Kerry King’s Take on Metallica vs. Megadeth
Slayer guitarist Kerry King did not hold back in a recent interview when asked to choose between two titans of thrash metal: Metallica and Megadeth. In a candid moment on a new episode of Reigning TV, King shared his thoughts with unwavering honesty.
Kerry King’s Bold Choice
“I’m gonna be brutally honest. Metallica has a singer. Sorry, Dave,” King stated, clearly favoring Metallica’s frontman, James Hetfield, over Megadeth’s leader, Dave Mustaine. His loyalty to Hetfield was further emphasized when he said, “James Hetfield. Sorry, Dave. I know I played in your band, but going with James.”
Kerry King’s Brief but Impactful Stint in Megadeth
King’s connection to Megadeth runs deeper than mere rivalry; he had a brief tenure in the band’s live lineup in 1984 while simultaneously playing with Slayer. Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson recalled King’s impressive skill during a 2020 conversation, noting, “So Kerry comes to play guitar with us… and he would stand there with just no expression on his face and watch Dave play some gnarly riff like ‘Chosen Ones’ or ‘The Conjuring’ and then Kerry would just stand there and then he’d put his hand on his guitar and play it back note for note. And you’re like, ‘Holy hell! This guy really gets Dave.'”
Dave Mustaine’s Influence on Kerry King
Despite his preference for Metallica, King expressed deep respect for Mustaine, recounting how witnessing Mustaine perform with Metallica profoundly impacted his life. Ellefson recalled King saying, “I saw Dave play with Metallica opening for Saxon at the Whisky, and it changed my life. Watching Dave in particular, it changed my life.” This experience left a lasting impression, positioning Mustaine as a mentor and role model for King during his formative years in music.
Watch Reigning TV’s Interview With Kerry King and Mark Osegueda
Ranking the ‘Big 4’ of Thrash Metal
For those interested in exploring the discographies of these legendary bands further, a comprehensive ranking of every album by Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax is available, outlining the best to worst contributions of each band within the thrash metal genre.
Conclusion
Kerry King’s candid remarks about Metallica and Megadeth highlight the fierce loyalty and rivalries that exist within the thrash metal community. His experiences, both as a guitarist and as someone who has been influenced by the likes of Mustaine, underscore the interconnectedness of these iconic bands. While he may favor Metallica’s Hetfield, King’s respect for Mustaine remains evident, reflecting the complex dynamics of friendship and competition in the heavy metal world.
FAQs
1. Why did Kerry King choose Metallica over Megadeth?
Kerry King cited Metallica’s vocalist James Hetfield as a key reason for his preference, stating that Metallica has a singer, while acknowledging his respect for Dave Mustaine.
2. What was Kerry King’s involvement with Megadeth?
Kerry King had a brief stint playing live with Megadeth in 1984 while still a member of Slayer, showcasing his proficiency in replicating Mustaine’s riffs.
3. How did Dave Mustaine influence Kerry King’s music career?
Mustaine served as a mentor to King, and witnessing Mustaine perform with Metallica early in his career was a pivotal moment that inspired King to pursue music seriously.
4. What are the ‘Big 4’ of thrash metal?
The ‘Big 4’ refers to the four most influential bands in thrash metal: Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax, each contributing significantly to the genre.
