1. Dave Mustaine
By Whitney McNeil

2. Dave Born David Scott Mustaine Birthday is September 13, 1961
Originally from La Mesa, California
Youngest of four children
Parents divorced when he was 4 years old
Lived in poverty and moved often
David Scott Mustaine was born on September 13, 1961 in La Mesa, California. Having three older sisters, he was the youngest of four children. His parents, Emily and John Mustaine, had a rough relationship that ended around the time that Dave turned four years old. Dave and his family spent years running away from his father who was an abusive alcoholic. Dave’s family was supported by his mother’s income as a maid and through food stamps and Medicare. During their time of instability, Dave’s family moved in with his mother’s sister. They were heavily influence by his aunt’s religion. In his biography, Dave remembers being an outcast at school and constantly being the target of bullies.
Picture from:
Dave

3. His early influences include the Beatles, the Righteous Brothers and Elton John
He received his first guitar in elementary school
1974-He started his first real band, called Panic
“Panic In Detroit” by David Bowie was the first song he learned to play
1981-Dave met Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield (Metallica)
In his book he explains that the foundation of his musical career was laid out at a very early age. He recalls being heavily influenced by the music of the Beatles, the Righteous Brothers and Elton John. After graduating from Elementary School, Dave recalls being given a cheap acoustic guitar from his mother as a gift. He quickly picked up the guitar and taught himself some basic chords and was able to play music that was easily recognized. He mentions how his sister, Debbie, and he would spend a lot of time together making music. His sister would play on the piano and he would play on his guitar.
When Dave was about 13 years old he accepted an offer to play guitar with his sister’s boyfriend. From that, he learned his first song, “Panic in Detroit” by David Bowie. A few years later, Dave formed his first real band called Panic. He got a taste of what it was like to be in a band and knew that it was what he was meant to do. In 1981, Dave met Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield through a newspaper ad looking for a lead guitarist. His meeting with the guys went well and he left Panic to join Metallica.
Picture from:

4. Dave became heavily involved in drugs, promiscuous sex, and alcohol
He was kicked out of Metallica
He came up with his future band name “Megadeth”
Dave met
David Ellefson
and founded
Megadeth
By this time, Dave had gotten heavily into drugs, sex and alcohol. This proved to be too much for the other band mates and in 1983 Dave was harshly kicked out of Metallica. Feeling scorned on his bus ride home from across the country, Dave came up with the name “Megadeth”. In the summer of 1983 Dave met David Ellefson and formed the thrash/speed metal band, Megadeth. In 1984 Megadeth created their first 3 song demo and was signed to a record contract that summer. In the same year, Megadeth played their first shows in New York.
Picture from:
1983

5. 1984-Megadeth released their first album, “Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good!”
Went on their first tour throughout the U.S. and Canada
1985-Signed on with a new record label
Released second album “Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?”
1987-First world tour
1988-Released third album, “So Far So Good… So What?”
Played with big bands such as Dio, Iron Maiden, KISS and Guns ‘N Roses
Their first album, “Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good!” was released in Also in 1984 was their first tour throughout the United States and Canada. In 1985, Megadeth signed on with a new record label and produced their second album titled, “Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?” proved to be a great year for Megadeth. They toured as the opening band for Alice Cooper, and went on their first world tour. Their third record titled, “So Far So Good… So What?” was released in February of That same year, Megadeth played opening shows for Dio and Iron Maiden. They also played in a music festival with bands like KISS, Guns ‘N Roses, and David Lee Roth.
Picture from:

6. 1990-1991 Megadeth went through several band member changes
Dave was known for his bad temper and habit of picking fights
1990-Released their fourth album, “Rust In Peace”
1991-Megadeth headlined for their own tour
Dave married his wife, Pamela Casselburry
Throughout all of their newfound fame, Megadeth went through several different band members. Dave was known for having a bad temper and picking fights with fellow band members, especially when he was drunk. In 1990, right after Marty Friedman joined as their new guitarist, they produced the album, “Rust In Peace”. Shortly after, they toured as the opening band for Judas Priest. Finally in 1991, Megadeth headlined for their own tour with guests, Alice In Chains.
In April of the same year, Dave married Pamela Casselburry…
Picture from:

