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Megadeth Polishes the Rust 20 Years Later
After twenty years, Megadeth need no introduction; anyone with a respect for heavy metal music has heard the name.
The Tabernacle in Atlanta swarmed with crowds of eager fans noisily discussing the history of one of the biggest bands to wear the metal badge of
honor. Debates over better albums between Megadeth and Metallica seemed as likely to be heard as debates between guitarists Marty Friedman and Chris
Broderick. No one questioned the event; the twentieth anniversary celebration for Rust In Peace would take place in just hours.
Once the doors opened, the line circled the Tabernacle. Droves of men and women decorated in decades’ worth of t-shirts commemorated Megadeth albums.
Megafans (members of the Megadeth fan club) gazed around expectantly awaiting their chance to meet with band members and get original copies of the
album signed.
Exodus and Testament opened the show and readied the fans. When Testament’s beautiful silk screen backdrop lowered so that the original Rust In
Peace backdrop could be raised, it felt like the stage itself bowed for the upcoming band. Drummer Shawn Drover jumped up from within the circle of
drums designed to mimic the yellow biohazard logo from twenty years ago. Chris Broderick ran out taking stage left as David Ellefson took stage right.
When the lights hit founding member, Dave Mustaine, the fans exploded instantly recognizing the opening song, “Skin On My Teeth”.
Metal has been in my blood since I was an angry pre-teen, but I had never had the opportunity to catch Megadeth live. Once Dave led the guys into
“In My Darkest Hour”, I felt pulled back into those formative years and I strained to read the emotion on the songwriter’s face. The musicianship amazed
me as I heard every single sweep and bend of the guitars. Chris Broderick proved himself over and over throughout the evening nailing the tricky tempo
changes in “Holy Wars” and bringing the emotion to “Trust”.
The bass intros on “Poison Was the Cure” and “Dawn Patrol” cradled David Ellefson in a warm, yellow glow of a spotlight where he made his presence
known with both his impressive playing and his reflective pickguard. He angled the spotlight back on those who helped Megadeth attain mega stature.
Dave Mustaine spoke to the crowd after playing the entire Rust In Peace album, in order which was a true treat for die hard fans who have seen
“Hangar 18” played multiple times, but rarely “5 Magics”. He genuinely spoke of his love for Atlanta and the Braves, mentioning naming his son “Justice
Dave”.
He also shared the story behind “Head Crusher”, the single off the latest album Endgame. When in Amsterdam, Dave noticed a sign advertising
torture devices. After looking for the iron maiden (of course), he came across other evilly genius methods of extracting information including the head
crusher.
The encore included a shirtless Mustaine and a familiar single, “Peace Sells (But Who’s Buying)” with a very satisfied crowd singing along and
begging for more.
Photo by Stephanie Cabral
Review by Ellen Eldridge
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