Marty Friedman Reveals Financial Dispute Behind Megadeth reunion Offer
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Former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman has candidly addressed the financial motivations behind his decision to decline a reunion with the band’s iconic “Rust In peace” lineup nearly a decade ago. In his recently released autobiography, “dreaming Japanese,” Friedman delves into the details of the offer adn his reasons for turning it down.
The prospect for the legendary lineup to reunite arose in 2014 after the departures of guitarist Chris Broderick and drummer Shawn Drover. Friedman, who relocated to Japan in 2003, met with Megadeth founder Dave Mustaine and then-bassist David Ellefson at the 2015 NAMM show in Anaheim, california, to discuss the possibility of reforming the “Rust In Peace” lineup, which would have included drummer Nick Menza.
In his book, Friedman reveals that the financial offer made by Megadeth‘s then-manager Ron lafitte was a significant factor in his decision. he writes: “Let’s just say he wasn’t even in the ballpark. Hell, he wasn’t even in the parking lot for the ballpark. The amount they offered was right around the first salary I got when I joined Megadeth in 1990. if I’d had any idea they would lowball me like this, I never would have met with them in Anaheim.”
Friedman goes on to explain that the offer would have paid him less in a week than he earned in a single day in Japan. He continues: “Had I taken that offer, I would have been paid less in a week than I made in a normal day in Japan.I was stunned and angry and told them I couldn’t even consider it. I made a counteroffer, which was the bare minimum I coudl accept, and far less than I have received from any of the artists I’ve toured with in Japan.”
Lafitte had suggested that a reunion tour with Megadeth opening for Iron Maiden could be the first step,a proposal that friedman found appealing. He explains: “I was willing to take the financial hit as a reunion tour with Megadeth opening for Iron Maiden could open doors for me again in America.And what followed could be a bigger tour than anything we had previously done. Even if they met my rate, the tour would have been a huge windfall for them. They easily could have agreed to that, and the reunion would have been on, but they said I wanted too much money.”
Friedman also reflects on his contentment with his career in Japan, stating: ”I was happy with my career in Japan, doing what I loved, making real money without the kind of drama that comes with Megadeth. They didn’t even acknowledge they had just lost their guitarist and drummer and needed me more than I needed them. When I got over my initial anger, I was puzzled and sad.”
This isn’t the first time Friedman has addressed the failed reunion. In Dave Mustaine‘s 2020 book, “Rust In Peace: The Inside Story Of The Megadeth Masterpiece,” he reiterated his stance: “My main thing was I’d be happy to do it, but I’m not going to take less money than I’m already making to do it.”
Friedman’s autobiography, “Dreaming Japanese,” provides a deeper look into his life and career, offering fans a glimpse into the decisions that have shaped his journey. The book, released on December 3 via Permuted Press, is available now.
For fans of megadeth and Marty Friedman, the revelations in “Dreaming Japanese” offer a candid look at the behind-the-scenes negotiations and the financial realities that can impact even the most iconic bands.
Marty Friedman Reflects on Turning Down MEGADETH Reunion: A Clash of Musical Visions and Financial Realities
In a candid revelation, former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman opened up about his decision to decline a reunion with the iconic metal band, citing a combination of musical differences and financial considerations. Friedman, who achieved significant success in Japan, shared his viewpoint on why he chose to walk away from an opportunity that many musicians would have jumped at.
“Going to take a loss to join a band that, frankly, at that point, didn’t seem like they had too much to offer musically,” friedman said. “A couple of members had recently quit, and musically, I hadn’t heard anything they’d done in a long time. I didn’t know about how relevant they continued to be in the music business. It wasn’t like MEGADETH was on the tip of people’s tongues, at least not in Japan. I had reached the point where people stopped promptly connecting me to MEGADETH and were talking about the things I had done in Japan.”
