Nick Menza recently did an interview with Blabbermouth talking about how close he got to rejoining Megadeth (You can read the full interview here). CONTEXT TIME. For those that might not know much Megadeth history, one of the fan favorite Megadeth lineups is the "Rust in Peace Lineup" (named after the first album where they made their debut appearance) which went from 1990 to 1998. This lineup featured Megadeth veterans Dave Mustaine (Rhythm Guitar) & David Ellefson (Bass) as well as newcomers Marty Friedman (Lead Guitar) & Nick Menza (Drums). Menza was kicked out of the band in '98, with Friedman leaving shortly after in '99 after the release of the "Risk" album.
Fast forward to November 25th, 2014. Shawn Drover & Chris Broderick, the current Megadeth Drummer and Lead Guitarist at the time, had both left the band for creative differences with the band. After months of speculation, Dave Mustaine recently announced that filling in the spots would be Chris Adler on drums & Kiko Loureiro on Lead Guitar.
Back to the interview now. Menza had the following to say regarding a Rust in Peace reunion:
"I was totally ready and excited to get back in Megadeth. I went to Dave's house/studio in San Diego this past December and we jammed for the weekend and it was totally cool. We instantly fell right back into our musical groove together. A few weeks after this, we all got together with our old manager Ron Laffitte for a dinner meeting at the Anaheim White House restaurant during NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants). It was great seeing Ron and Marty. We all talked about the plans for a new record and touring and I made it known I was into rejoining and making this my priority. I was pumped, and even went as far as recording drums on five new Megadeth songs Dave had sent me."
"As soon as I got home and it was time to sit down and negotiate my terms in writing, I was offered a very unfair deal that was so wrong. They didn't feel I was worth anything to the band. Dave blocked my emails, changed his number and then, apparently, Ron Laffitte was fired as the band's manager. Here is one of my favorite bands and a huge part of my life achievements and I was shut out for wanting a fair deal."
"Despite this dark final chapter, I wish Megadeth the heartiest of health, happiness and success with their future plans. As for me, I am moving on with a new band of other fellow former 'Deth members [James LoMenzo and Chris Poland], as well as a few surprise players, and producer."
Back to the interview now. Menza had the following to say regarding a Rust in Peace reunion:
"I was totally ready and excited to get back in Megadeth. I went to Dave's house/studio in San Diego this past December and we jammed for the weekend and it was totally cool. We instantly fell right back into our musical groove together. A few weeks after this, we all got together with our old manager Ron Laffitte for a dinner meeting at the Anaheim White House restaurant during NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants). It was great seeing Ron and Marty. We all talked about the plans for a new record and touring and I made it known I was into rejoining and making this my priority. I was pumped, and even went as far as recording drums on five new Megadeth songs Dave had sent me."
"As soon as I got home and it was time to sit down and negotiate my terms in writing, I was offered a very unfair deal that was so wrong. They didn't feel I was worth anything to the band. Dave blocked my emails, changed his number and then, apparently, Ron Laffitte was fired as the band's manager. Here is one of my favorite bands and a huge part of my life achievements and I was shut out for wanting a fair deal."
"Despite this dark final chapter, I wish Megadeth the heartiest of health, happiness and success with their future plans. As for me, I am moving on with a new band of other fellow former 'Deth members [James LoMenzo and Chris Poland], as well as a few surprise players, and producer."
As you can imagine, quite a few fans were disappointed upon hearing just how close a RIP reunion lineup was. While I am a little disappointed myself, I'm also quite happy at the same time. I have been VERY interested in Menza's new project ever since he released the cover Metallica's "Motorbreath" on his Youtube channel (which I highly encourage all of you to check out here). Since he released this cover, Menza also added original Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland to the roster, which has only further increased my excitement to what this project is going to put out.
What I'm trying to say, is that regardless of what lineup Megadeth goes with, Megadeth is still going to kick ass. If Nick rejoined though, there's a good chance his current project would have been canceled or at least halted for a large period of time. While the RIP era is my favorite Megadeth lineup, it's not the only one that matters. Megadeth has been able to flourish with plenty of different and unique lineups throughout it's history. I am quite positive that they can continue to do so with their new lineup considering both Adler & Loureiro are both spectacular at their respective instruments.
I am going to buy both Megadeth's new album and Nick Menza's debut album this year, and thankfully I don't have to choose between the two.
What I'm trying to say, is that regardless of what lineup Megadeth goes with, Megadeth is still going to kick ass. If Nick rejoined though, there's a good chance his current project would have been canceled or at least halted for a large period of time. While the RIP era is my favorite Megadeth lineup, it's not the only one that matters. Megadeth has been able to flourish with plenty of different and unique lineups throughout it's history. I am quite positive that they can continue to do so with their new lineup considering both Adler & Loureiro are both spectacular at their respective instruments.
I am going to buy both Megadeth's new album and Nick Menza's debut album this year, and thankfully I don't have to choose between the two.