More on Megadave
In an interview with the Quietus, Testament’s Chuck Billy and Alex Skolnick are asked about their relationship with Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine.
The Quietus: Speaking of MEGADETH, how was Dave Mustaine? Do you guys get on ok?
Alex Skolnick: “Dave and I have known each other a long time and he is, without a doubt, a very intense personality, so I could see how people might find that intimidating. He’s very interesting and at times during the tour he actually came to me for some tips.”
The Quietus: Really? So you’re saying that Dave Mustaine, No. 1 in Joel McIver‘s “100 Greatest Metal Guitarists” [book] came to you, No. 13, for guitar tuition?
Alex Skolnick: [laughs] “Well, I wasn’t aware of that, but yeah, I play in a jazz orchestra when I’m not doing this and we have very different styles, so Dave was looking for some help with jazz chords. What you need to know about Dave is that he always wants to improve and he is recording his new record as if it’s his first, which says a lot about how driven he is.”
Chuck Billy: “Dave and I have a lot of history too and basically at the heart of it he is a great guy. Sure, he has his good days and bad days just like anyone but I have always managed to have a joke with him. He’s just one of those people you need to catch right.”
The Quietus: Apparently he is “reborn.” How does that present itself?
Chuck Billy: “I guess it works for him.”
Alex Skolnick: “Yeah, it’s definitely not like he shoves it down anyone’s throat anyway. It’s a personal thing.”
Hah, yeah he has his off days. However, I find it cool that Mustaine took jazz progression lessons from Skolnick – who is an absolutely awesome guitarist and is my favorite student of the legendary Joe Satriani – alongside Metallica’s Kirk Hammett. He’s definitely one of the few guys in metal who dare to be different.