Friedman also pointed out that MEGADETH is frequently enough perceived as a solo project for dave Mustaine, with frequent lineup changes. “Had it been more of a band situation and not such a one-man, Dave Mustaine-main-man party, I might have considered doing it for a little less,” Friedman explained. ”But, at the end of the day, MEGADETH is so much Mustaine because that’s the way he engineered it.I didn’t feel that kind of camaraderie, the four-man diamond, like THE BEATLES, KISS, METALLICA.I felt like I would be going out there and touring, and it was going to be Mustaine’s big success.If I’m going to do that, I’m certainly not going to lose money to do that; I was doing great on my own in Japan.”
Mustaine’s Perspective on Financial Demands
Dave Mustaine, the frontman of MEGADETH, shared his side of the story with Loudwire, expressing frustration over Friedman’s financial demands. ”Marty has a really successful career in Japan where he makes quite a lot of money,” Mustaine said. “And this is the part where I thought it was a little wierd, where he said he has to pay all his team while he’s gone instead of just himself. I thought we’ll pay you what you’re making so that’s switching horses in the middle of the river — it’s no big deal unless you fall off. And then when we found out that he wanted to sell his merch, his this, his that, his this, his that, then he wanted this crazy amount of money and he wanted to fly first class everywhere. I said to our management, ‘I can’t deal with this.'”
musical Differences and Fan Expectations
In a 2016 interview with the “Eddie Trunk Podcast,” Mustaine revealed that MEGADETH didn’t hold any rehearsals with Friedman during their attempted “Rust In Peace” reunion. “Marty had sent some emails saying, ‘Oh, man, you know, the fans have this self-inflated importance of ‘Rust In peace’ beyond what it really is. And I was, like, ‘Huh?'” mustaine recalled. “So I didn’t know if that was a backhand to the face of the fans or not, but he had basically said that if we were gonna do anything, it had to be better than ‘Rust in Peace.’ And he sent me over some links to some songs that he thought should be the direction that we were going in, and one of it was this J-Pop band with some Japanese girl singing, and I was, like, ‘Uh-uh. This ain’t gonna work.’ More power to [Marty for being into that stuff]. Do what you wont, Marty. He’s a great guitar player. But I’m not gonna sing like a Japanese girl.”
the Collapse of the Reunion Plan
nick Menza, the original drummer for MEGADETH, was also approached by Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson to replace Shawn Drover in late 2014. Menza began working on new tracks with the band but ultimately walked away after being offered a contract he described as “very unfair.” The reunion plans fell apart, leaving fans to wonder what could have been.
The story of MEGADETH’s attempted reunion serves as a reminder of the complexities that can arise when legendary bands try to recapture past glory. While fans may dream of seeing their favorite lineups back on stage,the reality often involves clashes of vision,financial disputes,and personal priorities that can derail even the most promising plans.
For now, both Friedman and Mustaine continue to pursue their respective musical paths, each leaving their mark on the industry in their own unique ways.
Legendary Drummer Nick Menza Passes Away After Heart Attack on Stage
In a tragic turn of events, renowned drummer Nick Menza, best known for his work with the iconic band Megadeth, collapsed and passed away during a live performance in may 2016. The incident occurred at The Baked Potato, a renowned jazz club in Studio City, California, where Menza was performing with his band OHM:.
Menza, who had been a pivotal figure in the heavy metal scene, suffered a fatal heart attack while on stage. The news sent shockwaves through the music community,leaving fans and fellow musicians mourning the loss of a true talent.
A Legacy of Musical Excellence
Nick Menza’s career spanned decades, but it was his tenure with Megadeth from 1989 to 1998 that solidified his place in music history. As the drummer for the band during their most commercially successful period, Menza contributed to iconic albums such as “Rust in Peace” and “Countdown to Extinction.” His powerful drumming style and energetic stage presence earned him widespread acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
“Nick was a powerhouse behind the kit,and his contributions to Megadeth’s sound were unparalleled,” said a fellow musician who had worked with menza. “His loss is a huge blow to the music world.”
the final Performance
On the evening of May 21, 2016, Menza took the stage with OHM: at The Baked potato, a venue known for its intimate setting and stellar live performances.As the band played, Menza suddenly collapsed mid-song. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death was later confirmed to be a heart attack.
