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List of Megadeth band members

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| image2 = Megadeth at Sauna.jpeg

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| caption1 = (left to right) Marty Friedman, Dave Mustaine, Nick Menza and David Ellefson.

| caption2 = (left to right) Shawn Drover, James MacDonough, Dave Mustaine and Glen Drover.

| caption3 = (left to right) James LoMenzo, Dave Mustaine, Shawn Drover and Chris Broderick.

| caption4 = (left to right) David Ellefson, Shawn Drover, Dave Mustaine and Chris Broderick.

| caption5 = (left to right) David Ellefson, Dirk Verbeuren, Dave Mustaine and Kiko Loureiro.

| caption6 = (left to right) Dave Mustaine, Dirk Verbeuren and Kiko Loureiro (James LoMenzo not shown).

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Megadeth is an American thrash metal band formed by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine after he was fired from Metallica. The first line-up, in 1983, after their name change from Fallen Angels, featured Mustaine and Robbie McKinney on guitar, vocalist Lor Kane and bassist Matt Kisselstein. The band's current line-up includes consistent member Mustaine, bassist James LoMenzo (2006 to 2010, and since 2021), drummer Dirk Verbeuren (since 2016) and guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari (since 2023).

History

The original Megadeth lineup was short-lived; Lor Kane, the band's first vocalist, would soon leave the group,{{Cite web|last=Brannigan|first=Paul|date=June 12, 2019|title=Megadeth’s Killing Is My Business: hamburgers, heroin and one of metal’s greatest debut albums|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/megadeth-story-of-killing-is-my-business|access-date=February 14, 2025|work=Metal Hammer|language=en|archive-date=April 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407035043/https://www.loudersound.com/features/megadeth-story-of-killing-is-my-business|url-status=live}} (though he did sing on the groups 1983 demo).{{cite journal|url=https://thecorroseum.org/fanzines/whiplash-usa-01.php|work=Whiplash|date=1983|title=Megadeath|volume=1|access-date=March 16, 2025|page=4|archive-date=December 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224213233/https://thecorroseum.org/fanzines/whiplash-usa-01.php|url-status=live}} The band's first bassist, Matt Kisselstein,{{cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/dave-mustaine-metallica-fired/|title=Dave Mustaine After Metallica: 40 Moments for 40 Years|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|last=Kielty|first=Martin|date=April 11, 2023|access-date=February 14, 2025|archive-date=October 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002122553/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/dave-mustaine-metallica-fired/|url-status=live}} was replaced by Minnesotan David Ellefson{{Cite web |title=David Ellefson Talks How Dave Mustaine Treated Him When They Met, Recalls What He Had to Say About Metallica |url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/david_ellefson_talks_how_dave_mustaine_treated_him_when_they_met_recalls_what_he_had_to_say_about_metallica.html |access-date=February 16, 2025 |website=Ultimate Guitar |language=en |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204075712/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/david_ellefson_talks_how_dave_mustaine_treated_him_when_they_met_recalls_what_he_had_to_say_about_metallica.html |url-status=live}} and guitarist Robbie McKinney was replaced with Minnesotan Greg Handevidt (who was Ellefson's roommate).{{cite web|last=Zeiler|first=Millie|title=10 Guitarists Who Departed Before Their Bands Became Famous|url=https://classicrock.teamrock.com/news/2014-11-26/megadeth-chris-broderick-shawn-drover-quit|work=Classic Rock History|date=October 11, 2023|access-date=March 16, 2025}} After playing with various vocalists following Kane's exit, including Billy Bonds{{cite web|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/8-things-you-didnt-know-about-megadeths-killing-my-business-and-business-good/|title=8 Things You Didn't Know About Megadeth's 'Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good'|work=Revolver|date=June 12, 2018|access-date=February 17, 2025}} and John Cyriis,{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/agent-steel-founder-vocalist-john-cyriis-on-briefly-joining-megadeth-dave-mustaine-was-not-prepared-to-launch-the-first-album-with-my-lyrical-subjects|title=Agent Steel Founder/Vocalist John Cyriis On Briefly Joining Megadeth - 'Dave Mustaine Was Not Prepared To Launch The First Album With My Lyrical Subjects'|work=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|date=October 24, 2019|access-date=February 24, 2023|archive-date=May 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513032247/https://bravewords.com/news/agent-steel-founder-vocalist-john-cyriis-on-briefly-joining-megadeth-dave-mustaine-was-not-prepared-to-launch-the-first-album-with-my-lyrical-subjects|url-status=live}} Mustaine ultimately took up lead vocals himself. Megadeth recorded Last Rites, a three-song demo, in 1984, which featured drummer Lee Rauch and Ellefson. Slayer guitarist Kerry King covered live dates at Ruthie's Inn and The Stone in February and April 1984 while a permanent replacement was sought. Jazz fusion drummer Gar Samuelson would go on to join the band. After playing a few shows as a three-piece, guitarist Chris Poland also joined.{{cite web|last=Doe|first=Bernard|title=Megadeth – Love It To Death|url=http://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/feature-megadeth-mf12/|work=Metal Forces|date=December 1985|access-date=April 18, 2024|archive-date=October 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002123451/http://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/feature-megadeth-mf12/|url-status=live}} During Megadeth's 1985 tour promoting their debut album, Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!, Poland left the band and was temporarily replaced by Mike Albert.{{cite web |title=Timeline of the band's history|url=http://www.megadeth.com/history.php|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090315085359/http://megadeth.com/history.php |archive-date=March 15, 2009 |access-date=March 1, 2009 |publisher=Megadeth.com}} On the tour, Mustaine offered the drummer position to Exciter drummer Dan Beehler, though he declined the offer.{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/during-exciters-heyday-dan-beehler-was-asked-to-join-megadeth-and-venom|title=During Exciter's Heyday, Dan Beehler Was Asked To Join Megadeth And Venom!|date=November 5, 2005|access-date=January 30, 2024|work=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019191757/https://bravewords.com/news/during-exciters-heyday-dan-beehler-was-asked-to-join-megadeth-and-venom|url-status=live}} Poland then rejoined Megadeth in October of the same year, shortly before they began work on Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? After years of problems stemming from substance abuse, Mustaine fired both Poland and Samuelson before recording the third album So Far, So Good... So What! Poland was initially replaced by Jay Reynolds, who proved unable to perform the solos in-studio and was replaced by Jeff Young, his guitar instructor.{{cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/megadeth-so-far-so-good-so-what/|title=Why Megadeth Struggled Through ‘So Far, So Good … So What!’|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|date=January 19, 2018|access-date=September 8, 2023|last=Christopher|first=Michael|archive-date=September 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919231523/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/megadeth-so-far-so-good-so-what/|url-status=live}} Samuelson was replaced in 1987 by Chuck Behler, who was his drum tech.{{cite web|url=https://www.invisibleoranges.com/30-years-of-megadeth-drummers-a-guide/|title=30 Years of Megadeth Drummers: a Guide|date=May 30, 2015|access-date=November 30, 2023|work=Invisible Oranges|archive-date=December 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202170809/https://www.invisibleoranges.com/30-years-of-megadeth-drummers-a-guide/|url-status=live}}

File:Marty Friedman 25.jpg became the band's first long term lead guitarist from 1990 till 2000.]]

