybody had a great Christmas (or whatever you celebrate). Its hard to believe that we are already planning next Christmas at my house. Isn't that nuts?
  
  On a totally unrelated note: I am almost done with Brian Tatler's biography "Am I Evil?" and I have to say, if you are a fan of the NWOBHM or are curious about the band that influenced Megs and Met so much, you owe this to your self.
  
  Well, I am off to church to pray that I won't piss as many people off this week as I did last week.
  
  Megaman
• 

  Dec 25, 12:34 PM

  Merry Christmas

  

  Droogies!
  
  I want to start with saying Merry Christmas to you all and I hope that you all have a wonderful, rewarding day. Anyway, I went to go get a Coronary Calcium Cat scan or in other words, a heart scan, and I have good news! They found one!!
  
  All kidding aside, I had my heart scan done and my score was a mind blowing zero. This means that I have 0% plaque in my heart and my mom died from congestive heart failure, and that stuff is hereditary I hear, so I was worried.
  
  I am so stoked about the result and I owe it to my family, band mates, and my advisors and handlers for inspiring me to get better, to be better, and to stay better. I can't tell you how much my team, even the label have really supported me and helped me understand what we can and cannot do, instead of what "I" can't do.
  
  Believe it or not even the media and the press, both positive or negative have been instrumental in helping me become a better person. There have been a lot of life's lessons I haven't been able to learn until recently, but I can tell you I have NEVER felt this good in my 48 years of life on this planet.
  
  Hell, some stuff can be changed and some can't. I just need to be smart enough to know which is which. My manager Mark has mentored me in a business that is constantly changing (he was very instrumental in helping make the Big Four happen - for that, my hat and prolly several thousand other's hats are off to you). Funny thing is that I have been praying hard that I would be friends with the guys in Slayer again, and Metallica too. Is it just me or does it seem like some prayers have been answered?
  
  Now, I am just praying that all of the fans around the entire globe will get to see this tour. Personally, I wish we would hit every single country and every major city. That would rule!!!
  
  One last thing and I will let ya go for Christmas. You are going to want to read this, if you have even read this far.
  
  I have a friend who is a very successful and wise businessman. Yes, he is one of the 7 1/2 friends.
  
  Anyway, he told me that he wants to know if he can have a contest for his company and run it through TheLiveLine. I said, "Certainly!" because TLL is running a contest for me now for a brand new signature Dave Mustaine Marshall 1960 DM-A or 1960 DM-B 4 x 12" speaker cabinet, and a contest for King Of The Ring (a Martial Arts company) to have a fly-away to Okinawa, Japan.
  
  I said, "Whatcha got on yer mind?"
  
  And he said . . .
  
  I want to put up travel, hotels, tickets and passes, and some mad money for two 18+ year olds, from anywhere in the world, to go with Megadeth to one of the Big Four shows. Is this doable, because I would go along to make sure everything is cool."
  
  I said, "Are you out of your mind?"
  
  He just stone faced me. He was dead serious.
  
  So, Scott Holmen (my company representative from TLL), my very dear friend who shall remain nameless until I get his permission (whom I'm sure you will all meet by way of internet - prolly by the next time I talk to him) are going to figure out the details and will be launching this sucka by or before NAMM.
  
  He will also have a booth at NAMM for you to fill out registration forms or whatev! I don't know how to run contests, so I may have some of this stuff wrong, I just know how be the prize (or the boobie prize some times hehehe!).
  
  In closing, thank you once again for helping me have a great year, to grow in stature and in success, to thirst for truth, and to hunger for humility (Sadly, I keep upchucking this last one every once in a while!).
  
  I love you all and God Bless,
  
  Dave Mustaine
  
  aka
  
  Megaman
• 

  Dec 20, 11:27 PM

  Blind Side (The Movie - not the band)

  

  Droogies!
  
  I have had a really great week and I wanted to share something with you about a movie that I went to go see called, "Blind Side." I guess this was a true story about Michael Oher of the Baltimore Ravens, and I really, REALLY enjoyed this movie.
  
  If you are standing at the counter of a theater and finding yourself wondering which movie to go see, go see "Blind Side." I love watching movies where people help people who most people just overlook, just to see them mature, flourish, blossom, come into their own, whatever you want to call it.
  
  I guess you can say that as much as I like watching bad people get what they deserve, I also love seeing good people get what they deserve too. Its just so rare that you see someone going out of their way, or out of their safety zone to do something for someone else that isn't going to result in an immediate pay-off.
  
