The Low Down: Meet Megadeth

Posted 26 November 2009 The Low Down

November 25, 2009

Revolution Live, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Written by Kate Dingle

Even though the weather was a bit rainy and gray, Megadeth kicked off the Thanksgiving holiday in a big (hair) way.

The evening began with a meet and greet with the mega group themselves. To gain admission to the coveted event, folks needed to be members of their fan club and win their way in. About twenty fans won the “contest” and waited patiently in the drizzling rain until they were ushered upstairs to wait for their idols.

Although the group was small, it was quite apparent that the reach of Megadeth goes beyond the cult followers that were gained in the 1980’s. Even though those followers made their presence known, there were fathers and their young sons, members of local bands who aspired to be everything that Megadeth is, and flawless model types who looked like they should’ve been in a mall somewhere rather than meeting a group of metal gods.

When front man Dave Mustaine emerged, the sound resonating from the small group was enough to fill an arena. As he made his way through the crowd, it was clear everyone was there to see Mustaine and that group members Chris Broderick, James Lomenzo, and Shawn Drover were all an added bonus (which makes sense because Mustaine is the only original member in the current line-up). Regardless, each member took the time to shake hands and hug every single person, sign posters, Cd’s, vinyl records, and guitar straps, and pose for various photos. Each of the thrash metal rockers almost seemed overwhelmed at the amount of attention they were receiving. But no matter how overwhelmed they seemed, the graciousness that each of them had was radiating throughout the space.

In what seemed like an instant, Dave Mustaine was done being the center of attention (at least in that capacity). The people continuously pulling at him and invading his personal space probably became a bit much for him and he was quickly escorted away to safety. The meet and greet was obviously over, but the memories created in that short time will stick with everyone who attended.

For those who had idolized Megadeth since its creation in 1983, this experience was a dream come true. Listening to everyone talk about Mustaine’s stint with Metallica and how Megadeth is an icon in thrash metal made it clear that as long as these guys are making music, the fans will always be willing to wait in the rain for a chance to say “Thank You” to one of the greatest metal bands of all time.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and always remember to thank your favorite metal gods!

Photos by Christina Mendenhall