During their world tour in support of So Far, So Good... in February 1988, Mustaine noticed problems developing with Behler.{{cite web|url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/articles_hotmetal1990.html|title=The Big Four|last=Doreian|first=Robyn|date=September 1990|work=Hot Metal Magazine|access-date=March 1, 2009|archive-date=February 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225120429/http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/articles_hotmetal1990.html|url-status=dead}} Six months later, Mustaine fired both Behler and Young.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/p4885|title=Megadeth Biography|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|work=AllMusic|publisher=TiVo Corporation|access-date=March 1, 2009|archive-date=April 9, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409214644/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p4885|url-status=live}} In July 1989, Nick Menza was hired to replace Behler on the drums. After a lengthy search for a new lead guitarist, Megadeth enlisted Marty Friedman, who officially joined in February 1990.{{cite web|url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_practisingmusician1990.html|title=A Founding Forefather of Thrash|last=Stix|first=John|year=1990|work=Guitar for the Practicing Musician|access-date=March 1, 2009|archive-date=February 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214232012/http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_practisingmusician1990.html|url-status=live}} The lineup remained unchanged for almost eight years, until Menza discovered a tumor on his knee, which forced him to leave the tour to undergo surgery. He was replaced by Jimmy DeGrasso, temporarily at first. Following the Ozzfest tour in 1998, however, DeGrasso replaced Menza permanently, after Mustaine claimed that Menza had "lied about having cancer".{{cite web|url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_rockmetal2001.html|title=An Ugly American|date=March 2001|access-date=March 1, 2009|archive-date=February 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214232254/http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_rockmetal2001.html|url-status=live}} Following the release of Risk, the band began a new world tour in September 1999. Three months into the tour, Friedman announced that he would be leaving the band, citing "musical differences". Megadeth enlisted guitarist Al Pitrelli as Friedman's replacement in January 2000. In early 2002, Mustaine suffered several injuries, which led him to announce in a press release that Megadeth had disbanded.{{cite press release|title=Dave Mustaine suffers serious injury, announces departure from Megadeth; Group disbanding after nearly 20 years together|publisher=Megadeth.com|date=April 3, 2002|url=http://www.megadeth.com/news/pr/disband.html|access-date=January 6, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061021225745/http://www.megadeth.com/news/pr/disband.html|archive-date=October 21, 2006}} Following nearly a year of recovery, Mustaine began work on what was to be his first solo album. The new material was recorded with session musicians Vinnie Colaiuta and Jimmy Lee Sloas, but the project was put on hold when Mustaine agreed to remix and remaster Megadeth's eight-album back catalog with Capitol Records.

In May 2004, Mustaine returned to his newest recordings, intended as a solo effort, but because of outstanding contractual obligations with the band's European label EMI, he was forced to release one more album under the "Megadeth" name.{{cite web|url=http://www.hardradio.com/shockwaves/mustaine6.php3|title=Dave Mustaine Interview, Pt. 6|last=Nalbandian|first=Bob|publisher=HardRadio|access-date=October 7, 2008|archive-date=March 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318214817/http://www.hardradio.com/shockwaves/mustaine6.php3|url-status=live}} Mustaine decided to reform the band, and contacted the Rust in Peace line-up to re-record backing tracks on his latest songs. While drummer Nick Menza initially signed on, Marty Friedman and David Ellefson were both unable to come to an agreement with Mustaine.{{cite web|url=http://www.hardradio.com/shockwaves/mustaine2.php3|title=Dave Mustaine Interview, Pt. 2|last=Nalbandian|first=Bob|publisher=HardRadio|access-date=October 7, 2008|archive-date=January 1, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100101105031/http://hardradio.com/shockwaves/mustaine2.php3|url-status=live}} Chris Poland was hired by Mustaine to contribute guitar solos for the new album. This marked the first time since the Rust in Peace demos that the two musicians had worked together.

File:Megadeth.JPG joined the band in 2004, replacing Nick Menza, and remained until 2014.]]

Poland opted to serve as a studio musician only, as he wished to remain focused on his own jazz fusion project, Ohm. Megadeth began a world tour in October 2004, enlisting bassist James MacDonough{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/iced-earth-bassist-quits-to-join-megadeth|title=Iced Earth Bassist Quits To Join Megadeth|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=September 11, 2004|access-date=February 12, 2025|archive-date=December 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202170809/https://blabbermouth.net/news/iced-earth-bassist-quits-to-join-megadeth|url-status=live}} and guitarist Glen Drover.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-eidolon-guitarist-glen-drover-joins-the-fold|title=Megadeth: Eidolon Guitarist Glen Drover Joins The Fold|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=September 5, 2004|access-date=February 12, 2025|archive-date=December 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202170809/https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-eidolon-guitarist-glen-drover-joins-the-fold|url-status=live}} While in rehearsal for the tour, newly returned drummer Menza was let go from the band, as, according to Mustaine, he was unable to prepare for the physical demands of a full U.S. tour.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-s-mustaine-says-nick-menza-wasn-t-prepared-to-tour-with-the-band |title=MEGADETH's MUSTAINE Says NICK MENZA Wasn't Prepared To Tour with the Band |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=February 12, 2025|date=November 16, 2004}} He was replaced five days before the first show by Shawn Drover, brother of new guitarist Glen Drover.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/new-megadeth-drummer-shawn-drover-speaks-out |title=New MEGADETH Drummer SHAWN DROVER Speaks Out|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date =November 13, 2004|access-date=February 12, 2025}} In February 2006, MacDonough left the band, citing "personal differences" for his decision, and was replaced by bassist James LoMenzo.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/ex-megadeth-bassist-macdonough-there-is-no-animosity-here|title=Ex-Megadeth Bassist MacDonough: 'There Is No Animosity Here'|date=February 20, 2006|work=Blabbermouth.net|publisher=Roadrunner Records|access-date=February 12, 2025}} Two years later, Dave Mustaine announced that Glen Drover had quit Megadeth to focus on his family. He was replaced by Chris Broderick.{{cite press release|title=Gigantour 2008 North American tour dates announced; Megadeth to headline bill with In Flames, Children of Bodom, Job for a Cowboy and High on Fire|publisher=Megadeth.com|date=January 14, 2008|url=http://megadeth.com/announcement.php |access-date=March 7, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108011144/http://www.megadeth.com/announcement.php |archive-date=November 8, 2011}} On February 8, 2010, David Ellefson rejoined the band, replacing James LoMenzo.{{cite press release|title=Bassist David Ellefson Returns To Megadeth Line-Up|publisher=Megadeth.com|date= February 8, 2010|url=http://www.megadeth.com/news_popup.php?news_id=1287|access-date= March 4, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100218104338/http://www.megadeth.com/news_popup.php?news_id=1287|archive-date= February 18, 2010|df= mdy-all}}

In late November 2014, Shawn Drover quit the band after ten years, wanting to pursue his own musical interests. This was quickly followed by the departure of Chris Broderick, due to artistic and musical differences.{{cite web|first=Martin|last=Kielty|title=Broderick & Drover Quit Megadeth|url=https://classicrock.teamrock.com/news/2014-11-26/megadeth-chris-broderick-shawn-drover-quit|work=Classic Rock|date=November 26, 2014|access-date=November 27, 2014|archive-date=November 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128174245/http://classicrock.teamrock.com/news/2014-11-26/megadeth-chris-broderick-shawn-drover-quit|url-status=live}} Ellefson denied rumors that the band would disband, and said he and Mustaine would continue working on new music.{{cite web|first=Spencer|last=Kaufman|title=Megadeth's David Ellefson: We Are Not Disbanding|url=http://loudwire.com/megadeth-david-ellefson-not-disbanding/|work=Loudwire|date=December 2, 2014|access-date=December 3, 2014|archive-date=December 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208095002/https://loudwire.com/megadeth-david-ellefson-not-disbanding/|url-status=live}}

In early 2015, Megadeth announced that Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro was hired as the new guitar player for the band{{cite web|url= http://loudwire.com/megadeth-kiko-loureiro-well-wishes-angra-bandmates/|title= Kiko Loureiro joins Megadeth|date= April 2, 2015|work= Loudwire|publisher= Megadeth|access-date= July 7, 2015|archive-date= July 9, 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150709054914/http://loudwire.com/megadeth-kiko-loureiro-well-wishes-angra-bandmates/|url-status= live}} to record Megadeth's fifteenth studio album alongside Lamb of God's drummer, Chris Adler.{{cite web |date=April 2, 2015 |title=Meet Megadeth's New Guitarist: Kiko Loureiro of Angra|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/meet-megadeths-new-guitarist-kiko-loureiro-angra|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702080953/http://www.guitarworld.com/meet-megadeths-new-guitarist-kiko-loureiro-angra |archive-date=July 2, 2016 |access-date=April 6, 2015 |website=Guitar World}} On July 7, 2016, Soilwork's Dirk Verbeuren was announced as Megadeth's new drummer.{{Cite web|date=July 14, 2016|title=Megadeth Names Dirk Verbeuren New Full-Time Drummer|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-names-dirk-verbeuren-new-full-time-drummer/|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=December 1, 2023|archive-date=July 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725033542/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-names-dirk-verbeuren-new-full-time-drummer/|url-status=live}}

