Rude Awakening

Performer: Megadeth
Engineer: Bill Kennedy
Producer: Megadeth; Bill Kennedy
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Megadeth: Dave Mustaine (vocals, guitar); Al Pitrelli (guitar); David Ellefson (bass); Jimmy DeGrasso (drums). As forefathers of speed metal, it is a wonder that it took Megadeth 17 years to release a live album. Interest in the band has seen a resurgence, due in part to Dave Mustaine and company's return to form with 2001's THE WORLD NEEDS A HERO. Plans to record RUDE AWAKENING in Argentina had to be rethought (and switched to Arizona) as a result of the tragic events of September 11th. Metallist skeptics who mourned the super-technical vacancies left by Nick Menza and Marty Friedman (often touted as the strongest Megadeth drummer and guitarist respectively) will find their doubts squashed by guitarist Al Pitrelli (Savatage/Widowmaker) and drummer Jimmy DeGrasso (Alice Cooper), both formidable live players. All the musical signposts in Megadeth's history are acknowledged, from KILLING IS MY BUSINESS up to and including their more recent studio offerings. The production captures the raw yet refined essence of Megadeth that keeps them a viable force in metal. If new fans find a striking resemblance between songs such as "1,000 Times Goodbye," the more obvious "Mechanix," and early Metallica, they should remember Mustaine's influence as a founding member of that group; for it is the stuff of legend.

Q (May 2002, p.118) - 3 out of 5 stars - "...This double live set suggests a renaissance....with the 24 songs voted for by fans, there are plenty of surprises..."

Before founding Megadeth in 1983, Dave Mustaine was an original member of Metallica (his songs were recorded by them after his departure). With Megadeth, however, he pursued his own vision; equally inspired by heavy metal and punk, Mustaine and company released some pioneering thrash-metal in the '80s. Over the years, through personnel changes and stylistic evolution towards a more melodic, accessible sound, Megadeth sold millions of records and became one of the most influential metal bands of their era.

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