Country of origin: United States
Location: Los Angeles, California
Status: Active
Formed in: 1983
Genre: Speed/Thrash Metal (early/later); Heavy Metal/Rock (mid)
Lyrical themes: Politics, War, History, Death, Religion, Society, New World Order
Current label: Tradecraft
Years active: 1983 (as Fallen Angels), 1983-2002, 2004-present

Megadeth was formed in late 1983 when Dave Mustaine (formerly of Metallica) threw a potted plant through the window of David Ellefson's apartment because Ellefson was practicing his bass too loud. When the band was formed, Dijion Carruthers was their drummer and Greg Handevidt their second guitarist. They quickly replaced Carruthers with drummer Lee Rausch, recorded a demo, and secured a few gigs in the San Francisco Bay area in February 1984. After Handevidt was fired for incompetence (he later formed Kublai Khan), they quickly found second guitarist Kerry King (Slayer), who played Megadeth's first three gigs: February 15th, 18th, and 19th of 1984.

The band name was selected from a term referring to a million casualties, as a result of nuclear fallout. It was coined in 1953 by RAND military strategist Herman Kahn. The extra "a" was dropped by the band.

King left later that month when Mustaine wanted him to choose between Megadeth and Slayer. Then, Chris Poland was brought in, and more gigs were played, starting on April 15th, 1984. A demo was recorded with this lineup, and then Lee Rausch left (he would later that year show up in Dark Angel), and was replaced by Gar Samuelson. This lineup recorded the first two albums.

There were troubles with Chris Poland. He was replaced with Mike Albert for part of the 1985 tour, and was finally fired in 1987, for stealing Mustaine's guitars and other transgressions (read the lyrics to "Liar" for a somewhat biased but not entirely untrue account), and Gar Samuelson left as well (his parting wasn't entirely amicable, either). Chuck Behler came in immediately, and several guitarists were tried out, including Jay Reynolds of Malice, who played a few gigs on the 1987 tour, before giving way to Jeff Young. This lineup recorded So Far, So Good... So What!, but after a subsequent tour, both Young and Behler were fired.

Nick Menza, Chuck's drum tech, went behind the kit himself in 1989, and the band recorded, as a trio, "No More Mister Nice Guy", an Alice Cooper cover for the "Shocker" soundtrack. After tryouts that included Criss Oliva (Savatage), Jeff Waters (Annihilator), Eric Meyer (Dark Angel), Dimebag Darrell (Pantera, and Damageplan), a 15-year-old Darrell Roberts (W.A.S.P.), a 16-year-old Jeff Loomis (Nevermore), Lee Altus (Heathen), and even Slash (Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver), Marty Friedman of Cacophony was hired in February of 1990, and this lineup lasted for about 8 years and produced four albums and most of the songs on an EP, before Nick Menza left due to a knee injury.

Jimmy DeGrasso (of Y&T and White Lion) was brought in, and Risk was recorded. Then, Marty Friedman left, citing a desire to play Japanese pop music, while Mustaine wanted to return to heavy metal. Thus, Al Pitrelli of Savatage, as well as Trans-Siberian Orchestra joined the band. A new album, The World Needs a Hero, was recorded and a tour with Iced Earth launched afterwards.

Dave Mustaine, citing an arm injury that left him unable to play guitar effectively, dissolved Megadeth in April 2002. On January 13th, 2004, Mustaine, following his alleged "religious awakening", announced his plans to reform Megadeth with former guitarist Chris Poland. David Ellefson, Al Pitrelli, and Jimmy DeGrasso did not want to rejoin and went back to working on their other projects. They initially formed a band of their own, which never got off the ground. Dave Ellefson went on to join Soulfly.

In August of 2004, the new album, The System Has Failed, was completed with the help of session drummer and bassist Vinnie Colaiuta and Jimmy Sloas. Former guitarist Chris Poland was also brought back to record lead parts.

New guitarist Glen Drover and bassist James MacDonough were recruited for the tour, which would begin in September. Nick Menza briefly returned, but was dismissed after being deemed unfit to perform such a lengthy tour. Glen Drover's brother and Eidolon bandmate Shawn Drover was brought in. This was confirmed as the permanent lineup by Dave Mustaine in 2005. Typically, though, this was not to last and MacDonough left at the beginning of 2006 to be replaced by James Lomenzo.

