One of the biggest talking points about Megadeth’s new album, which the band claims is their last, is the inclusion of a new version of “Ride the Lightning.” This song originally featured co-writing credits from Dave Mustaine, the band’s frontman. “Ride the Lightning” was also the title track of Metallica’s 1984 album, and now Mustaine has put his own spin on it.
Despite a rocky history with Metallica—Mustaine was replaced by Kirk Hammett in the band—he believes that a simple tour could mend fences. Mustaine suggests a joint Megadeth and Metallica tour, saying, “That would, I’m sure, make everything right. We could hang out and spend time together.”
Mustaine was let go from Metallica in 1983 and went on to form Megadeth, achieving great success in the thrash metal scene. However, tensions have lingered between the two bands. He admits he would welcome a chance to reconnect. “I liked them,” he shared. “If the friendship was restarted, it wouldn’t bother me. I think it would be nice to revisit some of those times.” Still, he acknowledges that past hurts and misunderstandings could complicate any reconciliation.
Megadeth’s new album was released on January 23, and it features Mustaine’s version of “Ride the Lightning.” He created a riff for the original song, which is why he has co-writing credits. As for whether he’s heard from Metallica about his cover, Mustaine says no. “I don’t expect to,” he explains, “but I’m sure at some point we’ll hear what they think.”
