Dave Mustaine

I'm so sick of reading about drug addicts and alcoholics. Why can't any great musician just be interesting and talented? I love hearing about the creation of the bands, the process of creating music, crazy tour stories, sexcapades etc... But then, like clockwork, they're in rehab, the band and friendships, relationships and maybe marriages are being destroyed. And then they do it again and then again, and guess what? Again. It's so freaking cliché and boring.

Other than that it was interesting to hear the Metallica/Megadeth story told from Mustaine's side. I was never a big fan of Megadeth, but I do like some of their music, I always thought Mustaine was a great guitarist. The way he tells it, Lars and James are pretty huge assholes. He's just so arrogant and simple, not very likable, so it's hard to believe him. I never liked the idea of a main musician and then a bunch of "other guys" just kind of hanging out. Just seems like a band should be a group of people all with equal power. Mustaine was more like a boss than a bandmate.… (mehr)

Why am I reading this? I am not a fan of memoirs. I am not a fan of heavy metal. My son however is a fan and this is his favorite heavy metal band. Megadeth. Another reason to read this is he shares my birthday, September 13. Of course he is a few years younger. I learned that two Minnesotans were actually in the first Megadeth band. Mustaine like many musicians struggled with the abusive life style and addictions that comes to so many in these careers. His music is trash metal but also very political. He did not know this until he kept hearing his music referred to as political and he come to agree that it was. Mustaine finally got victory (mostly) over his addictions when he accepted Jesus as savior. He still is rough around the edges, enjoys swearing and even with his addictions he is able to enjoy a glass of wine with a meal or with his wife. Read for American author challenge, musicians who write and writers who play music.… (mehr)