It was confirmed in mid-January 2008 - after considerable rumour - that Glen Drover had left Megadeth due to their heavy touring schedule conflicting with his family interests. Chris Broderick was immediately brought in to replace him.

James LoMenzo left Megadeth in February 2010, heralding the return of original bassist David Ellefson.

Megadeth perform "secret" shows under the name Vic and the Rattleheads, after their early mascot.

Compilation appearances:
- "Rattlehead" on Speed Kills (The Very Best of Speed Metal (Music For Nations, 1985).
- "The Skull Beneath the Skin" on Welcome to the Metal Zone (Music For Nations, 1985).
- "Peace Sells" on Bullets Vol. 1 (Combat, 1986).
- "Peace Sells" on Heavy Metal Inferno (EMI, 1986).
- "Rattlehead" on Mad Trax II - Beyond Metal Zone (PGP RTB/Music For Nations, 1987, Yugoslavian press).
- "Peace Sells" on Metal Force (K-tel, 1987).
- "Skull Beneath the Skin" on Rising Metal (K-tel, 1988).
- "In My Darkest Hour" on The Decline Of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (Capitol, 1988)
- "In My Darkest Hour" on Mega Metal (K-tel, 1989).
- "No More Mr. Nice Guy" on Wes Craven's Shocker soundtrack (SBK, 1989).
- "Rattlehead" on Protect the Innocent - 30 Metal Monsters (Telstar, 1989).
- "Peace Sells" on Giants of Rock - The Metal Decade 1986-87 Vol. 4 (EastWest, 1991).
- "99 Ways to Die" on The Beavis and Butthead Experience soundtrack (Geffen, 1993).
- "Skull Beneath the Skin" on Skullcrushers (Relativity, 1993).
- "Lucretia" and "Hangar 18" on Metal Attack (On Tour, 1993).
- "Angry Again" on Last Action Hero soundtrack (Columbia, 1993).
- "Diadems" on Tales from the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight soundtrack (Atlantic, 1994).
- "Paranoid" on Nativity in Black a Tribute to Black Sabbath (Columbia Records, 1994).
- "Crown of Worms" on MTV Headbangers Ball (EMI, 1995).
- "Symphony of Destruction" on Rock & Metal Factory (Disky, 1997).