  I just left a Christmas Program at my daughter's babysitter's church. And I was so blown away, because I walked in and the babysitter is playing in the band on keyboards. I usually have a hard time listening to the music in church because - God bless 'em for trying - but most of the volunteers are so bad, and all I do is sit there and sulk.
  
  I had the most amazing surprise listening to this 19 year old girl sing that it freaked me out. She was that good. Really! There was also a little teensy kid with red hair playing the lead in the play and Pam said, "You know you are going to have a red-headed Grand Son soon," and I couldn't help myself from laughing because the kid was so cute. He looked like a little baby chick with fuzzy short red hair, and I was in such a great mood.
  
  I am back at the salt mine and writing music while I am inspired this evening. I will also try to read some more of my friend Brian Tatler from Diamond Head's new autobiography. I recommend his bio to those of you who like to read a lot. I am not that far along and I am not recommending it for any other reason than Brian is a big influence on both Megadeth and on Metallica both with DM and with KH, and he is my very dear friend.
  
  I hope all of your teams won today, and I hope Shawn's team hasn't lost again, but they seem to have gotten pretty good at losing over the last five or six games and that doesn't leave me with an innate desire to drop any greenbacks on the yellow and black. Funny how the guys in Stryper have the same colors as the Steelers.
  
  Sleep well, my Droogs, and make this next week the best week of the year. DO something good for a stranger, just like the Circle Jerks say in their happy little diddy, "Wonderful":
  
  Be nice, say thank you
  And please once in a while
  It's a beautiful world we live in
  So give your brother a smile
  Turn to a stranger
  And give him a pat on the back
  It's not that hard to
  Maybe the friendship will last
  
  Wonderful! (Wonderful)
  It's so wonderful! (wonderful)
  Wonderful! (Wonderful)
  It's so wonderful!
  
  Don't smoke, don't litter
  Don't step on a beetle or ant
  Always walk on the sidewalk
  Never tread on the grass
  Be kind, be courteous
  Open the door for your mom
  Help an old person across the street
  Give the bum something to eat
  
  Wonderful! (Wonderful)
  It's so wonderful! (wonderful)
  Wonderful! (Wonderful)
  It's so wonderful!
  
  [x2]
  
  Be nice, say thank you
  
  Now, you have to appreciate that this is from a punk rock band and the irony is that it is dripping with sarcasm, and the music is great! Check it out, you owe it to yourself. In fact, I have added this song to Megadeth Radio and if you listen 24/7 for the rest of your life, you are sure to hear it several times
  
  So, until we see each other again, have a great Christmas Season or whatever you choose to celebrate. I wish you could see the faces of the kids that got all of the toys you helped me buy. Damn, I love you guys so much for that!!!
  
  Megaman
• 

  Dec 19, 03:52 PM

  Elves

  

  Droogies!
  
  Thank you so much for once again supporting my career and my band this last year, and making it possible for me and my family to donate again this Christmas season to the San Diego Children's Hospital and to the various homeless and church outreach programs for the poor and needy with over ten pallets of brand new toys.
  
  I wanted to also thank Pam, Justis, Electra and her friend Lilly, Jeff Payne, Zach Coleman, and Owen Cooper for helping me distribute all of the 100+ boxes of toys yesterday, and I have just one more stop to make for the children of the fallen soldiers at the base near my home. We are just waiting on a call back and we are off. I think that with everyone shipping out, that the base has higher priorities right now above letting a 6' tall red-headed Elf delivery toys.
  
  This goodwill and all around 'feel good' event doesn't change the fact that I have been facing and trying to improve my bad attitude, big mouth, brain full o' toxic thoughts, difficulty to talk to or work with, and just all around normal mean human attributes. I want to change and I always get a great lift from doing this with the toys. I know it is making me a better person because I don't have to wear the jacket with the long sleeves and the buckles anymore at my weekly head shrinker sessions.
  
  I want to also say thanks to my dear friend Elaine Hinton and the good folks of the Hasbro Toy Company for helping make this come to fruition again this year. I also want to thank all of the people behind the scenes that will be working with these children this Christmas Season; all of the hospital, social services, church and missionary outreach personnel, and volunteers. You are so awesome!
  
  So, while some still obsess on finding fault in me and try to point it out, nice try! I already know and am working on it. To those who enjoy hurting me, nice try! I hurt enough already and you can't increase or reinjure what has been or is being healed. But for those who believe in me, just know that I felt you with me all day yesterday, every step of the way (except on the really heavy stuff - it felt like you took a break when ever the boxes got heavy!)
  
