Dave Mustaine Rerecords Metallica’s ‘Ride the Lightning’ to Honor the Band
Dave Mustaine, the founding member of Megadeth, is preparing to release his final album, aptly titled *Megadeth*. This album marks a significant milestone in Mustaine’s career, coming over four decades after he formed the band and following 13 Grammy nominations, one win for Best Metal Performance, and 17 studio albums. The release date is set for January 23, with a new single, “Tipping Point,” already available.
Rerecording “Ride the Lightning”
In a noteworthy move, Mustaine has rerecorded “Ride the Lightning,” the title track from Metallica’s 1984 album. He co-wrote the song before leaving Metallica in 1983. In an interview with *Rolling Stone*, Mustaine explained that his intention was to honor the song and show respect, particularly for Metallica’s lead vocalist and guitarist, James Hetfield.
“This was about something so much more than how a song turns out. It was about respect,” Mustaine stated. He emphasized Hetfield’s musicianship, acknowledging the impact of Metallica’s guitar work on the music world.
Musical Differences
Mustaine’s version of “Ride the Lightning” features a faster tempo and is recorded in a lower key. While he delivers more aggressive vocals compared to Hetfield, the guitar work maintains a powerful and muscular tone similar to the original. This rendition arose organically during studio sessions, reinforcing Mustaine’s intention of respect rather than rivalry.
Looking Back and Forward
Mustaine sees the album as a final chapter in his career. He indicated that Megadeth does not plan to perform the song live and revealed that neither Hetfield nor drummer Lars Ulrich was aware of the rerecording prior to its announcement. “I was hoping to get his approval on this before we release the track,” he noted, expressing a desire for future communication with Hetfield.
Despite their estrangement, Mustaine remains optimistic about possibly reconnecting with Hetfield. “Time takes time to heal wounds,” he remarked, reflecting on their past relationship. He clarified that the purpose of this undertaking was not to rekindle old friendships, but to pay tribute to Metallica and honor their shared history.
Farewell and Legacy
The forthcoming album will contain ten tracks, each representing the culmination of Mustaine’s journey in the music industry. Alongside the release, Megadeth plans to unveil farewell tour dates later this year. This historic and emotional moment serves to close a significant chapter in heavy metal history.