Last Rites Demo 1984
Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! Full-length 1985
Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? Full-length 1986
Wake Up Dead Single 1986
So Far, So Good... So What! Full-length 1988
Anarchy in the U.K. Single 1988
Mary Jane Single 1988
Liar Single 1988
No More Mr. Nice Guy Split 1989
Hangar 18 Single 1990
Holy Wars... the Punishment Due Single 1990
Rust in Peace Full-length 1990
Bill & Ted (OST) Split 1991
Rusted Pieces Video 1991
Skin o' My Teeth Single 1992
Countdown to Extinction Full-length 1992
Symphony of Destruction Single 1992
Foreclosure of a Dream Single 1992
Exposure of a Dream Video 1992
Limited Edition! Megadeth Live EP 1992
99 Ways to Die Single 1993
Last Action Hero Sampler Split 1993
Megabox Single Collection Boxed set 1993
Sweating Bullets Single 1993
The Story of Megadeth Single 1994
Selections from Nativity in Black A Tribute to Black Sabbath Split 1994
Tales from the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight Split 1994
Youthanasia Full-length 1994
Train of Consequences Single 1994
À Tout le Monde Single 1995
Evolver (The Making of Youthanasia) Video 1995
Hidden Treasures Compilation 1995
Cyberarmy Exclusive Tracks EP 1996
The Originals Boxed set 1997
Cryptic Writings Full-length 1997
Trust Single 1997
Live Trax EP 1997
Cryptic Sounds (No Voices in Your Head) EP 1998
Less than Jake / Megadeth Split 1999
Risk Full-length 1999
Breadline EP 2000
Capitol Punishment: The Megadeth Years Compilation 2000
More Deth Split 2001
The World Needs a Hero Full-length 2001
Behind the Music (Extended Version) Video 2001
Rude Awakening Live album 2002
Rude Awakening Video 2002
Still, Alive... and Well? Compilation 2002
Unplugged in Philly Live album 2004
Blackmail The Universe Single 2004
Die Dead Enough Single 2004
Of Mice And Men Single 2004
The System Has Failed Full-length 2004
Hell Wasn't Built in a Day: The Complete Remasters Boxed set 2004
The Scorpion Single 2005
Video Hits Video 2005
Greatest Hits: Back to the Start Compilation 2005
Unplugged in Boston Live album 2006
Gears of War Single 2006
Arsenal of Megadeth Video 2006
That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires Video 2007
Extended Versions Compilation 2007
Washington Is Next! Single 2007
À tout le monde (Set Me Free) Single 2007
United Abominations Full-length 2007
That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires Live album 2007
Warchest Boxed set 2007
Anthology: Set the World Afire Compilation 2008
Deep Cuts EP 2009
Head Crusher Single 2009
Endgame Full-length 2009
Rust in Peace Live Video 2010
Sudden Death Single 2010
The Big 4: Live from Sofia, Bulgaria Split video 2010
Never Dead Single 2011
Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? Boxed set 2011
Public Enemy No. 1 Single 2011
Th1rt3en Full-length 2011
Rust in Peace / Countdown to Extinction Compilation 2012
Super Collider Single 2013
Super Collider Full-length 2013
Countdown to Extinction: Live Live album 2013
Icon Compilation 2014
5 Classic Albums Boxed set 2014
Countdown to Extinction / Rust in Peace Compilation 2014
Fatal Illusion Single 2015
The Threat Is Real Single 2015
Dystopia Full-length 2016
Warheads on Foreheads Compilation 2019
No More Mistakes (Live 1994) Live album 2020

Current
Dave Mustaine Guitars, Vocals (1983-2002, 2004-present) See also: ex-MD.45, ex-DeuxMonkey, ex-Metallica, ex-Red Lamb, ex-Fallen Angels, ex-Panic
Kiko Loureiro Guitars (lead) (2015-present) See also: Kiko Loureiro, Neural Code, ex-Angra, ex-Tarja (live), ex-Legalize, ex-Projeto Brasil Guitarras, ex-Supla
Dirk Verbeuren Drums (2016-present) See also: Abyssal Vortex, Akroma, Bent Sea, Brave the Cold, Cadaver, Freya, Geoda, Hespera, Metal Against Coronavirus, Phaze I, Pulse of Nebulae, The Project Hate MCMXCIX, Tronos, Vetur, Withered Moon, Devin Townsend (live), ex-Anaon, ex-Nuclear Blast Allstars, ex-Scarve, Blood from the Soul, Kill Division, ex-Aborted, ex-Anatomy of I, ex-Headline, ex-Mortuary, ex-Powermad, ex-Soilwork, ex-Taliandörögd, ex-At the Gates (live), ex-Jeff Loomis (live), ex-Satyricon (live), ex-Testament (live), ex-Yyrkoon (live), ex-Lyzanxia, ex-7th Circle, ex-Artsonic, ex-Devin Townsend Project, ex-Solium Fatalis, ex-Warrel Dane, ex-Phazm, ex-One-Way Mirror, ex-Stenval