7. 1992-1993 1992-Dave’s son, Justis, was born
Megadeth released their fifth album, Countdown To Extinction”
1993-A tour was cancelled due to Dave’s drug and alcohol addiction
Megadeth was kicked off of Aerosmith’s tour, also because of his addictions
…on February 11, 1992, Pamela gave birth to their son Justis. Another highlight of 1992, was the release of Megadeth’s album, “Countdown To Extinction”. Several songs from this album were featured on the top 200 of that year. The tour for “Countdown To Extinction” featured Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies as the opening acts. In 1993, a tour scheduled with the Stone Temple Pilots was cancelled due to Dave’s ongoing struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. Megadeth was also kicked off of Aerosmith’s tour that year for similar reasons.
Picture from:"

8. 1994-1998 1994-Megadeth’s sixth album was released, “Youthanasia”
“Youthanasia broke records in Canada for the fastest album to go golden
1997-Their seventh album was released, “Cryptic Writings”
Megadeth launched their website,
1998-Dave’s daughter, Electra, was born
Megadeth’s next album to be released was called, “Youthanasia”. This album broke the record in Canada for the fastest album to go golden. Not only did it sell well in Canada, it was flying off the shelves all over the world. Their next album to be released was, “Cryptic Writings”, in That same year, Megadeth launched a new website, Megadeth.com. The following year, Electra Mustaine, was born to Dave and Pamela on January 28th.
Picture from:

9. 1999-2002 1999-Megadeth released their eighth album, “Risk”
“Risk” was not as successful for Megadeth
2001-Their ninth album, “The World Needs A Hero” was released
2002-They released a live album, “Rude Awakening”
Their compilation album, “Still Alive… And Well?” was also released
In the summer of 1999, Megadeth produced the album, “Risk”. This album was the result of outside pressures to move towards Pop music. Although there were a few hits, this album was very commercialized and moved several fans to disown Megadeth. In 2001, the band redeemed themselves through the heavy album, “The World Needs A Hero”. The following year, the album “Rude Awakening” was released, along with a compilation album “Still Alive… And Well?”.
Picture from:

10. 2002-Dave suffered nerve damage in his left arm and was told he’d never play guitar again
Megadeth dismembered
2004-After two years of therapy, Dave regained feeling in his arm
Dave sought out
religion and became
a Christian
Megedeth released
their tenth album,
“The System Has
Failed”
In 2002, while sitting in a drug rehabilitation center, Dave suffered an injury to his left arm that caused nerve damage. After losing feeling in his arm and being told that he would never regain full control over his hand, he dismembered Megadeth. The following two years consisted of physical therapy for Dave. Miraculously his arm regained feeling and he was once again able to play the guitar. While going through this dramatic change in his life, Dave decided to once again seek religion. Looking to pick up the pieces of his shattered life, he became a Christian.
Megadeth made a comeback in 2004 with the album, “The System Has Failed”. This album was made with all new members except for Dave…
Picture from:

11. 2005-2011 2005-Megadeth released, “Greatest Hits: Back To The Start”
2007-Their eleventh album, “United Abominations” was released
2009-”Endgame” was their twelfth album to be released
2011-Their thirteenth and most meaningful album, “Th1RT3EN” was released
... In 2005, they released a greatest hits album “Greatest Hits: Back To The Start”. In May of 2007, Megadeth released a more political album titled, “United Abominations”. In 2009 Megadeth went back to their roots and released their 12th studio album “Endgame”. Their latest album, released just last year, is known as “TH1RT3EN”. This album was a big deal for Dave, as it has several meanings behind its name. On Megadeth.com, Dave says, "I was born on September 13th; this is my thirteenth record. It just seemed like it was the right thing to do to call it "TH1RT3EN".
Picture from:

12. Today Megadeth has sold many multiplatinum albums
Dave has appeared on several television shows and had music featured on many soundtracks
After numerous trips to rehab, Dave remains happy and sober
Over the last 28 years, Dave Mustaine went through many transformations. He wrote many great songs and albums with his band Megadeth. Megadeth’s records have gone multiplatinum, along with having several television appearances, and having songs featured on all types of soundtracks. Having been in and out of rehab, more times than you can count on two hands, Dave remains happy and sober today.
Picture from:
Today

13. Picture from: http://joelroza. blogspot
Musical Composition

14. “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due”
Track from album, “Rust In Peace”
Music and lyrics written by Dave Mustaine
Album was produced in October 1990
Originally performed by Dave Mustaine (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Marty Friedman (lead guitar, backing vocals), David Ellefson (bass, backing vocals), and Nick Menza (drums, backing vocals)
Total song length is 6:32
“Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” is a track from Megadeth’s album titled, “Rust In Peace”. The music and lyrics to this song were written by Dave Mustaine. This album was first produced in October Dave wrote this song while reflecting on his feelings of religion. The tempo of this song is presto. This song contains erratic rhythm and dissonance harmony. The song is conjunct, with very short intervals. The song is written in minor mode and is filled with a counterpoint texture. In order to get the most from this song, the dynamic should be forte. This song was originally performed by Dave Mustaine (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Marty Friedman (lead guitar, backing vocals), David Ellefson (bass, backing vocals), and Nick Menza (drums, backing vocals). The total song length is 6:32.
Picture from:
“Holy Wars… The Punishment Due”

