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Norwalk Today
By the People, for the People
Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Claims Metallica Tried to Hold Him Back
The heavy metal icon opens up about the rivalry and his desire for reconciliation before retiring.
Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:15am
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The shattered remnants of a heavy metal guitar string symbolize the tumultuous history and unresolved tensions between two of the genre's most iconic figures.Norwalk TodayIn a recent interview, Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine claimed that his former band, Metallica, and others in the heavy metal scene actively worked to hold him back during the early stages of his career. Mustaine believes this opposition left him feeling isolated and forced to fight against the world, though he acknowledges the positive aspects of his time with Metallica. As Megadeth prepares to retire, Mustaine has expressed a desire for reconciliation with his former bandmates.
Why it matters
Mustaine's allegations shed light on the intense rivalries and perceived sabotage that can exist within the music industry, particularly among the giants of a genre. His story highlights how external pressures, even negative ones, can ultimately shape an artist's creative output and personal growth. The ongoing tension between Mustaine and Metallica also reflects the complexities of navigating artistic legacies and personal relationships in the cutthroat world of heavy metal.
The details
After parting ways with Metallica in 1983, Mustaine quickly formed Megadeth with the explicit goal of creating a band that was faster, heavier, and more dangerous than his previous group. He also claims to have requested that Metallica cease performing songs he had contributed to, a request the band reportedly denied. This early friction set the stage for a rivalry that would simmer for years, largely fueled by Mustaine's perspective that Metallica and others in the industry were actively trying to hold him back. Mustaine has also been involved in disputes over songwriting credits, including blocking the reissue of Metallica's demo tape in 2017.
- Mustaine parted ways with Metallica in 1983.
- Megadeth was formed shortly after Mustaine's departure from Metallica.
- In 2017, Mustaine blocked the reissue of Metallica's demo tape, No Life 'Til Leather, due to a dispute over songwriting credits.
- Megadeth recently announced their decision to retire at the conclusion of their current touring cycle, which commenced on February 15th, 2026.
The players
Dave Mustaine
The frontman of the heavy metal band Megadeth, who was previously a member of Metallica.
Metallica
The iconic heavy metal band that Mustaine was a founding member of before being dismissed in 1983.
What they’re saying
“Where would I be right now if I didn't have one of the biggest bands in the world spending their time trying to hold me back?”
— Dave Mustaine, Megadeth Frontman
“For a long time, it very much was me against the world. It was like, OK, if you're not with me, you're against me.”
— Dave Mustaine, Megadeth Frontman
“I felt like it would be great to make everything good with them before we stop. We should be friends. There's no reason why we shouldn't be friends.”
— Dave Mustaine, Megadeth Frontman
What’s next
Megadeth's farewell tour is set to span multiple continents, including supporting dates with Iron Maiden. Fans will be eager to see if Mustaine and Metallica can reconcile their differences before the band's retirement.
The takeaway
Mustaine's story highlights the intense rivalries and perceived sabotage that can exist within the music industry, particularly among the giants of a genre. His allegations suggest that external pressures, even negative ones, can ultimately shape an artist's creative output and personal growth, for better or worse. As Megadeth prepares to retire, Mustaine's desire for reconciliation with Metallica reflects the complexities of navigating artistic legacies and personal relationships in the cutthroat world of heavy metal.
