Five Nice Things Dave Mustaine Has Said About Metallica (Over the Past Decade)
Over the years, the relationship between Dave Mustaine and Metallica has been tumultuous, to say the least. Mustaine, who was famously fired from Metallica in 1983 before the release of their debut album Kill ‘Em All, went on to form Megadeth and establish himself as a thrash metal legend. Despite a rocky start and harsh words exchanged in the past, the dynamic between Mustaine and his former bandmates has softened over time.
Here are five positive things Mustaine has said about Metallica in the last decade, reflecting a maturing outlook on his former band.
1. Acknowledging His Role in Metallica’s Success
In recent years, Mustaine has shown a sense of pride in his contribution to Metallica’s early sound. While discussing his history with the band, he expressed appreciation for the legacy they built together. “I’m proud of what I did with Metallica,” he told Loudwire in 2019. “It’s a part of my DNA, and I think it’s a part of theirs too.” This statement reflects a more collaborative and less bitter tone compared to his earlier criticisms.
2. On Metallica’s Continued Success
Rather than harboring jealousy over Metallica’s massive global success, Mustaine has spoken positively about their endurance as a band. In an interview with Classic Rock magazine, Mustaine praised Metallica’s ability to maintain relevance for decades, saying, “It’s no easy feat staying at the top for so long. They’ve done an amazing job of keeping the fire burning.” This shows that Mustaine can acknowledge Metallica’s longevity without resentment.
3. Regret Over Past Conflicts
In recent interviews, Mustaine has openly reflected on his departure from Metallica with a sense of personal responsibility and growth. Speaking to Metal Hammer in 2020, he admitted, “I had a problem with alcohol, and it cost me my job and two very dear friends.” Mustaine’s willingness to own up to his role in the early fallout with Metallica reveals his evolving perspective on the split.
4. Gratitude for Friendship with James Hetfield
One of the most touching moments in Mustaine’s recent remarks about Metallica came when he expressed gratitude for his relationship with frontman James Hetfield. In a conversation with The Guardian, Mustaine shared, “James is like a brother to me. We went through a lot together. I have a lot of love for him, and I know he feels the same.” This statement highlights a bond that goes beyond music, even with their past differences.
5. Reunion Hopes
Despite the ups and downs, Mustaine has hinted at the possibility of playing with Metallica again in the future, showing that he holds no ill will toward the band. In a 2021 interview with Guitar World, Mustaine said, “I would love to play with Metallica one day. It would be great for the fans, and it would be fun to stand on stage together again.” His openness to a potential collaboration speaks volumes about how much his attitude toward Metallica has shifted.
While the early days of his split from Metallica were filled with bitterness, Dave Mustaine’s recent comments show a more reflective and positive outlook. His appreciation for their shared history, the growth in his relationships with the band members, and his respect for their achievements indicate that time has healed many wounds.
