Megadeth

After being expelled from Metallica, Dave Mustaine decided to create a thrash metal band that not only rivaled his former band but also played faster, more technical metal. Alongside bassist David 'Junior' Ellefson and various guitarists and drummers, Mustaine gained recognition as Megadeth became known as a leading speed metal band throughout the 80s and early 90s. As one of the Big Four of thrash metal, Megadeth remains one of metal’s most popular acts today.

Dave Mustaine’s nascent band started off on shaky ground. Initially struggling to find like-minded musicians, it wasn’t until an altercation with his (underage) downstairs neighbors Dave Ellefson and Greg Handevidt that led to him buying them beer and forming the band's first iteration with drummer Dijon Carruthers in 1983.

The band took its name from a political pamphlet referencing a “megadeath” (one million deaths by nuclear explosion):

"The arsenal of megadeath can’t be rid no matter what the peace treaties come to."

After a few lineup changes, including Slayer guitarist Kerry King, the band settled on the first stable Megadeth lineup with the two Daves (Mustaine and Ellefson), guitarist Chris Poland, and