Ellefson was dismissed from Megadeth amid allegations of sexual misconduct on May 14, 2021.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/megadeth-david-ellefson-fires-sexual-misconduct-1234980355/ |title=Megadeth Fires Bassist David Ellefson After Sexual Misconduct Allegations |author=Jordan Moreau |date=May 24, 2021 |website=Variety |access-date=May 24, 2021 |quote=Heavy metal band Megadeth has parted ways with bassist David Ellefson after he was accused of sexual misconduct. |archive-date=May 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524172819/https://variety.com/2021/music/news/megadeth-david-ellefson-fires-sexual-misconduct-1234980355/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/news/drama/david-ellefson-was-actually-fired-from-megadeth-four-days-after-sexual-allegations-surfaced-new-details-from-revenge-porn-report|title=David Ellefson Was Actually Fired From Megadeth Four Days After Sexual Allegations Surfaced, New Details from Revenge Porn Report|first=Robert|last=Pasbani|date=June 9, 2021|website=Metal Injection|access-date=June 10, 2021|archive-date=June 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610020130/https://metalinjection.net/news/drama/david-ellefson-was-actually-fired-from-megadeth-four-days-after-sexual-allegations-surfaced-new-details-from-revenge-porn-report|url-status=live}} Former bassist James LoMenzo returned to the line-up in August for the Metal Tour Of The Year.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/megadeth-enlist-bassist-james-lomenzo-tour-lamb-god|title=Megadeth Enlist Bassist James Lomenzo for Tour with Lamb of God |date=August 11, 2021|work=Revolver |access-date=February 17, 2025|archive-date=January 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118182653/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/megadeth-enlist-bassist-james-lomenzo-tour-lamb-god|url-status=live}} LoMenzo officially became the band's new bassist in May 2022.{{Cite web |title=Megadeth Announces James Lomenzo As 'Permanent' Replacement For David Ellefson |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-announces-james-lomenzo-as-permanent-replacement-for-david-ellefson/ |access-date=March 16, 2025 |website=Blabbermouth |language=en |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531193138/https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-announces-james-lomenzo-as-permanent-replacement-for-david-ellefson |url-status=live}}

In September 2023, Kiko Loureiro announced he would be taking a break from the tour in order to spend time with his children, with Teemu Mäntysaari filling in for the rest of the tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/megadeth-kiko-loureiro-pulls-out-tour-temporary-replacement-announced-1234819072/|title=Megadeth’s Kiko Loureiro Pulls Out of Tour, Temporary Replacement Announced|work=Rolling Stone|first=Charisma|last=Madarang|date=September 6, 2023|access-date=November 25, 2023|archive-date=November 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126053319/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/megadeth-kiko-loureiro-pulls-out-tour-temporary-replacement-announced-1234819072/|url-status=live}} However, in November 2023, Kiko stated he would be extending his break, entering an indefinite hiatus,{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2023 |title=Kiko Loureiro Extends His Absence From Megadeth: This Decision 'Hasn't Been Easy For Me' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/kiko-loureiro-extends-his-absence-from-megadeth-this-decision-hasnt-been-easy-for-me |access-date=November 26, 2023 |website=Blabbermouth.net |language=en |archive-date=November 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126173412/https://blabbermouth.net/news/kiko-loureiro-extends-his-absence-from-megadeth-this-decision-hasnt-been-easy-for-me |url-status=live}} while Mustaine confirmed that the band would go on with Mäntysaari as guitarist.{{Cite web |date=November 20, 2023 |title=Dave Mustaine: We Will Move Forward With Teemu Mäntysaari As Guitar Player For Megadeth |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-we-will-move-forward-with-teemu-maantysari-as-guitar-player-for-megadeth |access-date=November 25, 2023 |website=Blabbermouth.net |language=en |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207220317/https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-we-will-move-forward-with-teemu-maantysari-as-guitar-player-for-megadeth |url-status=live}} That same month, Loureiro confirmed that he had left the band.{{cite web |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/kiko-loureiro-opens-up-about-decision-to-leave-megadeth |title=Kiko Loureiro Opens Up About His Decision To Leave Megadeth |date=November 29, 2023 |access-date=November 30, 2023 |work=Blabbermouth.net |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207220314/https://blabbermouth.net/news/kiko-loureiro-opens-up-about-decision-to-leave-megadeth |url-status=live}}

{{clear}}

Members

= Current =

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! width="120"| Name

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! width="130"| Instruments

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| Dave Mustaine

| {{hlist|1983–2002|2003–present}}{{Cite web |last=Wiederhorn |first=Jon |title=40 Years Ago: Dave Mustaine Fired From Metallica |url=https://loudwire.com/dave-mustaine-fired-from-metallica-anniversary/ |access-date=December 1, 2023 |website=Loudwire |language=en |date=April 11, 2023 |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095832/https://loudwire.com/dave-mustaine-fired-from-metallica-anniversary/ |url-status=live}}

| {{hlist|guitars|lead vocals|piano|bass}}{{Cite web |date=August 31, 2022 |title=Dave Mustaine On David Ellefson: 'The Guy That I Know And Love Was A Different Person' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-on-david-ellefson-the-guy-that-i-know-and-love-was-a-different-person |access-date=March 5, 2023 |website=Blabbermouth.net |language=en |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204075647/https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-on-david-ellefson-the-guy-that-i-know-and-love-was-a-different-person |url-status=live}}

| All Megadeth releases

{{CSS image crop|Image=Megadeth - Wacken Open Air 2023 28.jpg|bSize=575|cWidth=75|cHeight=75|oTop=55|oLeft=255}}

| James LoMenzo

| {{hlist|2006–2010|2021–present}}{{cite web |date=November 5, 2004 |title=Megadeth Tour Manager Talks About Drummer Nick Menza's Departure|url=https://bravewords.com/news/megadeth-tour-manager-talks-about-drummer-nick-menzas-departure/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227092438/https://bravewords.com/news/megadeth-tour-manager-talks-about-drummer-nick-menzas-departure/ |archive-date=December 27, 2014 |access-date=February 12, 2025 |work=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles}}

| {{hlist|bass|backing vocals}}

| {{hlist|United Abominations (2007)|Endgame (2009)|"Delivering the Goods" (2022) {{small|(Non-album single)}}}}

{{CSS image crop|Image=Megadeth - Wacken Open Air 2023 02.jpg|bSize=775|cWidth=75|cHeight=75|oTop=205|oLeft=355}}

| Dirk Verbeuren

| 2016–present {{small|(touring musician earlier in 2016)}}

| drums

| {{hlist|The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! (2022)|"Delivering the Goods" (2022) {{small|(Non-album single)}}}}

