Dave Mustaine Reflects on 'Countdown to Extinction'

Megadeth legend Dave Mustaine looks back on 'Countdown to Extinction' for its 30th anniversary.
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Music: Riffs Two by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)
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#Megadeth #DaveMustaine #CountdowntoExtinction #Loudwire #Thrash #Metal #Interview

[@bonbonvegabon]

This was the very first CD I ever owned. Got it for Xmas. I was in grade 9. Im almost 44 now and still listen to it

[@Manu-Official]

Can relate, Rust in Peace was the first CD I ever bought, still have it, still listen to it.

[@annetteslife]

I am almost 50 and still listen to it. I got it for myself as graduation gift

[@crazycajun868]

I'm 50 now and in the 8th grade Peace cells was my first.

[@gabrielbrouwer]

That’s not possible. 35 years ago was 1987.

[@annetteslife]

@@gabrielbrouwer it depends on what year he was born.

[@Delusional176]

It's crazy to think that I've been listening to Megadeth for over 30 years...It goes fast...Enjoy the ride!

[@PhantomDeth]

I wish Dave would do more interviews.. I like hearing his views and ideas on stuff.

[@thekitchenoccultist]

Without mentioning the Voldomort of the conversation I think I understand why he doesn't. It always gets brought up ya know?

[@PhantomDeth]

@@thekitchenoccultist Wasn't here.. What else is there to say?.. That's not it though.. He just hasn't done as many interviews over the last few years that he did before.. He would pretty much do an interview or a few with outlets at near every single stop on the tours.. Much rarer now. Obviously he had things going on personally as well as working away on the new stuff to do it much.. Ellefson sort of filled that role.. But it seems now that Ellefson is out the other guys are stepping up to do more interviews and discussing Megadeth for most of those interviews.. Because it would usually be just a question or two they would get then it would be thing about pre-Megadeth or side projects.. The side project actually being more of a focus because well you've got to push the stuff somehow.. Thats was Ellefson would do.. He would talk some Megadeth stuff.. But then he'd talk about his coffee.. Or his side band.. Or playing with this person for this thing or a book he wrote ect.. So I missed the Mustaine interviews because they were really the only ones where Megadeth was the subject as well as himself and how he writes something or where the idea came from stuff like that.. Dirk recently had an interview and was very much talking honestly about everything including that he and guys in the band have had arguments and disagreements about stuff.. How he viewed Mustaine coming into this.. How he views him now.. What it's been like.. What his views are on the band the music.. What excites him about it ect.. Its all Megadeth stuff and it's great.. I haven't heard a drummer speak this way since Menza.. Dirk clearly wants to be there.. As Kiko does and they have gotten as involved in Megadeth creatively as Menza and Friedman did.. They will probably both end up being with the band much longer than both of those guys as well.. I think this meme of Megadeth being a revolving door is actually over with Ellefsons exit.. I think LoMenzo is very happy to be back and I think had Ellefson not returned he would still be there.. I understand there was some friction between him and Shawn Drover however and Drover being there longer and really trying to get Ellefson back instead was the reason for his original exit... So Drover bought a few more years with the band.. He was so uninspired though as a drummer same with Broderick on leads.. Just not interesting.. Broderick could really play to.. Just couldn't write for shit and just seemed creatively checked out like Drover... Made no real efforts to be a band.. Dirk and Kiko have made that effort and LoMenzo will fit right in with those guys.. Which is what Dirk has said in that interview.. That he and LoMenzo hit it off right away and he is looking forward to working with him over the future.. He didn't even need to talk about the playing really just that LoMenzo is extremely good.. He talks more about the things LoMenzo brings that were missing or not as strong as they are now.. Backing vocals for example.. He talks about that stuff.. The energy he feels with LoMenzos bass playing in the rhythm section.. I've love just an hour long sit down with Mustaine with an effort to ask him questions he's not had before about the nature of a Megadeth song.. What he looks for in new subjects to cover.. Why that clicked.. I have many questions to ask him which I can't... But having read, listened and watch many interviews from him over the years I think I have a pretty strong set of questions for him to dig around in.. I do think the Loudwire interviews have been good though.. Its not just more of the same boring questions they are asking more interesting things.

[@redwatch1100]

Dave is my biggest guitar influence.

[@Septicshites]

He’s a legend

[@fireadept007]

Same

[@pazuzu3933]

😎🤘

[@byeeeee554]

Nobody asked

[@Septicshites]

@@byeeeee554 bro why

[@mallreverb]

I met Dave once, I called him God and he said " I'm just a man, brother." Then he told me he liked my Pantera shirt.

