Band-members, Musicians and Performers
- Dave Mustaine
- Vocals, Guitars
Dave Mustaine
( full-name: David Scott Mustaine ) born 1961 in La Mesa, California. He is the co-founder, lead vocalist, and lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Megadeth, which was formed in 1983. Mustaine is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians in the thrash metal genre and is considered a pioneer of the American thrash metal scene.
Mustaine was originally a member of the band Metallica, but he was eventually fired from the band due to personal and musical differences. He went on to form Megadeth, which became one of the "big four" of the thrash metal genre along with Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.
Throughout his career, Mustaine has been recognized for his musical abilities and innovative style, and he has been awarded numerous accolades and awards, including several Grammy nominations. He is known for his fast and complex guitar playing, as well as his powerful vocals and distinctive songwriting.
In addition to his work with Megadeth, Mustaine has been involved in various other musical projects and has collaborated with a number of other musicians. He is also a published author and has been involved in various business ventures and charitable causes throughout his career.
- David Ellefson
- Bass
Dave Ellefson ( full-name: David Warren Ellefson ) a highly respected and accomplished musician who has made significant contributions to the world of heavy metal music. As a bassist, songwriter, and founding member of the legendary thrash metal band Megadeth, Ellefson has left an indelible mark on the genre, influencing countless musicians and fans alike.
Born in Jackson, Minnesota in 1964, Ellefson began playing bass at the age of 11. He was heavily influenced by hard rock and heavy metal bands such as Black Sabbath, Kiss, and Judas Priest, and began playing in local bands during his teenage years. In the early 1980s, Ellefson moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music, and it was there that he met guitarist Dave Mustaine, who was forming a new band after being fired from Metallica.
Ellefson and Mustaine formed Megadeth in 1983, and the band quickly established itself as a major force in the thrash metal scene. Ellefson's aggressive, intricate bass lines and tight rhythmic sense helped define the band's sound, and his songwriting contributions were crucial to the success of many of the band's most iconic songs, including "Peace Sells," "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due," and "In My Darkest Hour."
Throughout Megadeth's early years, Ellefson and Mustaine were the band's driving creative force, with Ellefson playing a key role in the songwriting and production of the band's early albums. However, in 2002, Ellefson left the band following a falling out with Mustaine. He went on to form several other musical projects, including the band F5 and the group Temple of Brutality, and also pursued a career as a solo artist and producer.
In 2010, Ellefson rejoined Megadeth, and has remained a vital part of the band ever since. In addition to his work with Megadeth, Ellefson has continued to pursue a wide range of musical projects, including collaborations with other artists and his own solo work. He is also an accomplished author, having published a memoir entitled "My Life with Deth: Discovering Meaning in a Life of Rock and Roll" in 2013.
In addition to his contributions to the world of heavy metal music, Ellefson is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and music therapy. He has established several charitable organizations, including the Ellefson Youth Music Foundation, which provides music education programs for children and young adults.
- Chris Poland - Guitars
Chris Poland Chris Poland is an American guitarist, born on 1 December 1957, in Dunkirk, New York. He is best known for his work as the lead guitarist for the thrash metal band Megadeth from 1984 to 1987.
Poland began playing guitar at the age of 7 and was primarily self-taught. He later attended the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California, where he honed his skills as a guitarist. In the early 1980s, he formed the jazz-fusion band The New Yorkers with his brother Mark Poland.
In 1984, Poland joined Megadeth, which at the time consisted of Dave Mustaine, David Ellefson, and Gar Samuelson. He recorded two albums with the band, "Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!" and "Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?," before being fired in 1987 due to drug and alcohol addiction.
After leaving Megadeth, Poland formed his own band, OHM, which fused jazz, rock, and metal influences. He has also worked as a session musician and collaborated with other artists, including Lamb of God, Circle Jerks, and Mumbo's Brain.
Poland has released several solo albums, including "Return to Metalopolis," "Chasing the Sun," and "Resistance." He is known for his virtuosic guitar playing and innovative use of jazz and fusion elements in his music.
In addition to his music career, Poland has also worked as a guitar teacher and has released instructional videos and books. He continues to tour and record music with OHM and as a solo artist.
- Gar Samuelson
Gar Samuelson ( full-name: Gary Charles Samuelson ) was born in 1958 at Dunkirk, New York and was an American drummer. Samuelson started his musica career as Jazz Fusion drummer in a band called "The New Yorkers", he is best known as drummer with the American Thrash Metal band "Megadeth" from 1984 until 1987.
