Dave Mustaine Was “Playing at Lars’ Level” While in Metallica

Well, it didn’t take long for Dave Mustaine to talk about his old bandmates in Metallica, but let’s be real — he wasn’t gonna stop. During a recent interview in the latest issue of Metal Hammer, the Megadeth frontman was talking about his decision to step up as his band’s frontman when he likened it to Metallica’s decision to just have James Hetfield take the spot.

“I was reluctant right up to the last minute. And then I finally said, ‘OK, fuck it, I can’t be worse than some of these other dudes.’”

You may not remember, since Mustaine feels the need to keep talking about it, but the redheaded axeman was Metallica’s lead guitarist roughly 40 years ago. He was ultimately kicked out for being a shitty drunk in a band of drunks and he went on to form Megadeth to rival his ex-bandmates.

So when Mustaine was shipped back to California from New York after his ousting, his search for a singer died on the vine, resulting in him just taking the role instead.

Looking back, he said that situation was not unlike Metallica’s situation. And while he compliments James’ abilities as a musician, it’s hilarious how he lets Lars catch a few strays in the following comment:

“When I was in Metallica, I was kind of playing at Lars [Ulrich]’s level, because Lars was still learning to play drums back then. But watching James play guitar for the first time was kind of shocking, because I didn’t know he knew how to play guitar. We just got fed up one day of auditioning guitar players, just like I did with singers. And he picked up this guitar and started playing, and inside I’m going, ‘Get the fuck out of here. How can you possibly be satisfied being a singer when you play like that? Why not be both?’ I’ve always thought he was a really talented guitarist.”

Damn, man. I know it must have given you a migraine headache, sinking down to his level…

You can read the full interview over on Metal Hammer and in their latest issue.