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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Dave Mustaine said Megadeth recorded “Ride the Lightning” as a tribute to Metallica and James Hetfield—and as a way to close a circle in his career. The song grew out of Megadeth playing it in the studio, he told Rolling Stone in an interview published October 31, 2025.
Why did Mustaine choose “Ride the Lightning”?
Mustaine was a member of Metallica before leaving in 1983. He received a co-writing credit on the title track of the band’s 1984 album; Rolling Stone reports that Metallica developed the song using some of his guitar riffs. Recording it with Megadeth brought him back to a song connected to that earlier chapter.
He described the decision in terms of respect: “It was about respect,” he told Rolling Stone. He added, “I wanted to pay tribute to the band.” He also said he wanted “to do something to close the circle on my career right now.”
The recording was not described as a plan that began with a formal announcement or a prior request. Mustaine said it came about after the band played the song in the studio and heard how it turned out.
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Did Metallica know about Megadeth’s version?
According to Mustaine’s account to Rolling Stone, James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich had not heard about the re-recording beforehand. Mustaine said he had hoped to get Hetfield’s approval before release, but the band proceeded after listening to its recording.
How is Megadeth’s version different?
Rolling Stone characterized Megadeth’s recording as slightly faster and in a lower key than Metallica’s, with Mustaine snarling the lyrics. The publication did not give tempo or key measurements, so those differences are best understood as its qualitative comparison rather than precise figures.
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Where does the recording appear?
The Rolling Stone interview placed “Ride the Lightning” on Megadeth’s self-titled final album. At the time of publication, the album was described as a 10-track release scheduled for January 23, 2026. Those details reflect what the October 2025 interview reported; that article alone does not establish the album’s eventual release status.
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