{{CSS image crop|Image=20180804 Wacken Wacken Open Air Wintersun 0132.jpg|bSize=325|cWidth=75|cHeight=75|oTop=105|oLeft=67}}

| Teemu Mäntysaari

| 2023–present {{Small|(touring musician earlier in 2023)}}

|{{hlist|guitars|backing vocals}}

| none to date

= Former =

class="wikitable sortable" width=100%
class=unsortable width="75"| Image

! width="120"| Name

! width="110"| Years active

! width="130"| Instruments

! class=unsortable| Release contributions

| Matt Kisselstein

| rowspan="5"|1983

| bass

| rowspan="2" |none

| Robbie McKinney{{Cite web |title=Scorpion Q+A |url=https://megadeth.com/scorpion-qa/2008/439772/ |access-date=September 9, 2023 |website=Megadeth.com |language=en-US |archive-date=November 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111171043/https://megadeth.com/scorpion-qa/2008/439772/ |url-status=live}}

| guitars

| Lor Kane{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/how-did-megadeth-get-band-name/|title=How Did Megadeth Get Their Band Name?|date=August 23, 2023|access-date=February 14, 2025|work=Loudwire|last=DiVita|first=Joe|archive-date=October 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006190803/https://loudwire.com/how-did-megadeth-get-band-name/|url-status=live}}

| vocals

| rowspan="3" | Unreleased 1983 demo

| Greg Handevidt{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/megadeth-greg-handevidt|title="I'd hear Dave Mustaine aimlessly riffing on the couch, and it's the riffs that ended up on the first two Megadeth – and, frankly, Metallica – records": Megadeth's first lead guitarist Greg Handevidt on the birth of a metal institution|last=Daly|first=Andrew|work=Guitar World|date=August 2, 2023|access-date=September 1, 2023|archive-date=August 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230808102406/https://www.guitarworld.com/features/megadeth-greg-handevidt|url-status=live}}

| guitars

| Richard Girod

| drums

{{CSS image crop|Image=Megadeth @ Arena Joondalup.jpg|bSize=320|cWidth=75|cHeight=75|oTop=35|oLeft=126}}

| David Ellefson

| {{hlist|1983–2002|2010–2021}}

| {{hlist|bass|backing vocals}}

| {{hlist|All Megadeth releases from the unreleased 1983 demo to Rude Awakening (2002) and from Rust in Peace Live (2010) to Dystopia (2016)

| John Cyriis

| rowspan="2"|1983

| rowspan="2"|lead vocals

| rowspan="4"|none

|Billy Bonds
|Brett Frederickson{{cite web|url=https://www.heritagefuneralchapels.com/obituaries/Brett-Douglas-Frederickson?obId=4069973|title=Obituary information for Brett Douglas Frederickson|work=Heritage Funeral Chapels|access-date=December 2, 2023|archive-date=December 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204075648/https://www.heritagefuneralchapels.com/obituaries/Brett-Douglas-Frederickson?obId=4069973|url-status=live}}

|1983 {{small|(died 2019)}}

| rowspan="4"|drums

| Dijon Carruthers

|1983

| Lee Rauch

| 1984 {{small|(died 2023)}}

| Last Rites (contested){{cite web |title=David Ellefson Sets Record Straight: Lee Rauch 'Never Did Any Studio Recordings With' Megadeth |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/david-ellefson-sets-record-straight-lee-rauch-never-did-any-studio-recordings-with-megadeth |website=Blabbermouth |access-date=January 17, 2024 |date=June 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221010405/https://blabbermouth.net/news/david-ellefson-sets-record-straight-lee-rauch-never-did-any-studio-recordings-with-megadeth |url-status=live}}

| Gar Samuelson

| 1984–1987 {{small|(died 1999)}}

| {{hlist|Last Rites (contested)|Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! (1985)|Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? (1986)}}

{{CSS image crop|Image=Chris_Poland.png|bSize=250|cWidth=75|cHeight=75|oTop=50|oLeft=55}}

| Chris Poland

| {{hlist|1984–1985|1985–1987|1990 {{small|(session only)}}|2004 {{small|(session only)}}}}

| rowspan="4" |guitars

| {{hlist|Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! (1985)|Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? (1986)|Rust in Peace (1990) (bonus tracks only)|The System Has Failed (2004)}}

| Mike Albert

| 1985

| rowspan="2"|none

{{CSS image crop |Image=Kurdt Vanderhoof and Jay.jpg |bSize=425 |cWidth=75 |cHeight=75 |oTop=77 |oLeft=58}}

| Jay Reynolds

| 1987

{{CSS image crop|Image=Jeff Young.jpg|bSize=260|cWidth=75|cHeight=75|oTop=45|oLeft=92}}

| Jeff Young

| rowspan="2" |1987–1989

| rowspan="2" |So Far, So Good... So What! (1988)

| Chuck Behler

| drums

| Nick Menza

| {{hlist|1989–1998|2004 {{small|(died 2016)}}}}

| {{hlist|drums|backing vocals}}

| all Megadeth releases from Rust in Peace (1990) to Cryptic Writings (1997)

{{CSS image crop|Image=Marty Friedman 13.jpg|bSize=300|cWidth=75|cHeight=75|oTop=25|oLeft=110}}

| Marty Friedman

| 1990–2000 {{Small|(guest at two shows in 2023)}}

| {{hlist|guitars|backing vocals}}

| all Megadeth releases from Rust in Peace (1990) to Risk (1999)

{{CSS image crop |Image=Black_Star_Riders_%E2%80%93_Wacken_Open_Air_2014_17.jpg |bSize=500 |cWidth=75 |cHeight=75 |oTop=102 |oLeft=200}}

| Jimmy DeGrasso

| 1998–2002

| drums

| {{hlist|Risk (1999)|The World Needs a Hero (2001)|Rude Awakening (2002)}}

{{CSS image crop|Image=Savatage - Wacken Open Air 2015-0982.jpg|bSize=475|cWidth=75|cHeight=75|oTop=155|oLeft=150}}

| Al Pitrelli

| 2000–2002

| {{hlist|guitars|backing vocals}}

| {{hlist|The World Needs a Hero (2001)|Unplugged in Boston (2021)|Rude Awakening (2002)}}

|Jimmie Lee Sloas

| rowspan="2" |2004

|bass

| rowspan="2" |The System Has Failed (2004)

{{CSS image crop|Image=Vinnie_Colaiuta_crop.jpg|bSize=250|cWidth=75|cHeight=75|oTop=50|oLeft=85}}

|Vinnie Colaiuta

|drums

{{CSS image crop |Image=Glen_Drover_performing_in_Dubai_with_Megadeth_2005.jpg |bSize=250 |cWidth=75 |cHeight=75 |oTop=50 |oLeft=78}}

| Glen Drover

| 2004–2008

| {{hlist|guitars|backing vocals}}

| {{hlist|That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires (2005)|Gigantour (2006)|United Abominations (2007)}}

| James MacDonough

| 2004–2006

| {{hlist|bass|backing vocals}}

| {{hlist|That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires (2005)|Gigantour (2006)}}

| Shawn Drover

| 2004–2014

| {{Hlist|drums|backing vocals}}

| all Megadeth releases from That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires (2005) to Countdown to Extinction: Live (2013)

{{CSS image crop|Image=Priest feast 28 - megadeth 11 (3348971303).jpg|bSize=250|cWidth=75|cHeight=75|oTop=12|oLeft=67}}

| Chris Broderick

| 2008–2014

| {{hlist|guitars|backing vocals}}

| All Megadeth releases from Endgame (2009) to Super Collider (2013)

{{CSS image crop|Image=Megadeth - Wacken Open Air 2023 22.jpg|bSize=405|cWidth=75|cHeight=75|oTop=45|oLeft=140}}

| Kiko Loureiro

|2015–2023

|{{hlist|guitars|backing vocals|piano|flute}}

|{{hlist|Dystopia (2016)|The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! (2022)|"Delivering the Goods" (2022) (Non-album single)}}

{{CSS image crop|Image=2015 RiP Lamb of God - Chris Adler by 2eight - 3SC5483.jpg|bSize=190|cWidth=75|cHeight=75|oTop=30|oLeft=75}}

| Chris Adler

| 2015–2016

| drums

| Dystopia (2016)

