Megadeth and other heavy metal bands will play Aug. 19 in Portland.
Dave Mustaine, the only remaining member of the heavy metal band Megadeth, has more in common with Mainers than they might realize. For one, the Californian has a strong affinity for hockey and is glad to see the NHL back in action.
Unfortunately, one of the elder spokesmen of heavy metal will not get to see any hockey games when the Megadeth-headlined Gigantour hits the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19.
Other groups on the bill include co-headliners Dream Theater, Fear Factory, Dillinger, Escape Plan and Nevermore on the main stage. Bands playing on the tour’s second stage are Life of Agony, Symphony X, Dry Kill Logic and Bobaflex.
During a recent phone interview, Mustaine mentioned another Maine tradition: the summer lobster season. Struggling to speak because of an upper-respiratory problem, he explained that while lobster is not one of his favorite foods, he does “try to be very indigenous and learn a little bit about the people” living wherever he visits. So, he indulges in one or two of the crustaceans whenever he comes to Maine.
In Megadeth’s 20-plus year history, its personnel lineup has undergone numerous changes. The current group consists of Mustaine, lead vocals and guitar; Glen Drover, guitar; James MacDonough, bass; and Shawn Drover, drums. This is at least the sixth version of the band which first appeared on the scene in 1983.
The face of Megadeth’s music has changed over the years, but the content has stayed the same, according to Mustaine. The band, which has traveled around the world and across the country, continues to showcase the “take no crap attitude” fans recognize as its trademark. Despite this attitude, Megadeth’s lyrics have always been positive, albeit quite confrontational in addressing the problems of society. “It was as if Dave Mustaine took on the weight of the world and made us all feel better for it … In a landscape of sellouts, Megadeth has always been intelligent and uncompromising; they gave an entire generation a new perspective on our troubled world,” music video and film director Penelope Spheeris wrote in the liner notes of the band’s 2004 greatest hits release, “Megadeth, Greatest Hits.”
Given this concern about the changing world, it does not come as much of a surprise that if Mustaine were not a musician, he would want to be president. While he said he’d consider running for political office after he finishes his career with Megadeth, he does not think he would get very far. Mustaine noted, however, that he “would be one of the better redheaded-looking presidents” in the country’s history.
Many of the acts Mustaine picked to join Megadeth on Gigantour share a similar attitude about changing the world for the better. His goal was to put together a festival consisting of positive bands that play heavy music in a high-energy environment.
Gigantour tickets are $35.50, general admission, all ages. They may be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.teapartyconcerts.com; by phone at (207) 775-3458 or (207) 775-3331. For more information about the tour, visit www.Gigantour.com.
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