Dave Mustaine Insists “I’m Not a Bad Guy” and “I Don’t Walk Around With a Chip on My Shoulder”

Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine says he is not a bad person or band leader, reflecting on how he was viewed after former guitarist Marty Friedman left the group. Speaking on Dean Delray’s podcast, he said that criticism shaped perceptions of him, while pointing to Megadeth’s longevity and current success as evidence of a positive band environment.

Mustaine also recalled reuniting with Metallica for the band’s 30th anniversary shows at San Francisco’s Fillmore in 2011, nearly three decades after he was dismissed from the group. He said he had mixed feelings about the invitation, including wondering why the reunion had taken so long and regretting that younger fans had missed the chance to see them play together. Megadeth are due to tour the UK and Europe from March 2027 on a farewell tour supporting their final studio album.