Other contributors

= Session =

class="wikitable sortable" width=100%
class=unsortable width="75"| Image

! width="120"| Name

! width="110"| Years active

! width="130"| Instruments

! class=unsortable| Release contributions

{{CSS image crop|Image=Camp Freddy - Steve Jones - 2008.jpg|bSize=275|cWidth=75|cHeight=75|oTop=25|oLeft=125}}

| Steve Jones

| 1988 {{Small|(guest)}}

| guitar solo on "Anarchy in the U.K."{{Cite web |date=February 28, 2005 |title=Megadeth Mainman Refused Ex-Pistols Guitarist's Sexual Demands |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-mainman-refused-ex-pistols-guitarist-s-sexual-demands/ |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Blabbermouth.net |language=en |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408161609/https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-mainman-refused-ex-pistols-guitarist-s-sexual-demands |url-status=live}}

| So Far, So Good... So What! (1988)

| Jimmie Wood

| 1994

| harmonica on "Train of Consequences" and "Elysian Fields"

| Youthanasia (1994){{Cite AV media notes |id=7243 8 29004 1 2 |publisher=Capitol Records |others=Megadeth |title=Youthanasia |type=liner notes |year=1994}}

| Bob Findley

| {{hlist|2001|2013}}

| {{hlist|trumpet on "Silent Scorn"|horn on "A House Divided"}}

| {{hlist|The World Needs a Hero (2001)|Super Collider (2013)}}{{Cite AV media notes |id=06076-84503-2|publisher=Sanctuary Records |title=The World Needs A Hero |year=2001 |type=liner notes |others=Megadeth}}

| Heather Keckler

| 2001

| spoken word on "The World Needs a Hero" and "1000 Times Goodbye"

| rowspan="3" |The World Needs a Hero (2001)

| Suzie Katayama

| 2001

| strings on "Promises" and "Losing My Senses"

| Ken Mary

| 2001

| rowspan="2"|Pro Tools

{{CSS image crop |Image=Chrisvrennadrums.jpg |bSize=700 |cWidth=75 |cHeight=75 |oTop=155 |oLeft=360}}

| Chris Vrenna

| 2001–2002

| {{hlist|The World Needs a Hero (2001)|Killing is My Business... Remastered (2018)}}

| Tim Akers

| rowspan="10" |2004

| keyboards

| rowspan="10" |The System Has Failed (2004){{Cite AV media notes |id=2927-2 |publisher=Sum Records |others=Megadeth |title=The System Has Failed |year=2004 |type=liner notes}}

| Darien Bennet

| additional vocals on "Blackmail the Universe"

| Michael Davis

| sound effects

| Lance Dean

| rowspan="2"|additional vocals

| Scott Harrison
| Celeste Amber Montague

| additional vocals on "Blackmail the Universe"

| Justis Mustaine

| backing spoken word vocals

| Ralph Patlan

| {{hlist|additional vocals|spoken word}}

| Robert Venable

| additional vocals

| Jonathan Yudkin

| {{hlist|strings|banjo}}

| Eric Darken

| {{Hlist|2004|2016|2022}}

| percussion

| {{Hlist|The System Has Failed (2004)|Dystopia (2016)|The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! (2022)}}{{Cite AV media notes | id=B0024164-02 |publisher=T-Boy Records |year=2016 |others=Megadeth |title=Dystopia |type=liner notes}}

| Charlie Judge

| {{Hlist|2004|2016}}

| {{hlist|keyboards|orchestral arrangements}}

| {{hlist|The System Has Failed (2004)|Dystopia (2016)}}

| Chris Rodriguez

| {{Hlist|2004–2011|2016}}

| backing vocals

| {{hlist|The System Has Failed (2004)|United Abominations (2007)|Endgame (2009)|Thirteen (2011)|Dystopia (2016)}}{{Cite AV media notes |id=RR 8029-2|publisher=Roadrunner Records |others=Megadeth |title=United Abominations |year=2007 |type=liner notes}}{{Cite AV media notes |id=RR 7885-2 |publisher=Roadrunner Records |year=2009 |others=Megadeth |title=Endgame |type=liner}}{{Cite AV media notes |id=1686-177002 |publisher=Roadrunner Records |title=Th1rt3en |others=Megadeth |type=liner notes |year=2011}}

{{CSS image crop |Image=Masterplan - Wacken Open Air 2023 38.jpg |bSize=600 |cWidth=75 |cHeight=75 |oTop=55 |oLeft=295}}

| Axel Mackenrott

| rowspan="4" |2007

| keyboards

| rowspan="4" |United Abominations (2007)

{{CSS image crop|Image=Cristina Scabbia Cropped.jpg|bSize=150|cWidth=75|cHeight=75|oTop=25|oLeft=25}}

| Cristina Scabbia

| guest vocals on "À Tout le Monde (Set Me Free)"

| Brett Caldas-Lima

| rowspan="2"|spoken word vocals on "United Abominations"

| Marie Soler
| Chris Clancy

| rowspan="2"|2009

| backing vocals

| rowspan="2"|Endgame (2009)

| Mark Newby-Robson

| keyboards on "The Hardest Part of Letting Go...Sealed with a Kiss"

{{CSS image crop|Image=Disturbed - Rock am Ring 2016 -2016155182402 2016-06-03 Rock am Ring - Sven - 1D X - 0147 - DV3P9519 mod.jpg|bSize=200|cWidth=75|cHeight=75|oTop=10|oLeft=50}}

| David Draiman

| rowspan="7"|2013

| vocals on "Dance in the Rain"

| rowspan="7"|Super Collider (2013){{Cite AV media notes |title=Super Collider |id=0602537396795 | publisher=Tradecraft |others=Megadeth |year=2013 |type=liner notes}}

| Yao Zhao

| cello on "Dance in the Rain"

| Tom Cunningham

| {{hlist|fiddle on "The Blackest Crow"|violin on "Dance in the Rain"}}

| The Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band (Brian Costello, Sean Costello, Mary Kate Peterson)

| bagpipes on "Built for War"

| Electra Mustaine

| backing vocals on "Forget to Remember" and "Beginning of Sorrow"

| Sarah Phelps

| backing vocals on "Beginning of Sorrow"

| Willie Gee

| guest speaker on "The Blackest Crow"

{{CSS image crop|Image=Farah Siraj at Windmill Craftworks, Bangalore.jpg|bSize=310|cWidth=75|cHeight=75|oTop=30|oLeft=230}}

| Farah Siraj

| rowspan="3" |2015

| vocals on "The Threat Is Real" and "Poisonous Shadows"

| rowspan="3" |Dystopia (2016)

| Miles Doleac

| voiceover in "Conquer or Die!"

| Blair Masters

| {{Hlist|keyboards|programming}}

{{CSS image crop |Image=20140608 Gelsenkirchen RockHard 0924.jpg |bSize=475 |cWidth=75 |cHeight=75 |oTop=130 |oLeft=180}}

| Steve Di Giorgio

| rowspan="10" | 2021

| bass

| rowspan="10" |The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! (2022){{Cite AV media notes |id=B0034810-02 |publisher=UMe |others=Megadeth|title=The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! |type=liner notes |year=2022}}

{{CSS image crop|Image=Body Count feat. Ice-T With Full Force 2018 04.jpg|bSize=400|cWidth=75|cHeight=75|oTop=8|oLeft=164}}

| Ice-T

| guest vocals on "Night Stalkers"

{{CSS image crop |Image=San Francisco Trip - Sammy Hagar.jpg |bSize=140 |cWidth=75 |cHeight=75 |oTop=45 |oLeft=37}}

| Sammy Hagar

| guest vocals on "This Planet's on Fire"

| Brandon Ray

| additional vocals on "The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead!", "Life in Hell", "Sacrifice", "Junkie", "Killing Time", "Soldier On!", "Célebutante", "Mission to Mars" and "We'll Be Back"

{{CSS image crop |Image=Limanorwich_2014-03-02_14-03.jpg |bSize=350 |cWidth=75 |cHeight=75 |oTop=10 |oLeft=40}}

| Roger Lima

| {{Hlist|keyboards|effects}}

| Luliia Tikhomirova

| voices on "Dogs of Chernobyl"

| Bill Elliot

| voices on "Junkie"

| John Clement

| voices on "Soldier On!" and "Mission to Mars"

| The Marching Metal Bastards

| voices on "Soldier On!"

| Maila Kaarina Rantanen

| voices on "Mission to Mars"

