Dave Mustaine On Metallica Beef: ‘The Drama Between Us Has Been More Popular Than The Music Ever Was’

Lars Ulrich: Alberto Cabello from Vitoria Gasteiz, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedi Commons / Dave Mustaine Photo by Medios y Media/Getty Images
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Without a doubt, one of the most infamous beefs in heavy metal history is that of Dave Mustaine and Metallica. Between the parties, the Megadeth frontman has tended to be the most vocal, for throughout the years he has expressed a plethora of direct and passive-aggressive comments about Metallica and its members.

As part of a feature with Guitar World, Mustaine was asked a variety of questions about his ccareer; at one point however, the Megadeth guitarist was asked how he views the “perceived competition” between Metallica and Megadeth. Among the comments that Mustaine provided in response to this question, he shared that the “drama between us has been more popular than the music ever was.”

Here is everything that Mustaine had to say in regard to how he views the “perceived competition” between both thrash metal bands:

“In my mind, there is no competition between Megadeth and Metallica. We’re different bands, and I believe Megadeth has been more consistent. But the sad thing is that the drama between us has been more popular than the music ever was.

“And remember, Metallica got a big head start, and they did so on the back of what I helped create.”

Mustaine then goes on to add:

“They became one of the biggest bands in the world, and here’s one of the biggest bands wasting their breath trying to discredit me by saying, ‘Dave’s not a good guitar player.’

“Excuse me, what the fuck did you say? [Laughs] I think I wrote many of the songs that made you famous, so you probably should recheck that bullshit statement. But this is the shit those guys say, and you’ve got the sheep who follow them around believing it.”

What do you make of Mustaine’s points? Do you agree that Mustaine wrote “many of the songs” that would end up making Metallica famous? Below you will find links to other stories involving Mustaine talking smack.

Dave Mustaine Speaks To Past Anger For Metallica, Says That Between Him, James, And Lars - He's The Alpha Male

Dave Mustaine Was Pissed Upon First Listening To Metallica's 'Kill 'Em All' - He Felt 'Ripped Off'

Dave Mustaine on Lars Ulrich: 'He Was Incapable of Writing' Good Songs