Megadeth's Farewell: A Nod to Metallica with 'Ride The Lightning' Cover

The end of an era is here: Megadeth's final album has arrived. The band first announced their farewell last fall.

In a recent interview, founder and frontman Dave Mustaine revealed his Dupuytren’s contracture diagnosis, impacting his guitar playing. "I would rather be able to do my best record, release that, and go out on top than go back into the studio and try and do something and not be able to do it," he stated.

Notably, the album closes with Megadeth's rendition of Metallica's iconic "Ride The Lightning."
Dave Mustaine

While this album marks Megadeth's final chapter, the inclusion of "Ride The Lightning" serves as a homage to Mustaine's early days. Before forming Megadeth, he was Metallica's lead guitarist from 1981 to 1983 and co-wrote several songs on Kill 'Em All and Ride The Lightning before his departure. This cover seems to be a way of coming full circle.

Mustaine clarified that there was "no hidden agenda" behind the cover, emphasizing his respect for his former bandmates. "I really respect James [Hetfield’s] guitar playing. And I think that Lars [Ulrich] is a tremendous songwriter. I really did enjoy my time with them; that’s why I had such a hard time when it ended. And this is me closing the circle, paying my respects."

When asked about his relationship with the Metallica members, he shared:

> You know, I liked them. If the friendship was restarted, it wouldn’t bother me. I would accept, and I think it would be nice to revisit some of those times. But I just think because there was a lot of hurt and misunderstanding around our time together that it would be difficult not to keep bringing up the past.

> I think what needs to happen is there needs to be a Megadeth/Me­tallica tour. Period. That would, I’m sure, make everything right. We could hang out, spend time together. But I know they don’t really tour like we do. I mean, when we go out on tour, we play many, many shows.

There remains hope for a reconciliation within the heavy metal world. Megadeth's final tour begins next month in Canada. Check out tour dates here.

Listen to Megadeth's version of "Ride The Lightning" below.

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