= Live =

class="wikitable sortable" width=100%
class=unsortable width="75"| Image

! width="120"| Name

! width="110"| Years active

! width="130"| Instruments

! class=unsortable| Notes

{{CSS image crop|Image=Slayer München 2016 (3 von 6).jpg|bSize=350|cWidth=75|cHeight=75|oTop=75|oLeft=90}}

| Kerry King

| 1984 {{Small|(guest 2010)}}

| rowspan="1"|guitars

| Slayer guitarist Kerry King performed with the band when Mustaine became lead singer but did not join full time due to his commitment to Slayer. He later guested with the band in 2010.{{Cite web |last= |date=2010-10-25 |title=KERRY KING On Playing With MEGADETH Again: 'I Never In A Million Years Thought It Would Happen' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/kerry-king-on-playing-with-megadeth-again-i-never-in-a-million-years-thought-it-would-happen |access-date=2024-11-07 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}

| Tony Laureano

| 2015–2016

| drums

| Laureano substituted for Chris Adler when the latter's schedule wouldn't permit him to play.{{Cite web |date=April 29, 2016 |title=Megadeth Feat. Drummer Tony Laureano: Video Footage Of Puerto Rico Concert |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-feat-drummer-tony-laureano-video-footage-of-puerto-rico-concert/ |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Blabbermouth.net |language=en |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211184215/https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-feat-drummer-tony-laureano-video-footage-of-puerto-rico-concert |url-status=live}}

Timeline

{{#tag:timeline|

ImageSize = width:900 height:auto barincrement:20

PlotArea = left:115 bottom:100 top:10 right:10

Alignbars = justify

DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy

Period = from:06/01/1983 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}}

TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy

Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3

ScaleMajor = increment:4 start:1984

ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1984

Colors =

id:lvocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals

id:bvocals value:pink legend:Backing_vocals

id:guitars value:green legend:Guitars

id:keys value:purple legend:Piano,_keyboards

id:bass value:blue legend:Bass

id:drums value:orange legend:Drums

id:session value:skyblue legend:Session_members

id:touring value:yellow legend:Touring_members

id:studio value:black legend:Studio_albums

id:bars value:gray(0.9)

id:dead value:yellow

BackgroundColors = bars:bars

LineData =

Layer:back color:studio

at:06/12/1985

at:09/19/1986

at:01/19/1988

at:09/24/1990

at:07/14/1992

at:11/01/1994

at:06/17/1997

at:08/31/1999

at:05/15/2001

at:09/14/2004

at:05/15/2007

at:09/15/2009

at:11/01/2011

at:06/04/2013

at:01/22/2016

at:09/02/2022

BarData =

bar:Lor text:"Lor Kane"

bar:Bonds text:"Billy Bonds"

bar:John text:"John Cyriis"

bar:Mustaine text:"Dave Mustaine"

bar:McKinney text:"Robbie McKinney"

bar:Handevidt text:"Greg Handevidt"

bar:King text:"Kerry King"

bar:Poland text:"Chris Poland"

bar:Albert text:"Mike Albert"

bar:Reynolds text:"Jay Reynolds"

bar:Young text:"Jeff Young"

bar:Friedman text:"Marty Friedman"

bar:Pitrelli text:"Al Pitrelli"

bar:Glen text:"Glen Drover"

bar:Broderick text:"Chris Broderick"

bar:Loureiro text:"Kiko Loureiro"

bar:Mäntysaari text:"Teemu Mäntysaari"

bar:Kisselstein text:"Matt Kisselstein"

bar:Ellefson text:"David Ellefson"

bar:Sloas text:"Jimmie Lee Sloas"

bar:MacDonough text:"James MacDonough"

bar:LoMenzo text:"James LoMenzo"

bar:Giorgio text:"Steve Di Giorgio"

bar:Carruthers text:"Dijon Carruthers"

bar:Girod text:"Richard Girod"

bar:Frederickson text:"Brett Frederickson" †

bar:Rauch text:"Lee Rauch" †

bar:Samuelson text:"Gar Samuelson" †

bar:Behler text:"Chuck Behler"

bar:Menza text:"Nick Menza" †

bar:DeGrasso text:"Jimmy DeGrasso"

bar:Colaiuta text:"Vinnie Colaiuta"

bar:Shawn text:"Shawn Drover"

bar:Adler text:"Chris Adler"

bar:Laureano text:"Tony Laureano"

bar:Verbeuren text:"Dirk Verbeuren"

bar:Akers text:"Tim Akers"

bar:Judge text:"Charlie Judge"

bar:Axel text:"Axel Mackenrott"

bar:Masters text:"Blair Masters"

bar:Rodriguez text:"Chris Rodriguez"

PlotData=

width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(0,-4)