15. 0:00-Electric guitar starts with fast paced tempo-This gives the listener a feeling of speed and excitement. The reader is being built up to the story line; the rise and fall of the musical cords helps the listener feel hooked into the journey.
0:06-Drums join in-Adding to the excitement and deepening the depth of the beat.
0:00-Electric guitar starts with fast paced tempo-This gives the listener a feeling of speed and excitement. The reader is being built up to the story line; the rise and fall of the musical cords helps the listener feel hooked into the journey.
0:06-Drums join in-Adding to the excitement and deepening the depth of the beat.

16. 0:11-Tempo becomes faster-This prepares the listener for what is to come.
0:45-Lead guitar comes in with chords-This gives the listener a feeling of stability while taking the ride to the story line
0:11-Tempo becomes faster-This prepares the listener for what is to come.
0:45-Lead guitar comes in with chords-This gives the listener a feeling of stability while taking the ride to the story line

17. 1:27-Vocals 1-An introduction to the meaning of the song, different than the other verses; right away the listener feels the tension in the lyrics; the vocals and lyrics give the listener a feeling of being distraught.
2:15-Acoustic Guitar Bridge-This helps the listener feel like they are either cooling off or building up to something big.
1:27-Vocals 1-An introduction to the meaning of the song, different than the other verses; right away the listener feels the tension in the lyrics; the vocals and lyrics give the listener a feeling of being distraught.
2:15-Acoustic Guitar Bridge-This helps the listener feel like they are either cooling off or building up to something big.

18. 2:26-Vocals 2-Guitar gets heavier; vocals sound more like fast talking and have an angry feeling, different than the other verses; the tone in the vocals and the heaviness of the guitar make the listener feel like they are taking revenge; the vocals end at a high point, leaving the listener feeling unresolved.
2:26-Vocals 2-Guitar gets heavier; vocals sound more like fast talking and have an angry feeling, different than the other verses; the tone in the vocals and the heaviness of the guitar make the listener feel like they are taking revenge; the vocals end at a high point, leaving the listener feeling unresolved.

19. 2:41-Lead guitar with percussion and guitar-The tone in the chords help the listener feel a little more relaxed with an underlying sad feeling coming from the musical descent.
2:56-Verse 1-Vocals sound worried; the listener is hooked into the story line, becoming interested in the sad story the vocalist is telling.
2:41-Lead guitar with percussion and guitar-The tone in the chords help the listener feel a little more relaxed with an underlying sad feeling coming from the musical descent.
2:56-Verse 1-Vocals sound worried; the listener is hooked into the story line, becoming interested in the sad story the vocalist is telling.

20. 3:27-Lead guitar with percussion and guitar-The listener is taken along with the rise and fall of the chords and rhythm; the listener is prepared for the mental ride the lead guitar is about to take them on.
3:46-Lead guitar drops out-This lets the listener know that the vocals are about to continue on.
3:27-Lead guitar with percussion and guitar-The listener is taken along with the rise and fall of the chords and rhythm; the listener is prepared for the mental ride the lead guitar is about to take them on.
3:46-Lead guitar drops out-This lets the listener know that the vocals are about to continue on.

21. 3:50-Verse 2-With the vocals sounding worried, the listener is engaged with the sad story being described by the vocalist; the listener ends up feeling angry as the lyrics turn revengeful.
4:21-Lead guitar with percussion and guitar-Preparing the listener for the change in speed.
3:50-Verse 2-With the vocals sounding worried, the listener is engaged with the sad story being described by the vocalist; the listener ends up feeling angry as the lyrics turn revengeful.
4:21-Lead guitar with percussion and guitar-Preparing the listener for the change in speed.

22. 4:37-Speed picks up-This takes the listener along, leaving a fast and confusing impression.
4:48-Lead guitar with percussion and guitar continue-High dissonance is felt as the guitar ascends
4:37-Speed picks up-This takes the listener along, leaving a fast and confusing impression.
4:48-Lead guitar with percussion and guitar continue-High dissonance is felt as the guitar ascends

23. 5:40-Vocals 3-Vocals are similar in sound, but are different than any other verse; the vocals give the listener the final piece to the story; the listener feels a little incomplete, sad, and angry.
6:21-Coda-Short pause; the song ends abruptly with vocals; this finalizes the story and gives the listener closure.
5:40-Vocals 3-Vocals are similar in sound, but are different than any other verse; the vocals give the listener the final piece to the story; the listener feels a little incomplete, sad, and angry.
6:21-Coda-Short pause; the song ends abruptly with vocals; this finalizes the story and gives the listener closure.