  As things continue to get better and better for me, and we look at how the problems of the past have all melted away, I can't help but be amazed. I am friends with the Pantera boys again, we are touring with the Slayer boys and Kerry and I are becoming friends again (I am happy about this one), and with the announcement of the Big Four, it should be clear to everyone now that the feud is over (and has been for years).
  
  I STILL have more good news to tell you as soon as I get a green light. Can you believe that?
  
  I hope you all have a great day and a great weekend, and I just want to thank you for your support and tell you how much I love you.
  
  Megaman
• 

  Dec 06, 12:08 PM

  I have some cruel friends!!!!

  

  Hey Everyone,
  
  the tour has been going awesome. We just played Kansas City( hey Andrew sorry I missed you), and are currently on our way to St Louis. My friends however are pissing me off Ahahahahha. The other day I get a text from one of them telling me how they are Snow boading in Mammoth Mt, CA and the snow is falling constantly. Now I know they are having a good time and trying to rub it in my face, however what they don't know is there is nothing that comes close to playing a live show for all of you, So I hope when I see them at the Las Vegas show that all of you help me in showing them what a good time can be!!!
  
  Take care, Chris.
• 

  Nov 12, 11:49 AM

  Santa Is Metal!

  

  Droogies!
  
  With the incredible demand, and the constant orders being filled with DEAN guitars for the Dave Mustaine Signature Line, we had decisions to make in keeping up with the orders. This is a great problem to have, and because the 'Korean made' DEAN guitars are so remarkable, I agreed to play these while the USA models were being made, and to give my complete support and understanding as we got this new venture with DEAN underway, and I have been so happy with any and all of the guitars they have presented me with, that it wasn't until recently that I even remembered there was a difference!
  
  However, being one of the more finicky guitarists, I wanted to have the USA guitars for my collection, which is made up of several other brands I have in storage, and the rest are my quiver of DEAN guitars.
  
  I have several of these incredible DEAN Korean models, and I have conferred with Elliot Rubison that we are going to replace this arsenal of six-string weaponry - the Korean guitars - with the USA guitars.
  
  Here's where you come in: we are going to auction off all of my Korean ones. We are also going to take the winning bid and donate all the winnings (after the auction is closed and shipping and handling charges are deducted) to a (unnamed as of yet - deciding between two recipients still) charity this year. Dave McRobb will be working with DEAN and many of our partners to bring awareness of this auction before the Holidays, and I encourage you, if you can't afford to bid for these KILLER KOREAN GUITARS, then you can show your support by just spreading the word (banners, fliers, whatev!) and drawing as much success for these menacing war toys, to benefit some needy children this Christmas. Until then, have a great Holiday Season, God Bless you all, and thank you for your support.
  
  Dave Mustaine
• 

  Nov 12, 06:21 AM

  Barely enough time to breathe... Just the way I like it!

  

  Howdy Mega-Brethren and Sisteren (I know, I know...).
  
  I was just sittin' in my little Bass Cave at the house rippin' through some old Megadeth classics, some of this stuff I'd of course heard but hadn't ever played before. Songs like **** ** ***** and *** ********* ah, but why spoil the surprise. I'm really looking forward to getting some of these out of "mothballs" and back on stage for the coming tour along with some of the new stuff from Endgame of course. Jamming on some of this stuff is really giving me a unique perspective and appreciation for the progression the band has taken over the years. It still leaves me with a sense of awe and pride just to be a part of it. We've accomplished much over the past 4 years and judging by your responses on the boards, at the liveline and especially at the shows, we're doing our past justice and keeping the Megadeth banner flying High! My sincerest thanks to you all!
  
  O.K., so I've got a full day coming up tomorrow, one more run through of ** ******* and it's off to spend a little pre-anniversary time with my darling wife.
  
  See you out on the road!
  
  James
• 

  Nov 09, 02:58 AM

  Back at it

  

  Needless to say here that I am looking forward to this American tour leg, especially around this time of year, as I am hoping to see some snow (though I am not certain "where" or "If" I will see any) Ya, I know some of you are shaking your little Metal heads in non-approval, but hey, living here in Atlanta (and being a frost-bitten Canadian boy) I have to say I do miss seeing the snow during the winter months, so hopefully I will see a decent amount. I was just talking to Willie Gee about during our 2004 North American tour we did with our friends in Exodus around this time of year, we were stranded en route to Denver for about 12 hours at a truck stop due to a massive blizzard in the Denver area. The 1st blizzard blast I had seen in a long while at that point - As well, I always enjoy sharing a stage with my friends in Machine Head, so it will be good seeing them once again on this tour leg. Of course, all of us were saddened to hear that Tom Araya had to undergo Back surgery, and thus, we had to put the Canadian Carnage shows on hold for a bit - We all wish Tom a super speedy recovery and the best of health. Look for new info pertaining to these Canadian Carnage shows in the not too distant future
  
