Indian metal fans can no longer complain about being denied quality gigs. The biggest names in the metal world — Metallica, Iron Maiden, Lamb of God, Sepultura and others — have delighted with rage-inducing shows here in recent years. It is now time to extend a furious welcome to thrash metal pioneers, Megadeth, who will headline the Bacardi NH7 Weekender at Noida today.
Megadeth’s second visit to India — they played in Bangalore in 2008 — holds added significance after the cancelled Metallica gig at Gurgaon last year. Dave Mustaine, maverick frontman of Megadeth, originally started as a guitarist with Metallica in 1981 only to be famously thrown out in 1983 when his substance abuse problems spiralled out of control.
In a bid to get back at James Hetfield and other members of Metallica after his ouster, he immediately went on to form Megadeth. Ever since, Mustaine has made it his life’s mission to go one-up on his former band in every way — record sales, peer recognition, better live shows. Metallica may not be to blame for the Gurgaon debacle but Mustaine could well embarrass his former band mates with a memorable concert this time.
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If you aren’t too keen on history and bad blood, Megadeth are sure to include a fair number of their popular hits — ‘Symphony of Destruction’, ‘Train of Consequences’, ‘Addicted to Chaos’ — in the set list. The loudest cheer may be reserved for ‘Holy Wars: The Punishment Due’, the cult hit that mocks wars and bloodshed caused by religious intolerance. The track was released in 1990, but the lyrical theme is relevant to this day. Guitarist Chris Broderick, meanwhile, stays clear of attaching any hidden connotations to the show. Speaking before his arrival here, Broderick merely said that he is Addicted to (Indian) Chaos. “It is great to be back in India once again; it was one of the most unique and beautiful places I have visited so far. The fans were going mental for the music, while being very welcoming and hospitable. This is something I hope I get to do over and over again.”
The band has been brought to India by ‘Only Much Louder’, and CEO Vijay Nair says, “We’ve been doing events in Delhi NCR for two years now, including the Eristoff Invasion each year, and we’ve never had any untoward incidents. For us, Delhi has actually been one of the smoothest experiences and one of the safer places in the country for a concert.”
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Megadeth at the Bacardi NH7 Weekender
When:October 14
Where:Bacardi Black Rock Arena, Buddh International Circuit, Noida.
Megadeth is:Dave Mustaine, David Ellefson, Shawn Drover and Chris Broderick