24. “Sweating Bullets” A track from “Countdown To Extinction”
Music and lyrics were written by Dave Mustaine
Album was produced in June 1992
Originally performed by Dave Mustaine (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Chris Broderick (lead guitar, backing vocals), David Ellefson (bass, backing vocals), and Shawn Drover (drums, backing vocals)
Total song length is 5:27
“Sweating Bullets” is a track from Megadeth’s album, “Countdown To Extinction”. The music and lyrics to this song were written by Dave Mustaine. This album was first produced in June Dave wrote this song after being accused of being schizophrenic. He denied the claim and chose to have fun with it. The overall tempo of this song is vivace. This song contains consonance and dissonance harmony throughout different parts of the song. The dissonance parts are mostly the guitar solos. The song is conjunct, with short intervals. The song is written in minor mode. In order to get the most from this song, the dynamic should be forte or mezzo forte. This song was originally performed by Dave Mustaine (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Chris Broderick (lead guitar, backing vocals), David Ellefson (bass, backing vocals), and Shawn Drover (drums, backing vocals). The total song length is 5:27.
Picture from:
“Sweating Bullets”

25. 0:00-Tempo is slow with electric guitar solo entrance; this gives the listener a feeling of anticipation.
0:22-Drums enter-This gives the listener a deeper beat to connect with, and gives them even more anticipation of what is to come.
0:00-Tempo is slow with electric guitar solo entrance; this gives the listener a feeling of anticipation.
0:22-Drums enter-This gives the listener a deeper beat to connect with, and gives them even more anticipation of what is to come.

26. 0:46-Verse 1-Intro with guitar and drums, melody has three beats with short pauses; vocals are angry and sound like fast talking; the listener immediately gets an angry feeling and anticipation builds for the story to continue.
1:08- Chorus-The tempo picks up; the listener feels like they are vicariously going through the troubling story the vocalist is describing; the music has a smooth, catchy beat that is easy to follow along with.
0:46-Verse 1-Intro with guitar and drums, melody has three beats with short pauses; vocals are angry and sound like fast talking; the listener immediately gets an angry feeling and anticipation builds for the story to continue.
1:08- Chorus-The tempo picks up; the listener feels like they are vicariously going through the troubling story the vocalist is describing; the music has a smooth, catchy beat that is easy to follow along with.

27. 1:35-Verse 2-vocals slow down to angry talking again; the same feelings as the first verse run through the listener as the story is continued; the story is easy to follow along with because the vocals are only a little faster than talking speed.
1:59- Chorus -The tempo picks back up; the listener returns to story mode but this time with a sense of knowledge; the listener has a better idea of what is to come and is able to just ride along with the chords.
1:35-Verse 2-vocals slow down to angry talking again; the same feelings as the first verse run through the listener as the story is continued; the story is easy to follow along with because the vocals are only a little faster than talking speed.
1:59- Chorus -The tempo picks back up; the listener returns to story mode but this time with a sense of knowledge; the listener has a better idea of what is to come and is able to just ride along with the chords.

28. 2:25-Guitar and drum enters-This leaves the listener to really get into the musical part of the song, even getting carried away with the lead guitar’s movements.
3:23-Tempo slows-Alerting the listener to change and leading them toward completion.
2:25-Guitar and drum enters-This leaves the listener to really get into the musical part of the song, even getting carried away with the lead guitar’s movements.
3:23-Tempo slows-Alerting the listener to change and leading them toward completion.

29. 3:33-Talking in the background-This helps the listener get more into the storyline by adding more content to the story.
3:58-The tempo gets faster-Alerting the listener that change is coming.
3:33-Talking in the background-This helps the listener get more into the storyline by adding more content to the story.
3:58-The tempo gets faster-Alerting the listener that change is coming.

30. 4:10-Verse 3-Similar to the other verses-The listener is kept interested as the same feelings rise and the storyline is continued through angry fast-talk by the vocalist.
4:33-Chorus-The listener is very comfortable with the song by now. They are able to just enjoy the ride as the same rhythm is kept going.
4:10-Verse 3-Similar to the other verses-The listener is kept interested as the same feelings rise and the storyline is continued through angry fast-talk by the vocalist.
4:33-Chorus-The listener is very comfortable with the song by now. They are able to just enjoy the ride as the same rhythm is kept going.