[@brendzy]

Ive seen Megadeth in concert a few times, and every time it just makes me re-appreciate them all over again! I will forever appreciate Dave and what Megadeth did for the genre, even if I wasn't alive to see it happen.

[@washywashie]

It must be amazing to hear dave’s shrill, dying voice in person

[@BerserkersBattle-816]

I'm a 47yo grew up on Megadeth seen them 5 times! I also have been playing guitar since I was 13 and no one plays guitar like Dave mustaine and the Megadeth camp so I have learned 90 percent of his songs.

[@joeforster2255]

last time I saw them I walked out after 15 minutes they were so bad

[@brendzy]

@@washywashie you act like I asked your opinion. Move along lmao

[@brendzy]

@@joeforster2255 while that's sad to hear, not every concert is the same. My mom told me stories of seeing Metallica and G&R, and how awful those concerts were. Yet they draw crowds still. Im sorry that concert was so bad though. Idk I just think its luck of the draw with old school bands at this point

[@fraserriverfinds]

Black Rain was an amazing movie back in the day. Probably, still good.

[@sarrjel]

I could listen to Dave all day.

[@annetteslife]

The Marty Friedman and Nick Menza Megadeth lineup will always be my favorite lineup ever

[@chris_2714]

For sure! Rust in Peace is such an epic album. Marty is a phenomenal guitarist and Nick was killer on the drums (RIP Nick).

[@annetteslife]

@@chris_2714 absolutely

[@brando81]

Its fair to say that lineup was the best in metal. That era of Megadeth played so tight, the writing, the playing, everything.

[@annetteslife]

@@brando81 exactly. Thank you

[@shane8915]

@@brando81 I'd put this lineup up against ANY Metal band. Current or past! It wouldn't even be a contest.

[@gwillypdawg]

High speed dirt has to be my favourite song from the record and one of my all time favourite megadeth songs.

[@Aright231]

Yes! That song is so fun, it’s just you’re surfing on metal riffs…and the random unaccompanied acoustic guitar solo is so innovative and again, fun! Not bad for a thinly veiled song about cocaine 😂

[@blakejohnson6923]

I read some comment on that song, where the guy looked back fondly after blasting that song while riding his dirt bike. Now I forever will associate that song with someone just ripping around on a dirt bike. Funny how the mind works

[@f0ry0u81]

Dave Mustaine is a great conversationalist. Thank you for this interview 🤘

[@Watchout5035.]

I have Vic Rattlehead tattooed on my leg from that album 🤘🏻

[@danieldewitt6045]

Mustaine wants people to see the sense of humor in that album. Love that.

[@ashthegreat1]

Among the greatest metal albums of all time.

[@Michael_RareZebra]

Agreed!!!

[@stevenanderson9532]

Symphony of Destruction!

[@MikeysMorgue]

Ashes In Your Mouth is a killer song! They never play it! Dave needs to refresh the setlist, it's getting stale. Cool that they've been playing The Conjuring lately, though.

[@livinglikelarry5056]

Bro I see you EVERYWHERE! A true metal head 💀

[@fireadept007]

I saw them in 2007 on tour for UA and they actually played ashes in your mouth, I almost shit in my pants.

[@MikeysMorgue]

@@livinglikelarry5056 You have good taste in videos! Cheers! 🍻 🤘🏼

[@neil2706]

Same I kiko doing marty solos on that would be insane

[@TotalMeltdown2]

It would be cool to hear them play their cover of No More Mr Nice Guy. That's probably never going to happen though

[@oscargustavoarcosruiz8793]

Has it been 30 years? Damn! It seems like yesterday, I'm old! I used "Symphony of Destruction" as background music for a documentary I did in college about the city's slaughterhouse, it was a hit. Damn! 30 years!

[@itdidnotworkmichael]

I hear you man! I remember when I got this album on cassette as a kid and played it till I wore it out. I actually went to see them 10 years ago for the 20 year anniversary tour for this album. Doesn’t feel like it was that long ago!

[@oscargustavoarcosruiz8793]

@@itdidnotworkmichael Yeah man! XD

[@stylz1312]

Man I would kill for just a conversation with Dave, seems like such a chill dude.

[@billjannusch]

Megadeth forever rules..Hails Dave Mustaine. I've been a fan since 1985 when I was 13. I've seen you live about 15 times. I love every album. My favorites are "Killing Is My Business" and "Peace Sells" though, but I love them all.

[@TheSpencerThurston]

"Those pussies." RESPECT, Dave.

[@daBEAGLE1017]

Its the 21st anniversary For The World Needs A Hero. My favorite.

[@Joshua_Froschauer]

Such a cool fucking LP, for sure!!!

