Interview

With 20 years and counting, Megadeth has lived through musical trends, fads, fashions and heaps and heaps of spoon fed nonsense. While everyone was always running around rampant to keep up with the evolution of MTV teenybopper culture the boys of Megadeth have always stayed the same and stayed true to their cause. "We started out doing what we wanted and we always continued to do what we wanted. In the 90's we experimented, we broadened our musical horizons, we tried some new things, but it was always anchored around being Megadeth." Says bassist Dave Ellefson. "Starting out with some originality and then keeping our identity is really at the core of Megadeth."

With the release of their latest studio album, 'The World Needs a Hero,' and a new tour the band has proven once again that they ain't changing for nobody and aren't going anywhere. "The new album is just a return back to just being ourselves and not having to get caught up in what else has happened around us."

The madmen behind such underground hits as "Peace Sells," "Hangar 18" and "Symphony of Destruction" are now prepping a nation wide tour. 'The World Needs A Hero' tour is geared as a fan friendly show that is designed to give back to the people that have stayed with them through thick and thin. In essence the band has decided to play smaller venues to give off a more intimate and intense vibe. "This whole album and tour is very much a fan driven operation right now. It's really all about just doing what the people want us to do." Says bassist, Dave Ellefson, "We always draw the line of integrity at some point, we're not managed by the fans. (laughs) It is our band and we have the ultimate decision, but the thing is that it's just a matter of having an open mind to listen to them."

Megadeth has provided something special and unique for their fans by allowing them to choose the set list. Yes, fans can log on to the Megadeth web site and help pick out the songs for the set list. "As far as I know we're the only one's who have ever done anything like this. The fans can choose the set list on www.megadeth.com and that's us inviting them in." says Ellefson, "Whether it's at a radio station, an autograph signing session, at a concert or through the web site we really listen to what the fans have to say and we've done a lot. It may be new to do a 'choose your set list' but it's not new for Megadeth to let the opinions of the fans not fall on deaf ears." As for the show itself; Elllefson says, "just expect the unexpected." They will be bringing the tour to a close on October 16th right here in NYC at Irving Plaza and for those who aren't aware, Irving Plaza has a very special place in Megadeth history. "That was the venue where we played at back in 1986 were an A & R guy from Capital Records came to see us play. That's the gig that led to us getting signed to Capital Records, so that definitely has a special place in the heart of Megadeth.. It's definitely gonna be a triumphant return back to Irving Plaza."