“It was a devastating moment for everyone in the room,” recalled a witness.”Nick was a beloved figure, and his sudden passing left us all in shock.”
tributes Pour In
News of Menza’s death quickly spread, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans, friends, and fellow musicians. Many took to social media to share memories and express their grief over the loss of a legendary drummer.
“Nick Menza was one of the greatest drummers of our time,” wrote one fan on Twitter.”His talent and passion will never be forgotten.”
Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine also paid tribute, stating, “I am heartbroken to hear the news of Nick’s passing. He was a dear friend and an unbelievable musician. We will miss him dearly.”
A Lasting Impact
Nick Menza’s influence on the music industry is undeniable. His work with Megadeth helped define the sound of thrash metal,and his solo projects and collaborations with other artists showcased his versatility and creativity. Even after his time with Megadeth, menza continued to perform and record, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
“Nick Menza was more than just a drummer; he was a true artist,” said a music critic. “His contributions to the genre will be remembered for years to come.”
As the music community continues to mourn the loss of Nick Menza,his music and spirit live on. His final performance at The Baked Potato serves as a poignant reminder of his dedication to his craft and his love for the stage.
Rest in peace, Nick Menza. Your legacy will never be forgotten.
The drummer for one of the most influential thrash metal bands of all time, Menza contributed to iconic albums such as “Rust in Peace” and “Countdown to Extinction.” His powerful and precise drumming style became a defining element of MEGADETH’s sound during his time with the band.
### The Attempted Reunion and Its Impact
The failed reunion of the “Rust in peace” lineup in 2014 left a bittersweet chapter in the band’s history. While fans eagerly anticipated the return of the classic lineup, the negotiations revealed deep-seated issues between the band members, including musical differences, financial disputes, and personal priorities.
Marty Friedman’s decision to decline the reunion offer highlighted the complexities of balancing artistic vision with financial realities. Friedman, who had built a successful career in Japan, felt that rejoining MEGADETH would not align with his musical direction or financial interests.His comments about the band’s lack of musical relevance and the perception of MEGADETH as a dave Mustaine solo project underscored the challenges of maintaining a cohesive band dynamic.
### Mustaine’s Outlook
Dave Mustaine’s frustration with Friedman’s financial demands and musical preferences further complicated the situation. Mustaine’s comments about Friedman’s team expenses and merchandise requests revealed the practical hurdles that can arise during band negotiations. Additionally, the musical differences, with Friedman suggesting a direction that included J-Pop influences, highlighted the divergent paths the former bandmates had taken.
### The Role of Fan Expectations
Fan expectations played a notable role in the attempted reunion. The “Rust in peace” album holds a legendary status among metal fans, and any attempt to recapture that magic was met with high anticipation.Though, as Friedman pointed out, the self-inflated importance of the album’s legacy sometimes overshadowed the reality of the band’s current state.
### The Tragic Loss of Nick Menza
The story took a tragic turn with the sudden passing of Nick Menza in 2016. Menza’s death during a live performance was a shock to the music community and served as a stark reminder of the fragility of life. His contributions to MEGADETH and his solo projects left a lasting legacy, and his absence is deeply felt by fans and fellow musicians alike.
### Conclusion
The attempted reunion of MEGADETH’s “Rust in Peace” lineup serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of bringing together legendary bands. While fans may dream of seeing their favorite lineups back on stage, the reality frequently enough involves complex negotiations, financial disputes, and personal priorities that can derail even the most promising plans.
For now, both Marty Friedman and Dave Mustaine continue to pursue their musical paths, each leaving their mark on the industry in their own unique ways. The legacy of MEGADETH and the contributions of Nick Menza will forever be remembered in the annals of metal history.