color:dead

bar:Rauch from:06/23/2023 till:06/23/2023 text:†

bar:Samuelson from:07/14/1999 till:07/14/1999 text:†

bar:Menza from:05/21/2016 till:05/21/2016 text:†

bar:Frederickson from:06/26/2019 till:06/26/2019 text:†

color:lvocals

bar:Lor from:start till:07/01/1983

bar:John from:09/01/1983 till:11/01/1983

bar:Bonds from:11/01/1983 till:12/15/1983

bar:Mustaine from:12/31/1983 till:04/03/2002 width:3

bar:Mustaine from:10/23/2003 till:end width:3

color:Guitars

bar:Mustaine from:start till:04/03/2002

bar:Mustaine from:10/23/2003 till:end

bar:Mustaine from:01/07/2009 till:09/15/2009 width:7

bar:McKinney from:start till:07/01/1983

bar:Handevidt from:07/01/1983 till:09/01/1983

bar:King from:12/15/1983 till:04/18/1984

bar:Poland from:12/01/1984 till:06/01/1985

bar:Albert from:06/25/1985 till:09/19/1985

bar:Poland from:09/27/1985 till:06/20/1987

bar:Poland from:11/01/1989 till:02/01/1990

bar:Poland from:10/23/2003 till:07/01/2004

bar:Reynolds from:06/21/1987 till:08/02/1987

bar:Young from:08/03/1987 till:01/01/1989

bar:Friedman from:02/01/1990 till:01/14/2000

bar:Pitrelli from:01/16/2000 till:04/03/2002

bar:Glen from:09/11/2004 till:11/30/2007

bar:Broderick from:01/01/2008 till:11/26/2014

bar:Loureiro from:04/02/2015 till:11/19/2023

bar:Mäntysaari from:09/05/2023 till:end

color:keys

bar:Mustaine from:12/01/1984 till:06/23/1987 width:7

bar:Mustaine from:01/07/2009 till:09/15/2009 width:7

bar:Akers from:05/01/2004 till:07/01/2004

bar:Judge from:05/01/2004 till:07/01/2004

bar:Axel from:04/19/2006 till:01/18/2007

bar:Masters from:04/01/2015 till:07/31/2015

bar:Judge from:04/01/2015 till:01/22/2016

bar:Loureiro from:04/02/2015 till:11/19/2023 width:7

color:Bass

bar:Kisselstein from:start till:07/01/1983

bar:Ellefson from:07/01/1983 till:04/03/2002

bar:Sloas from:10/23/2003 till:07/01/2004

bar:MacDonough from:09/11/2004 till:02/10/2006

bar:LoMenzo from:03/01/2006 till:02/07/2010

bar:Ellefson from:02/08/2010 till:05/14/2021

bar:Giorgio from:06/17/2021 till:12/31/2021

bar:LoMenzo from:08/11/2021 till:end

color:Drums

bar:Carruthers from:start till:08/05/1983

bar:Girod from:08/06/1983 till:09/30/1983

bar:Carruthers from:09/30/1983 till:11/15/1983

bar:Frederickson from:11/01/1983 till:11/30/1983

bar:Rauch from:12/15/1983 till:04/30/1984

bar:Samuelson from:06/01/1984 till:06/20/1987

bar:Behler from:04/01/1987 till:07/01/1989

bar:Menza from:07/01/1989 till:07/01/1998

bar:DeGrasso from:07/01/1998 till:04/03/2002

bar:Colaiuta from:10/23/2003 till:06/30/2004

bar:Menza from:06/20/2004 till:10/16/2004

bar:Shawn from:10/17/2004 till:11/25/2014

bar:Menza from:12/01/2014 till:12/31/2014

bar:Adler from:03/29/2015 till:07/03/2016

bar:Laureano from:10/06/2015 till:04/28/2016

bar:Verbeuren from:05/20/2016 till:end

color:bvocals width:3

bar:Ellefson from:12/31/1983 till:04/03/2002

bar:Menza from:07/01/1989 till:07/01/1998

bar:Friedman from:09/24/1990 till:01/14/2000

bar:Pitrelli from:01/16/2000 till:04/01/2002

bar:MacDonough from:09/11/2004 till:02/10/2006

bar:Glen from:09/11/2004 till:11/30/2007

bar:Menza from:06/20/2004 till:10/16/2004

bar:Shawn from:10/17/2004 till:11/25/2014

bar:LoMenzo from:03/01/2006 till:02/07/2010

bar:Broderick from:01/01/2008 till:11/26/2014

bar:Ellefson from:02/08/2010 till:05/14/2021

bar:Loureiro from:04/02/2015 till:11/19/2023

bar:LoMenzo from:08/11/2021 till:end

bar:Rodriguez from:05/01/2004 till:11/01/2011 width:11

bar:Rodriguez from:04/01/2015 till:01/22/2016 width:11

bar:Mäntysaari from:09/05/2023 till:end

color:Session

bar:Poland from:11/01/1989 till:02/01/1990

bar:Poland from:10/23/2003 till:07/01/2004

bar:Akers from:05/01/2004 till:07/01/2004

bar:Judge from:05/01/2004 till:07/01/2004

bar:Judge from:04/01/2015 till:01/22/2016

bar:Axel from:04/19/2006 till:01/18/2007

bar:Masters from:04/01/2015 till:07/31/2015

bar:Rodriguez from:05/01/2004 till:11/01/2011

bar:Rodriguez from:04/01/2015 till:01/22/2016

bar:Giorgio from:06/17/2021 till:12/31/2021

color:touring

bar:King from:12/15/1983 till:04/18/1984 width:3

bar:Behler from:04/01/1987 till:06/20/1987 width:3

bar:DeGrasso from:07/01/1998 till:01/01/1999 width:3

bar:Laureano from:10/06/2015 till:04/28/2016 width:3

bar:Verbeuren from:05/20/2016 till:07/15/2016 width:3

bar:LoMenzo from:08/11/2021 till:05/31/2022 width:7

bar:Mäntysaari from:09/05/2023 till:11/19/2023 width:7

}}

Line-ups

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"

! scope="col" style="width:20em;" |Period

! scope="col" style="width:30em;" |Members

! scope="col" style="width:28em;" |Studio releases

April–June 1983
{{Small|(as Fallen Angels)}}

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar
  • Matt Kisselstein – bass
  • Lor Kane – vocals
  • Robbie McKinney – guitar

|rowspan="6" |none {{Small|– rehearsals only}}

ca. June 1983
{{Small|(as Megadeth)}}

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar
  • Matt Kisselstein – bass
  • Lor Kane – vocals
  • Robbie McKinney – guitar
ca. June 1983

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar
  • Lor Kane – vocals
  • Greg Handevidt – guitars
ca. June 1983

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar
  • Lor Kane – vocals
  • David Ellefson - bass
  • Greg Handevidt – guitars
June–July 1983

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar
  • Lor Kane – vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass
  • Dijon Carruthers – drums
Summer 1983

|

  • Dave Mustaine – lead guitar
  • Lor Kane – vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass
  • Greg Handevidt – guitar
  • Dijon Carruthers – drums{{cite web |title=DAVID ELLEFSON Says He Is Technically A Founding Member Of MEGADETH|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/david-elefson-says-he-is-technically-a-founding-member-of-megadeth |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=October 2, 2024 |date=February 6, 2016}}{{cite web |title=David Ellefson & Jeff Young: Megadeth’s ‘So Far, So Good…So What!” Album: The Origin Story of Megadeth – 2022 – Kings of Thrash|url=https://fullinbloom.com/david-ellefson-jeff-young-megadeths-so-far-so-goodso-what-album-the-origin-story-of-megadeth-2022-kings-of-thrash/ |website=Full in Bloom |access-date=March 31, 2025}}
Summer 1983

|

  • Dave Mustaine – lead guitar
  • Lor Kane – vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass
  • Greg Handevidt – guitar
  • Richard Girod – drums

| Unreleased demo

July–August 1983

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar
  • David Ellefson – bass
  • Greg Handevidt – guitar
  • Richard Girod – drums

| rowspan="5" |none {{Small|– rehearsals only}}

August–September 1983

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar
  • David Ellefson – bass
  • Greg Handevidt – guitar
  • Dijon Carruthers – drums
September–November 1983

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar
  • David Ellefson – bass
  • Dijon Carruthers – drums
  • John Cyriis – vocals{{cite web|url=https://www.themetalvoice.com/post/agent-steel-singer-i-was-brought-into-megadeth-early-on-to-crush-metallica-vocally-john-cyriis|work=The Metal Voice|date=March 2, 2023|title=Agent Steel Singer “I Was Brought Into Megadeth, Early On, To Crush Metallica Vocally” John Cyriis|access-date=February 15, 2025}}
November–December 1983

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar
  • David Ellefson – bass
  • Brett Frederickson – drums{{cite web|url=https://drummersrule.wordpress.com/2015/08/15/a-look-into-my-past/|work=Drummersrule|date=August 15, 2015|title=A look into my past…|access-date=December 23, 2024}}
ca. December 1983{{cite web|url=https://www.megadeth.com/blogs/news/dave-mustaine-on-vocals|work=Megadeth|date=January 13, 2021|title=Dave Mustaine on Vocals|access-date=March 20, 2025}}

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Lee Rauch – drums
  • Billy Bonds – vocals{{cite web|url=https://fullinbloom.com/megadeth-first-band-rehearsals-w-kerry-king-photos-posted-online-curly-joes-studio-l-a-83-84/|work=Full in Bloom|title=Megadeth: First Band Rehearsals w/ Kerry King/Photos Posted Online @ Curly Joe’s Studio, L.A. ’83-’84|access-date=March 20, 2025}}
December 1983 − April 1984

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Lee Rauch – drums
  • Kerry King – guitar

| rowspan="1" |none {{Small|– live shows and rehearsals}}{{cite web|url=https://fullinbloom.com/megadeth-w-kerry-king-of-slayer-rehearsal-in-los-angeles-1984/|work=Full in Bloom|title=Megadeth w/ Kerry King of Slayer @ Rehearsal in Los Angeles (1984)|access-date=December 26, 2024}}

April–July 1984

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Lee Rauch – drums

| rowspan="1" |none {{Small|– rehearsals and 1984 demo}}

July–October 1984

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals

| rowspan="1" |none {{Small|– rehearsals only}}

October–December 1984

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Gar Samuelson – drums{{cite web|url=https://www.megadeth.com/blogs/news/on-this-day-in-1984|work=Megadeth|date=November 3, 2020|title=On This Day in 1984|access-date=December 26, 2024}}

| rowspan="1" |none {{Small|– live shows only}}

December 1984 – July 1985

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, piano, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Gar Samuelson – drums
  • Chris Poland – guitar

|

July–October 1985

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, piano, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Gar Samuelson – drums
  • Mike Albert – guitar

| rowspan="1" |none {{Small|– live shows only}}{{cite web|url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/5-songs-guitarists-need-to-hear-by-megadeth|title=5 songs guitarists need to hear by… Megadeth|date=April 17, 2021|accessdate=February 15, 2025|last=Horsley|first=Jonathan|work=Music Radar}}

