Guitarist Chris Broderick and Drummer Shawn Drover BOTH Quit Megadeth
I woke up this morning to find that there were a fuckton of people reading MetalSucks’ April Fools prank from this year — a story in which guitarist Chris Broderick was said to have quit Megadeth and been replaced by Jeff Loomis. And I was like, “Uh, why the hell is this story so popular almost eight months after it was originally published? Especially since it’s total bullshit?” At first I was like, “Hm, people must be really excited about Jeff Loomis joining Arch Enemy.”
And then I checked my RSS feed, and learned why this post had really taken off: HOLY SHIT!, there was a mass exodus from Megadeth overnight!
First, drummer Shawn Drover announced his departure from the band…
“After 10 years, I have decided to quit Megadeth to pursue my own musical interests. I want to thank Dave Mustaine and the entire Megadeth family, as well as thanking all the amazing Megadeth fans around the world!!! I truly appreciate all of you.
“Stay tuned for info on my next musical journey.”
…and then, mere hours later, Broderick followed:
“Due to artistic and musical differences, it is with great reluctance that I announce my departure from Megadeth to pursue my own musical direction. I want all of you to know how much I appreciate the amount that you the fans have accepted and respected me as a member of Megadeth for the last seven years, but it is time for me to move on. I wish Dave and everyone in Megadeth all the best. I am working on a few things of my own and hope that when they come out, you will all dig it.”
It always seems a little fishy when multiple members of a band quit at the same time (just this year, we’ve seen it happen with The Faceless and Chimaira), but between Dave Mustaine’s ever-growing reputation for being an assclown and the fact the band is scheduled to enter the studio to record their new album in January, this situation seems fishier than most. And even though Drover makes his split sound amicable, Broderick does not, so add some more fishiness on top that that already-extra-fishy fishiness.
My guess? Look, it’s not a secret that Mustaine calls the shots in ‘Deth. Broderick’s bit about “artistic and musical differences” makes it sound like Mustaine may have brought in material for the new album that was less-than-spectacular. And after the steaming pile of crap that was Super Collider, Megadeth really NEED to put out a good album next time around. Broderick and Dover may have had the cojones to tell truth to power and say “Hey, Dave, this ain’t cutting it,” and Mustaine’s response may have been, “It’s my way or the highway, praise Jesus!” or something to that effect, and Broderick and Dover’s response to Mustaine’s response may have been “Okay, it’s worth putting up with this yutz when he’s making great music, but we didn’t sign on for Super Collider Parts 1 and 2.” Obviously I am totally speculating, but the timing of these events is, y’know, SO FISHY.
For his part, Mustaine has yet to issue to any statement regarding half of his band quitting within the timespan of a couple of hours. Presumably, he’ll say something soon. Stay tuned…