[@JeffScottKing]

My second favorite album of theirs (behind Rust in Peace).

[@DominickChirchirillo]

This record changed everything for me. It came out when I was in 6th grade. I listened to this tape non-stop to the point that the print on the cassette was rubbed off and you had to actually play the tape to find out which was side A or B. My 1st megadeth shirt was the countdown to extinction shirt where Vic is holding all the caged animals. I still love that record. Ashes In You Mouth!

[@countmackular4108]

"Train Of Consequences" was the last MegaDeth video MTV played in heavy rotation. Good to hear the story and understand why they fell out with MTV.

[@DAMNNATIONROCK]

My favorite metal album of all time. Saw them play the album live in its entirety a few years ago and it was a night I’ll never forget.

[@jamescavalera]

At that time (92), I was 16 yo. This album dropped in Europe like a bombshell. For me it's the most perfect album of Megadeth. I don't forget that we were a group of 30 friends who surfed on the beaches of Portugal at night guided by the bonfire and the radio by the sea playing this album. With the repeat on so the music never stops.... And now with 46 yo it's still one of my favorite albums.... You guys made a masterpiece....🎸🎸🎵🎶🤘

[@nosehair3717]

I was in a shop in Europe and asked for a Megadeth tape. They gave me Megadance.

[@williedevine697]

We never forget good times with great music and friends

[@adammalzahn7238]

Me also except less friends and it was USA😁

[@michael7v6]

For me it’s tied along with RIP

[@jamescavalera]

@@williedevine697 No doubt friend....

[@themetalone7739]

This was my first Megadeth album, and still my favorite. Found a copy on tape in a pawn shop, when I was 10, and listened to it the whole summer. Been a fan for 23 years now.

[@DaPoopIsInDaPudding]

Loved it. Now make the interview 10 hours longer.

[@metalmike570]

He's just an amazing guy and artist / musician. And husband and father too.

[@Voiceinthewoods]

black rain is a great movie one of my favorites.friend of mine was always ahead of music with me but one album i got over him and that was countdown to extinction .great album.

[@beandipcartography]

As a spokesman for the Metal Community, I must concur that Dave has our full support in his quest for the ultimate Metal.

[@grogu1986]

One of the best albums of the 90s. So excited for the new record 🤘

[@mightymadzak]

"Countdown..." is an incredible album. One of my favorites from Megadeth.

[@FKCENSORSHIP]

Well there goes my day... I'm officially old now. Countdown is 30!!!?????? 😭😭😭 It is one of my all time favorite albums 🤘

[@Kat-bu3bn]

Wtf?? No way. I swear I’m still in my twenties. 😉 Love the memories, hate being reminded I got older. lol

[@brianc1330]

Love the Facelift record in the back!

[@wsuvtx]

Yes from when AIC opened on the Clash of the Titans tour, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, and AIC. Excellent show in 1991.

[@nathanpoots6617]

@@wsuvtx thanks I was wondering

[@normie2716]

I kept looking at that, too. Alice paid their dues on that tour, no doubt.

[@theskullkidd3823]

Countdown to Extinction was the album that got me into Megadeth back in 1992 when it was released. Man I was 13 going on 14 when a classmate in drama class let me borrow his cassette of it and, I was like holy shit this was awesome. Man so many years ago and I am still a fan of Megadeth and I will continue to be.

[@FarBeyondDriven403]

Symphony of Destruction is my absolute favorite megadeth songs. I saw them on this tour even got to meet the band after the concert. Dave was receptive to all the people that got to say and meet them.

[@honorladone8682]

We love you Dave never forget that. Philadelphia USA

[@chudbrain3880]

loved Megadeth ever since I was a kid way back in the 80s, so long ago, Dave is starting to look like the guy on the album cover

[@assemcrghannam5920]

Architecture of aggression is pretty damn underrat3d

[@charliecooper5354]

Guhamed you never fackn change. Haven't tuned into Loudwire for some years

[@epasternak4206]

I saw this tour Pine Know Michigan, White Zombie, Pantera and Megadeth, what a show man.

[@lougaru2445]

That room Dave is in is gorgeous. He should do a video on interior decorating lol

[@tjabramosr7885]

His stage is flawless…

[@regandunn4850]

I like how dave cares about his fans and is never far away from the questions

[@jbellflower83]

I REMEMBER BLACK RAIN!! I used to watch that movie all the time as a kid. I always get a little pissed off to this day whenever I watch the scene where they killed Michael Douglas's partner. Awesome that Dave brought it up. 🤘

[@CS-mo7xp]

Long time Megadeath fan here, (back before most of you kiddies were even born) and I can confidently say Dave Mustang is a legend.