31. 4:57-Verse 4 –Similar to other verses-New lyrics that gives the listener a sense of completion; this verse is the shortest which contributes to the coda.
5:23-Coda-Ends abruptly with vocals-The song is finalized with a sense of completion given to the listener through the abruptness.
4:57-Verse 4 –Similar to other verses-New lyrics that gives the listener a sense of completion; this verse is the shortest which contributes to the coda.
5:23-Coda-Ends abruptly with vocals-The song is finalized with a sense of completion given to the listener through the abruptness.

32. “Symphony Of Destruction”
From the album, “Countdown To Extinction”
Music and lyrics written by Dave Mustaine
Album was produced June 1992
Total song length is 4:06
Originally performed by Dave Mustaine (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Chris Broderick (lead guitar, backing vocals), David Ellefson (bass, backing vocals), and Shawn Drover (drums, backing vocals)
“Symphony Of Destruction” is a song from Megadeth’s album titled, “Countdown To Extinction”. The music and lyrics were written by Dave Mustaine. The album was first produced in June This song is said to have been written by Dave on the drive home from jail. It is one of Megadeth’s most popular songs and is often played on the radio. The tempo of this song is vivace. This song contains consonance harmony throughout the whole song. The song is conjunct, with short intervals, and is written in minor mode. In order to get the most from this song, the dynamic should be forte or mezzo forte. This song was originally performed by Dave Mustaine (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Marty Friedman (lead guitar, backing vocals), David Ellefson (bass, backing vocals), and Nick Menza (drums, backing vocals). The total song length is 4:06.
Picture from:
“Symphony Of Destruction”

33. 0:00-Starts out with a symphony sound (strings, chorus vocals)-This is a little confusing to the listener because the music is a completely different genre than expected.
0:14- Verse 1-Moderate tempo, electrical guitar, drums-The rhythm is easy to follow along with; the story is also easy to follow along with due to the fast-talking vocals.
0:00-Starts out with a symphony sound (strings, chorus vocals)-This is a little confusing to the listener because the music is a completely different genre than expected.
0:14- Verse 1-Moderate tempo, electrical guitar, drums-The rhythm is easy to follow along with; the story is also easy to follow along with due to the fast-talking vocals.

34. 0:57-Chorus-The chorus is very catchy and easy to follow along with, giving the listener a sense of security and knowledge.
1:14-Verse 2-Vocals are angry with a background of continuous chords from the guitar and drums; the listener is able to clearly listen to the musical story description; the description hooks the listener in.
0:57-Chorus-The chorus is very catchy and easy to follow along with, giving the listener a sense of security and knowledge.
1:14-Verse 2-Vocals are angry with a background of continuous chords from the guitar and drums; the listener is able to clearly listen to the musical story description; the description hooks the listener in.

35. 1:52-Chorus-The listener easily falls into singing along with this predictable chorus; the listener feels comfortable with the story line and just follows along.
2:24-Lead guitar solo with guitar and drums playing continuous chord-The listener is taken on a musical rollercoaster with fast-paced ascending and descending movements made by the lead guitar.
1:52-Chorus-The listener easily falls into singing along with this predictable chorus; the listener feels comfortable with the story line and just follows along.
2:24-Lead guitar solo with guitar and drums playing continuous chord-The listener is taken on a musical rollercoaster with fast-paced ascending and descending movements made by the lead guitar.

36. 2:54-Verse 3- Moderate tempo with angry voice-The listener is able to continue to easily follow along while hearing the rest of the story.
3:31-Chorus-The listener finds the rhythm and tone to be familiar; they continue to follow along until the song slows down indicating the end is near.
4:03-Coda-The song ends abruptly after a powerful ascending burst of the last lyric.
2:54-Verse 3- Moderate tempo with angry voice-The listener is able to continue to easily follow along while hearing the rest of the story.
3:31-Chorus-The listener finds the rhythm and tone to be familiar; they continue to follow along until the song slows down indicating the end is near.
4:03-Coda-The song ends abruptly after a powerful ascending burst of the last lyric.

37. http://www. musicbanter. com/rock-metal/44999-official-megadeth-thread

38. References:
Mustaine, Dave, and Joe Layden. Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir. New York: It, Print.
Megadeth. Web. 03 Feb <
Mustaine, Dave, and Joe Layden. Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir. New York: It, Print.
Megadeth. Web. 03 Feb <