Chris Poland Reflects on His Time with MEGADETH and the Upcoming Farewell Tour
Plans to Attend MEGADETH’s Farewell Tour
In a recent interview with George Dionne of KNAC.COM, former MEGADETH guitarist Chris Poland shared his thoughts on attending the band’s “farewell” tour. He expressed his intention to catch at least one show, stating, “Oh, I’m sure I will. If it’s the final one, I should go see one [show]. I’ll have to make the time.” Despite his busy schedule running multiple studios, Poland emphasized the importance of making time for his former bandmate, Dave Mustaine.
Thoughts on the Tour’s Longevity
When asked about the possibility of the tour being the longest “final” tour, Poland humorously noted, “I don’t know, though. I think Dave is ready. I think Dave’s ready to go fishing.”
Memories of His First Tour
Reflecting on his debut tour with MEGADETH, Poland recalled the exhilarating experience of performing at L’Amours in New York. “I remember my first time on stage, where I freaked out… the whole room was singing it and it was packed to the gills,” he said, reminiscing about the overwhelming energy of the thrash metal crowd. Despite his initial nerves, he praised the camaraderie within the band: “We had good times… we had our moments and we had our problems, but somehow we pulled it off.”
Poland’s Tenure with MEGADETH
Chris Poland was an integral part of MEGADETH from 1984 to 1987, contributing to classic albums such as “Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good!” and “Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?” He also made a notable appearance as a soloist on the band’s 2004 album, “The System Has Failed.”
Relationship with Dave Mustaine
Poland has previously confirmed that the song “Liar” from MEGADETH’s 1988 album “So Far, So Good… So What?” was inspired by his departure from the band. He commented on Mustaine’s emotions at the time, saying, “Oh, yeah. Obviously, Dave was very upset with me when I left the band.” When asked if he felt anger upon learning he was the song’s inspiration, Poland responded with a philosophical perspective, remarking, “No, man. It’s like the pot calling the kettle black.”
Legal Disputes and Their Aftermath
Poland’s relationship with MEGADETH has not been without controversy. In 2004, he initiated legal action against Mustaine regarding the inclusion of demos on the reissue of “Rust In Peace” without his permission. The disputes led to a strained relationship, with Mustaine later expressing regret over the fallout, calling it a “waste.” He acknowledged Poland’s talent, stating, “Chris Poland, as much as I don’t really like the guy, he was a great guitar player.”
Poland’s Perspective on the Lawsuit
In a 2018 interview, Poland explained his frustrations regarding the legal issues surrounding the reissue. He emphasized that his intentions were not to initiate a nuisance lawsuit but to seek fair compensation for his contributions. “I made every attempt to work it out, and they just ignored me,” he said, revealing the challenges he faced in trying to resolve the situation amicably.
Conclusion
As MEGADETH embarks on what is being dubbed their farewell tour, Chris Poland’s reflections on his time with the band reveal a complex history filled with both camaraderie and conflict. While he intends to support Mustaine during this final chapter, the journey of their relationship underscores the complexities of life in the music industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Chris Poland attend MEGADETH’s farewell tour?
Yes, Chris Poland has confirmed that he plans to attend at least one show of MEGADETH’s farewell tour.
What albums did Chris Poland contribute to while in MEGADETH?
Poland played on MEGADETH’s classic albums “Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good!” and “Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?”
Did Chris Poland have a legal dispute with Dave Mustaine?
Yes, Poland filed a lawsuit against Mustaine regarding the use of demos on the reissue of “Rust In Peace” without his permission, which led to a strained relationship between the two.
What was the inspiration behind the song “Liar”?
The song “Liar” from MEGADETH’s album “So Far, So Good… So What?” was written by Mustaine about Chris Poland after his departure from the band.