Past
David Ellefson Bass (1983-2002, 2010-2021) See also: Altitudes & Attitude, Ellefson, Metal Allegiance, ex-Knight Fury, ex-Temple of Brutality, Hail!, The Lucid, ex-Killing Machine, ex-The Alien Blakk, ex-Soulfly (live), ex-Tim Ripper Owens (live), ex-F5, ex-Angels of Babylon, ex-Fallen Angels, ex-MegaPriest
Richard Girod Drums (1983)
Dijon Carruthers Drums (1983) See also: ex-Psycho Capone
Lee Rausch Drums (1983-1984) See also: ex-Grimace, ex-Wargod, ex-Dark Angel, ex-Artillery
Greg Handevidt Guitars (1983-1984) See also: Kublai Khan, ex-Fallen Angels
Robert Cromwell Guitars (1983) See also: ex-Forgotten Child, ex-Fallen Angels, ex-The River Of Blues (Bulgaria)
Brett Michael Phillips Guitars (lead) (1983) See also: ex-Final Dawn, ex-Martyr
Bobby Bonn Vocals (1983)
John Cyriis Vocals (1983) See also: Agent Steel, ex-Black Reign, ex-Lemegeton, ex-Pontius Prophet, ex-Sceptre, ex-Stellar Seed, S.E.T.I., ex-Abattoir, ex-Medusa, ex-Vermin, ex-Blind Fantasy, ex-Malfeitor, ex-Martyr, ex-Revelation 23, ex-Sanctuary, ex-Toxik Shok
Lawrence "Lor" Kane Vocals (1983)
Gar Samuelson Drums (1984-1987) (R.I.P. 1999) See also: ex-Fatal Opera, ex-The New Yorkers
Chris Poland Guitars (1984-1987) See also: Chris Poland, ex-Damn the Machine, Ohm, OHMphrey, ex-Mumbo's Brain, ex-The New Yorkers, ex-Circle Jerks (live)
Chuck Behler Drums (1987-1989) See also: ex-Street Elite, Motor City Freaks, ex-Erebus, ex-The Meanies, ex-Madaxemen, ex-Massacre, ex-Nightmare, ex-Sinclair, ex-War Party
Jeff Young Guitars (1987-1989) See also: Jeff Young, Project 2:22, ex-Badi Assad, ex-Black Widow
Jay Reynolds Guitars (1987) See also: ex-Malice, ex-Neverland, ex-Metal Church, ex-Jade, ex-The Ravers, ex-The Violators, ex-War Party
Nick Menza Drums (1989-1998, 2004) (R.I.P. 2016) See also: ex-Rhoads, ex-Von Skeletor, ex-Marty Friedman, ex-Memorain, ex-Orphaned to Hatred, ex-Atomic Disintegrator, ex-Chodle's Trunk, ex-Cold Fire, ex-Deltanaut, ex-Grand Theft, ex-Menza, ex-Mindstreem, ex-OHM, ex-Metal All Stars (live)
Marty Friedman Guitars (1990-1999) See also: Marty Friedman, Metal Clone X, Takamiy (live), ex-Cacophony, ex-Hawaii, ex-Aloha, ex-Deuce, ex-Vixen, ex-Aikawa Nanase, ex-FANTA, ex-Jet Red, ex-Lovefixer, ex-Red Dye #2, ex-Rock Fujiyama Band, ex-Rocket to Russia, ex-Ami Suzuki (live), ex-Shining (live)
Jimmy DeGrasso Drums (1998-2002) See also: F5, ex-MD.45, ex-Killing Machine, ex-Ministry, ex-Suicidal Tendencies, ex-Dokken (live), ex-Alice Cooper, ex-Black Star Riders, ex-David Lee Roth, ex-Fiona, ex-Hail!, ex-Mama's Boys, ex-O'2L, ex-Ratt, ex-Talas, ex-White Lion, ex-Y&T, ex-Ronnie Montrose (live), ex-Stone Sour (live)
Al Pitrelli Guitars (2000-2002) See also: Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Savatage, ex-Widowmaker, ex-Van Helsing's Curse, O'2L, ex-Alice Cooper, ex-Asia, ex-Blue Öyster Cult, ex-CPR, ex-Danger Danger, ex-Flesh & Blood, ex-Hotshot, ex-Michael Bolton, ex-Mojo Bros., ex-Morning Wood, ex-Place Called Rage, ex-Talas, ex-Vertex
James MacDonough Bass (2004-2006) See also: ex-Mad Axe, ex-Prodigy, ex-Iced Earth, ex-Nevermore (live), ex-Strapping Young Lad (live), ex-Brutal Assault, ex-Delta 9, ex-Invader
Shawn Drover Drums (2004-2014) See also: Eidolon, Hollentor, Act of Defiance, ex-Infernäl Mäjesty (live), ex-Bruiz
Glen Drover Guitars (2004-2008) See also: Eidolon, Hollentor, Walls of Blood, ex-Glen Drover, ex-Castrofate, ex-King Diamond, ex-Testament (live), ex-Queensrÿche
James LoMenzo Bass (2006-2010) See also: Firstborne, Jerry Cantrell (live), ex-Pride & Glory, Echobats, Fogerty, Hail!, Sweet & Lynch, X Drive, ex-Black Label Society, ex-Killing Machine, ex-Ozzy Osbourne, ex-Zakk Wylde, ex-Rondinelli, ex-Clockwork, ex-David Lee Roth, ex-Dio Disciples, ex-Empty Sky, ex-Hideous Sun Demons, ex-Lynch Mob, ex-Slash's Snakepit, ex-White Lion, ex-Ace Frehley (live)
Chris Broderick Guitars (2008-2014) See also: In Flames (live), Act of Defiance, ex-Industrial Eden, ex-Jag Panzer, ex-Altitudes & Attitude (live), ex-Ballistic, ex-Nevermore (live), ex-Grey Haven