[@aarongomez2032]

Black Rain was awesome! Remember going to see that movie when I was a junior in HS then going over to the Golden Eight Ball pool hall at 27th Ave & Indian School in Phoenix and playing pool all night after. It was raining all night and foggy that night in Phoenix.

[@monickalynn4365]

Can't believe the "newer" Megadeth is 30 years back! Excellent album imo

[@reubenseldo1048]

Good to see you back, Gruhammed, my man!

[@Twotontessie]

Summer 92 remember painting houses and way up on ladders listening to the radio …. “Acting like a robot “ … couldn’t escape it that summer. Megadeth on the radio! I remember waiting in great anticipation for AIC “Dirt.” Rock was alive and well - for a little longer anyway. This was the last big push that I recall.

[@chocolatecookie8571]

Countdown to Extinsion and Youthanasia are for me the best Megadeth albums. I even had a big poster of the cover album Youthanasia in my teenage room. Megadeth really has some fascinating imagery 👌🏻

[@goldenfreddy-gj5wy]

I also had that same poster in our room, my bro had the cover of a Beavis and Butthead rolling stone mag on the wall too, people thought we were strange teens.

[@chocolatecookie8571]

@@goldenfreddy-gj5wy yeah man, those were good times 😊 Beavis & Butthead watching MTV: ‘Duh duhduh duh duuuuuh’ 😆

[@Miist3rDuce1]

@@chocolatecookie8571 now it's those stupid reality shows, MTV is about music not stupid reality shows

[@chocolatecookie8571]

@@Miist3rDuce1 MTV is dead and gone. It serves a whole other agenda these days. Better throw the tv out of the window

[@Jay_90.]

I like Rust in Peace!

[@man_arky]

Black rain wow...one of my favourite Michael Douglas movie's

[@damo9961]

Bought this on cassette in 95 when I was 12. One of my all time fav albums.

[@boybumbatso1582]

bought this in 94 I was 13! also on cassette! \m/

[@wolfgangfrost8043]

I hadn't thought about "Moto Psycho" / The World Needs A Hero in a long time until Dave brought it up here. I gotta put that one on for old times sake.

[@multiversos1]

Dave will always be a legend. Definitely up there with Attenborough.

[@FlippMasters]

I love Dave and can’t believe it’s been 30 years. He has had a huge impact on me

[@MyRealityIsProof]

Foreclosure of a Dream used to be my favorite Megadeth song. Now, I'll have to say it's Lucretia.

[@peterdavies4623]

If I had to pick 2 of the best tracks together, I'd say Lucretia followed by Tornedo of souls , absolutely guitar paradise

[@johnathonsteeel6922]

Dave pronouncing ‘yakuza’ correctly is something I never knew I needed

[@shawnstephens6795]

The knowledge and stories are amazing.

[@akshobiya7501]

Dave and his band got me through my garbage childhood. I love playing his music.

[@simonkormendy849]

Megadeth are currently my number one all-time favourite Heavy Metal band, and Dave Mustaine is my number one guitar hero, there, I've said it!!!

[@Lackesse]

My first and my favorite album of Megadeth!!! It was 1992/1993 when I listened to it first, I was 7 years old roughly. Still love the album I'm 38

[@robmichael8136]

So when Countdown came out I enjoyed the radio play stuff in my early teens and bought the cd, but I never gave much of a listen to the rest of it. A couple weeks ago I pulled a random CD out from my old collection and this is what it was. Im blown away and want to go back and kick my own ass back in the day. "High speed dirt" it randomized to first and then as the rest played in order from that I couldn't believe how amazing the rest of the songs were. Im blown away with everything. Incredible. Better late then never I guess.

[@joshuamarleytaveramontalvo9668]

I feel like Dave's interview about people wearing band merch they have no clue about is on point it's those damn Kardashians lol 😂😂😂

[@archibaldsalyards926]

After the BLACK RAIN reference, I'd love to know what are Daves favorite films??? Love the platform, thanks for the insights!

[@thescentman3678]

This album was soooooo on point. Man, just imagine to write 5 or 6 albums on this level...dream of every musician:-)j

[@HabAnagarek]

Not what I expected after Rust in Peace but I listened to that CD a lot back then, still have it.

[@aarona.4937]

Countdown To Extinction is one of many favorite albums of mine(Metal and Grunge)that were released in 1992.

[@Krrrimmi]

"Countdown" was my very 1st tape I ever bought in sophomore high. I bought it in March 1992. Brand new relesed then. & Mustaine, Friedman, Menza, & Ellefson was my favorite line-up of all time. 'Til now. 🤘💀🎸

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

I saw Megadeth when I was 18 in 1988, with Sabotage & Dio. UIC pavilion in Chicago. Great show.