October 1985 – June 1987

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, piano, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Gar Samuelson – drums
  • Chris Poland – guitar

|

  • Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? (1986)
  • "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" (1987)
    {{Small|(Dudes soundtrack)}}{{cite web |title=Former Megadeth Members David Ellefson And Chris Poland Reunite to Honor the Legacy of Drummer Gar Samuelson|url=https://www.sonicperspectives.com/news/former-megadeth-members-unite-to-honor-the-legacy-of-drummer-gar-samuelson/ |website=Sonic Perspective |access-date=March 29, 2023 |date=January 28, 2022}}
June–October 1987

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Chuck Behler – drums
  • Jay Reynolds – guitar

| rowspan="1" |none {{Small|– rehearsals only}}

October 1987 – January 1989

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Chuck Behler – drums
  • Jeff Young – guitar

|

January 1989 – July 1989

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Chuck Behler – drums

| rowspan="1" |Rust in Peace demos{{cite web|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/dave-mustaine-making-rust-peace-asking-slash-and-dimebag-join-megadeth/|title=Dave Mustaine on Making 'Rust in Peace,' Asking Slash and Dimebag to Join Megadeth|date=September 23, 2020|access-date=March 11, 2023|work=Revolver|archive-date=March 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311185616/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/dave-mustaine-making-rust-peace-asking-slash-and-dimebag-join-megadeth|url-status=live}}

July 1989 – November 1989

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Nick Menza – drums, backing vocals

|

November 1989 – February 1990

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Nick Menza – drums, backing vocals
  • Chris Poland – guitar

| rowspan="1" |Rust in Peace demos{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-megadeth-guitarist-chris-poland-is-working-on-liar-memoir/|title=Former Megadeth Guitarist Chris Poland Is Working On 'Liar' Memoir|date=December 21, 2019|access-date=March 11, 2023|work=Blabbermouth.net|archive-date=December 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215201123/https://blabbermouth.net/news/former-megadeth-guitarist-chris-poland-is-working-on-liar-memoir|url-status=live}}

February 1990 – July 1998

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Nick Menza – drums, backing vocals
  • Marty Friedman – guitar, backing vocals

|

July 1998 – January 2000

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Marty Friedman – guitar, backing vocals
  • Jimmy DeGrasso – drums

|

January 2000 – April 2002

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Jimmy DeGrasso – drums
  • Al Pitrelli – guitar, backing vocals

|

colspan="3" |Inactive from April 2002 – October 2003
October 2003 – May 2004

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals {{Small|(session)}}
  • Chris Poland – guitar {{Small|(session)}}
  • Jimmie Lee Sloas – bass {{Small|(session)}}
  • Vinnie Colaiuta – drums {{Small|(session)}}

|none {{Small|– sessions only}}

May–July 2004

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals {{Small|(session)}}
  • Chris Poland – guitar {{Small|(session)}}
  • Jimmie Lee Sloas – bass {{Small|(session)}}
  • Vinnie Colaiuta – drums {{Small|(session)}}
  • Tim Akers – keyboards {{Small|(session)}}
  • Charlie Judge – keyboards {{Small|(session)}}
  • Chris Rodriguez – backing vocals {{Small|(session)}}

|

July–September 2004

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • Nick Menza – drums, backing vocals{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/it-s-official-drummer-nick-menza-rejoins-megadeth|title=It's Official: Drummer NICK MENZA Rejoins MEGADETH|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=July 5, 2004|accessdate=February 12, 2025}}

|rowspan="2"|none {{Small|– rehearsals only}}

September–October 2004

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • Nick Menza – drums, backing vocals
  • James MacDonough – bass, backing vocals
  • Glen Drover – guitar, backing vocals
October 2004 – February 2006

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • James MacDonough – bass, backing vocals
  • Glen Drover – guitar, backing vocals
  • Shawn Drover – drums

| rowspan="2" |none {{Small|– live shows only}}

February–April 2006

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • Glen Drover – guitar, backing vocals
  • Shawn Drover – drums
  • James LoMenzo – bass, backing vocals
April 2006 – January 2007

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • Chris Rodriguez – backing vocals {{Small|(session)}}
  • Glen Drover – guitar, backing vocals
  • Shawn Drover – drums, backing vocals
  • James LoMenzo – bass, backing vocals
  • Axel Mackenrott – keyboards {{Small|(session)}}

|

January–November 2007

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • Glen Drover – guitar, backing vocals
  • Shawn Drover – drums
  • James LoMenzo – bass, backing vocals

|none {{Small|– live shows only}}

November 2007 – February 2010

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, piano, vocals
  • Shawn Drover – drums, backing vocals
  • James LoMenzo – bass, backing vocals
  • Chris Broderick – guitar, backing vocals

|

February 2010 – November 2011

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • Chris Rodriguez – backing vocals {{Small|(session)}}
  • Shawn Drover – drums, backing vocals
  • Chris Broderick – guitar, backing vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals

|

November 2011 – November 2014

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • Shawn Drover – drums, backing vocals
  • Chris Broderick – guitar, backing vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals

|

December 2014

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Nick Menza – drums

|none {{Small|– rehearsals only}}{{cite web |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/more-footage-of-nick-menza-and-david-ellefson-rehearsing-during-megadeths-failed-rust-in-peace-reunion-attempt|title=More Footage Of NICK MENZA And DAVID ELLEFSON Rehearsing During MEGADETH's Failed 'Rust In Peace' Reunion Attempt |date=May 15, 2015|access-date=April 19, 2025|via=Blabbermouth.net}}

2014

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Nick Menza – drums

| rowspan="1" |Dystopia demos{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezpgt724deI|title=Megadeth - Babylonian Ships (Demo) Feat: Nick Menza|date=August 9, 2021|access-date=April 19, 2025|via=YouTube}

April–July 2015

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Kiko Loureiro – guitar, backing vocals
  • Chris Adler – drums
  • Charlie Judge – keyboards {{Small|(session)}}
  • Blair Masters – keyboards {{Small|(session)}}
  • Chris Rodriguez – backing vocals {{Small|(session)}}

| rowspan="2" |

July 2015 – October 2015

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Kiko Loureiro – guitar, backing vocals
  • Chris Adler – drums
  • Tony Laureano – drums {{Small|(touring)}}
May–July 2016

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Kiko Loureiro – guitar, piano, backing vocals
  • Chris Adler – drums
  • Dirk Verbeuren – drums {{Small|(touring)}}

| rowspan="2" |none {{Small|– live shows only}}

July 2016 – May 2021

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
  • Kiko Loureiro – guitar, piano, backing vocals
  • Dirk Verbeuren – drums
May–June 2021

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals, bass
  • Kiko Loureiro – guitar, piano, backing vocals, flute
  • Dirk Verbeuren – drums

| rowspan="3" |

June–August 2021

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • Kiko Loureiro – guitar, piano, backing vocals, flute
  • Dirk Verbeuren – drums
  • Steve Di Giorgio – bass {{Small|(session)}}
August–December 2021

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • Kiko Loureiro – guitar, piano, backing vocals, flute
  • Dirk Verbeuren – drums
  • Steve Di Giorgio – bass {{Small|(session)}}
  • James LoMenzo – bass, backing vocals {{Small|(touring)}}
December 2021 – November 2023

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • Kiko Loureiro – guitar, piano, backing vocals
  • Dirk Verbeuren – drums
  • James LoMenzo – bass, backing vocals {{Small|(touring till May 2022)}}
  • Teemu Mäntysaari – guitar, backing vocals {{Small|(touring September 2023)}}

|

  • "Delivering the Goods" (2023) {{small|(single)}}
November 2023 – present

|

  • Dave Mustaine – guitar, vocals
  • Dirk Verbeuren – drums
  • James LoMenzo – bass, backing vocals
  • Teemu Mäntysaari – guitar, backing vocals

|

References

{{Reflist|30em}}

External links

{{commons category|Members of Megadeth}}

  • {{Official website|http://www.megadeth.com}}

{{Megadeth}}

Megadeth

Category:Articles which contain graphical timelines