We Were Apparently THIS Close to a Megadeth Rust in Peace-era Line-Up Reunion
Now that Megadeth Rust in Peace-era line-up reunion is officially not happening, we’re left to wonder: how close was it to becoming a reality? I mean, drummer Nick Menza basically announced that he was in negotiations, and Dave Mustaine admitted that “fans don’t want” musicians who aren’t Menza and Marty Friedman in the band (y’know, just before he hired some dudes who aren’t Menza and Friedman). So why is this not happening?
If Menza is to be believed, it’s because — shocker!!! — there was a disagreement over the financial details of the deal. Says the drummer in a statement:
“To my fans, I hate disappointing all of you who have been asking and hopeful that Marty Friedman and I would rejoin Dave Mustaine and David Ellefson to resurge the classic ‘Rust In Peace’ lineup.
“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.
“We have great chemistry. It’s a magical thing! And, yes, that’s me, the ‘mystery’ drummer whose face is hidden in the YouTube videos Justis Mustaine posted as seen below.
“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. 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.
“I am really blown away how this band conducts business. A band is about a group of people who have respect for one another, sense of loyalty, camaraderie, and, most of all, honor and trust! I’m not a puppet. I have integrity, loyalty, and honor. That’s who I am! There’s much more to this story, and I could now add the final chapter to my book ‘Nick Menza Megalife: Countdown To Resurrection‘, by J. Marshall Craig.
“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, as well as a few surprise players, and producer.”
As is always the case in these situations, I’m sure Mustaine and Camp Megadeth have their own version of the story… but even so, it’s not super-difficult to believe that Mustaine was a total prick when it came time to do the business side of the deal. I mean, “Total Prick” might as well be Mustaine’s middle name.
And the worst part is… we were so fucking close to getting the Megadeth line-up we wanted back together!!! Such a massive bummer. Maybe Menza and Dave Lombardo need to get together and start a Big Four Members’ Union to make sure shit like this stops happening.
[via The PRP]
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