  
  I have been submitting a lot of music for our "Megadeth Radio" station, and although really we have just begun with this station, it really has been fun for me. There is so much cool music that is never played on normal rock radio (which is the main reason I really don't listen to it anymore) having control over our own radio station does put a smile on my face. I put it on yesterday morning and heard "Zero tolerance" by DEATH (which is 1 of my all-time favorite metal bands - hands down) and I did think to myself "this does NOT suck!!" Actually, I need to talk to Dave about putting more Death tunes on our station (and maybe some Suffocation, too - heh) Other than this, I am enjoying time at home with my family before we hit the Killing Road...............
  
  
  See you soon, humans.
  Shawn
• 

  Nov 05, 11:17 AM

  Megadeth Radio: New Playlists

  

  Droogies!
  
  We are gearing up for the Holidays, and I am feverishly working on more playlists today. I have an appointment this morning and then a slightly busy day, so I am trying to sort out the playlists here.
  
  One thing that you all have noticed is that there are sometimes glitches, like songs that really shouldn't be on here. I appreciate you not dining on my ass for the Keith Sweat song.
  
  Overall, this is so fun for me, and to be able to have so much great music playing all day long is a rush! I can't wait to start developing shows around the week. Some of my initial ideas were to have Holiday Shows, which we pulled off with your imput and my twisted mind. We are currently working on playlists for Christmas, and this is a period that needs explaining.
  
  In the music biz, much like all businesses, people go on vacation over the Christmas break. In some cases, the people that are in the music business leave even earlier than the standard two week break that most families recognize because of the 'school vacation'. Sadly, this really changes the face of the music business, mostly radio and video or TV, because almost everything is set to auto-pilot for the two-plus weeks that these people abandone their posts.
  
  In radio when the holidays come around, the use of gimmicky songs and Holiday favorites start to make their way into your radio or onto your TV. It starts earlier each year, and if you aren't in the right position when these people leave, and when they lock they programs for the break, well then, you just ain't gonna hear anything until after the New Year.
  
  We have had seasons where we go into Christmas break and we are in the playlists and get locked in rotation when the stations close, and we had them where we were not in the rotation. Let me tell you, it was some of the hardest weeks of my life having a record campaign stalled, and having to sit around for almost a month before you can make any kind of progress again.
  
  This is where Megadeth radio comes in.
  
  You can hear real metal and hard rock music that isn't sold out. Of course there are so many bands and only so much time that I have each day to organize this, as well as the programmers in NYC. Today I have submitted the entire Black Sabbath/B.S. with Dio/Dio/Rainbow/Heaven and Hell catalogue and there should be a noticeable change in the level that old Ronnie is being played. He has dominated Megs Radio since we started and I love Ronnie, but I had no idea how much he has done and how inevitable it is too hear him if you are listening to metal. Very eye opening!
  
  I should have five or six new lists sorted out, and the only thing slowing me down is trying to remember some of these songs without having the music. Talk about having an "Itchy Swelling Brain"? Well, it is time to finish the morning and work out before I head off to save Gotham City, er, um, I mean to take out the trash and load the dishwasher
  
  Have a great day, and I hope that this Thanksgiving that all of us can try to heal a relationship with someone, and to make this opportunity to gather and celebrate not another missed opportunity for healing. Hey, I know that sometimes our relatives are lame, but this is about us and not them. Besides I can tell you, you can still be a bad mutha f***er and still be a good dude. Each year, thanks to your support, Pam and I are able to buy pallets and pallets of toys from Hasbro Toy Company, with the help of our long-time friend Elaine Hinton.
  
  These toys are then sent to the Childrens Hospital for Cancer in San Diego, to many of the various churches to help the homeless (they have kids too), and to the United States Marines for their 'Toys for Tots' program. I can't tell you how grateful I am to you for affording us this luxury, to use the finances you have invested in me, to reinvest in our children. Even if it is just a toy, I remember how hard it was for me, and how much I cherished what little I had.
  
  I have a lot know, thanks to God and to my gift, and definately thanks to you. This is just a small way to pay it back.
  
  Have a great day, and I have to get started packing again for the Endgame tour that starts in the US with Machine Head.
  
  Deth before dishonor,
  
  Megaman