Current (Live)
James LoMenzo Bass (2021-present) See also: Firstborne, Jerry Cantrell (live), ex-Pride & Glory, Echobats, Fogerty, Hail!, Sweet & Lynch, X Drive, ex-Black Label Society, ex-Killing Machine, ex-Ozzy Osbourne, ex-Zakk Wylde, ex-Rondinelli, ex-Clockwork, ex-David Lee Roth, ex-Dio Disciples, ex-Empty Sky, ex-Hideous Sun Demons, ex-Lynch Mob, ex-Slash's Snakepit, ex-White Lion, ex-Ace Frehley (live)

Past (Live)
Kerry King Guitars (1984) See also: ex-Slayer
Mike Albert Guitars (1985) See also: Mike Albert Project
Chris Adler Drums (2015-2016) See also: Firstborne, ex-Burn the Priest, Hail!, ex-Blotted Science, ex-Lamb of God, ex-Corrosion of Conformity (live), ex-Nitro, ex-Calibra, ex-Cry Havoc, ex-El Tigre, ex-EvilDeathInc., ex-Exit-In, ex-Grouser, ex-Jettison Charlie
Tony Laureano Drums (2015-2016) See also: Insidious Disease, Naphobia, Devil's Highway, Sanctification, ex-Aurora Borealis, ex-Brujeria, ex-Devolution, ex-Eulogy, ex-Malevolent Creation, ex-Nidingr, ex-Nile, ex-SMRT, ex-1349 (live), ex-All That Remains (live), ex-Belphegor (live), ex-Dimmu Borgir (live), ex-Kult ov Azazel (live), ex-Skeletonwitch (live), ex-The Berzerker (live), ex-The Black Dahlia Murder (live), ex-Acheron, ex-Angelcorpse, ex-Astaroth, ex-Nachtmystium (live)
Dirk Verbeuren Drums (2016) See also: Abyssal Vortex, Akroma, Bent Sea, Brave the Cold, Cadaver, Freya, Geoda, Hespera, Metal Against Coronavirus, Phaze I, Pulse of Nebulae, The Project Hate MCMXCIX, Tronos, Vetur, Withered Moon, Devin Townsend (live), ex-Anaon, ex-Nuclear Blast Allstars, ex-Scarve, Blood from the Soul, Kill Division, ex-Aborted, ex-Anatomy of I, ex-Headline, ex-Mortuary, ex-Powermad, ex-Soilwork, ex-Taliandörögd, ex-At the Gates (live), ex-Jeff Loomis (live), ex-Satyricon (live), ex-Testament (live), ex-Yyrkoon (live), ex-Lyzanxia, ex-7th Circle, ex-Artsonic, ex-Devin Townsend Project, ex-Solium Fatalis, ex-Warrel Dane, ex-Phazm, ex-One-Way Mirror, ex-Stenval

https://www.facebook.com/Megadeth
https://officialmegadeth.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Yox196W7bzVNZI7RBaPnf
https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Megadeth/138