Dave Mustaine Reflects on Being Fired by Metallica in 1983: ‘It Changed Everything’
In a candid interview, Dave Mustaine, founder of Megadeth and former Metallica guitarist, revisited the pivotal moment that reshaped his career and life—the day he was fired by Metallica in 1983. Speaking on the event that he has often referred to as a defining moment, Mustaine reflected on the circumstances surrounding his departure and how it sparked a journey that led him to form one of thrash metal’s most influential bands.
Mustaine was let go from Metallica just before the release of their debut album, *Kill ‘Em All*, and was replaced by guitarist Kirk Hammett. The dismissal, which came after tensions escalated due to Mustaine’s behavior and substance abuse issues, left him with a mix of anger and determination. “It was devastating at the time. I was in shock, really. But looking back, that moment forced me to rethink everything,” he explained. “I had to pick myself up and prove that I could succeed on my own.”
At the time of his firing, Mustaine had already contributed significantly to Metallica’s early sound, co-writing several songs that would appear on their first two albums. The separation, however, was far from amicable. Mustaine spent years harboring resentment toward his former bandmates, feeling wronged by the abrupt dismissal. “I was bitter for a long time,” Mustaine admitted. “I felt like I had been thrown out without a second chance, and that really hurt.”
However, Mustaine’s drive to succeed pushed him to form Megadeth, a band that would rival Metallica in the thrash metal scene and establish its own legacy. Reflecting on that difficult transition, Mustaine noted that the firing turned out to be a blessing in disguise. “It gave me the fire to create something new,” he said. “If I had stayed in Metallica, I don’t think I would have built Megadeth or pushed myself to my limits like I did.”
Mustaine’s relationship with Metallica has been rocky over the years, with public feuds and harsh words exchanged between him and his former bandmates. But in recent years, the tension has eased. Mustaine has acknowledged that, in hindsight, the firing was probably the right decision for both parties. “I was out of control back then, and I think they did what they had to do,” Mustaine shared. “In the end, it pushed us both to grow, even if it took a while to see that.”
Despite the past, Mustaine remains proud of his contributions to Metallica’s early days and has come to terms with how things played out. “It’s all part of the journey,” he concluded. “I’m proud of what I accomplished with Metallica, and I’m proud of what I’ve done with Megadeth. Sometimes, you have to be knocked down to find your true path.”