[@jeffreybowers8149]

My first album was killing is my business and business is good I have been hooked every since

[@anthonyspencerii2013]

Pure Legend! Without Dave I wouldn't be a musician.

[@gregthomas1346]

Great guitarist, great band, great guy and legend

[@SatansLeadGuitarist]

I think a lot of people would disagree with the "great guy" thing

[@gregthomas1346]

@@SatansLeadGuitarist well he's had his issues with anger and maybe forgiveness for the way he was ousted from metallica and perhaps ellefson would agree with u, he's definitely not perfect but been a fan of his since the early days but I get wot ur saying

[@forensix78]

Mustaine really is on the “cutting edge of thrash”. A true riff lord! But he also has one of the most flawed and fragile egos in metal.

[@dragonleo_lemon7184]

I LOVE Dave Mustaine.

[@joeedirt676]

This is one of those albums I just put on repeat.

[@MelodyMaker218]

Great interview! Made me laugh!

[@metalheadcule]

Foreclosure of A dream is my favourite song.

[@TheHockeyDude27]

Read my lips, read my lips,

[@thomasjameshenderson8145]

Great to see a facelift (aic) plaque behind! They toured with him in clash of the titans tour.

[@dimebagdave77]

🔥Dave rules🔥 unfathomable that it's been THIRTY YEARS since I first heard Countdown..but here we are

[@jimmyguitar9873]

wheres the rest of this interview?? countdown is a masterpiece

[@hockeyeverything4339]

Listen to a large number of 80s born thrash bands, and most sound tight, technical and overall fantastic decades later. Then watch Motley Crue in 2022. They cant even stumble through a two chord song with teleprompters, and recorded vocals that is less than 4 min long

[@MasterChris666]

Love that album

[@bestboy897]

love dave. He's so fucking cool and funny in this interview.

[@dethpuck]

the symphony of destruction video changed my life. Made me a megadeth fan for life.

[@metalm4910]

Oh yeah I've seen Megadeth many times but I seen them for the very first time on The Countdown to Extinction tour along with Pantera they were touring their Vulgar Display of Power album at Pine Knob Amphitheater in Detroit 1993 it was one hell of a first concert for a 14-year-old I've never seen anything like it since and I have been to countless metal shows

[@timboslice1378]

Holy shit that was Dave's riff at the beginning of MTV news! And just short of one note! Im 43 and that JUST clicked! 🤯

[@funkyduck4743]

My first two CDs ever were Best of the Beast (Iron Maiden) and Countdown to extinction at a flea market. Thanks to my cousin for saying I should get those. Sick album, damn these Friedman years were so sick but I also like where Megadeth has gone since. 🤟

[@martyschriver]

Mine was the CD single for Holy Wars. Still got it🤘

[@JoinByron]

Dude is washing his feet while getting interviewed!!!! Classic Dave!!!

[@yohanloud2435]

This album is a gem. Definitely an influence on melodic death metal such as Carcass, Arch Enemy, Etc.

[@jameshusband3302]

I lost my countdown CD back around 2002 and it took me awhile to replace it. The day I got another copy I later went over to my buddies house and I started talking about megadeth and my friend said something like 'I haven't heard that in years'. I looked at him with a smirk and said 'then it is time for some skin o' my teeth', whipped out the CD and we rocked it. Good Times.

[@PC-ONE]

After "Non one can beat Adele" the video was cut. I can imagine Dave's reaction :)

[@hanglooserecluse]

Great album , great time of life for me. I was 16 / 17

[@eziomorte3380]

We are getting old lads! 30 years! wow!

[@MrBrian4109]

57 yr old Metal fan but only got into Megadeath during lockdowns. then I started learning 🎸🙂

[@iamgribs]

That's a great album. In regular rotation in my college years

[@jkbearhunter]

Been listening to Megadeth since 85, not my fav Deth album but i do like them all. Cant wait til The Sick, The Dying, and The Dead tour

[@artisanconcrete1212]

That was my first Megadeth album I bought and I got the shirt (it was a badass $30 shirt 😂) But to this day when I get a new audio system, I'll play Countdown to Extinction to test it out and give it a run for it's money! 🤘

[@mapzep]

Have to love Dave, grew up with MegaDeth..

[@anthonylynch4737]

Legend thank you..

[@patrickromanowilliams4878]

You mean to say that there's an uncut version of the Moto Psycho music video that I've never seen? WHERE!?

[@valentijnbenard2256]

Dave and I wear the same kind of glasses. My life is now complete.