Exclusively to Rolling Stone Brasil, the Megadeth leader denied a Brazilian’s surprise participation in a show the band is holding in April here, and joked about the guitarist’s sobriety
In an exclusive interview with Rolling Stone Brazil, Dave Mustainevocalist of Megadethrevealed an intimate curiosity about his relationship with the Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro off stage, giving a response with his well-known touch of humor.
The leader, who owns a family winery, was asked if Kiko took him some South American wine to taste, he joked: “No, Kiko is straight!”. The relaxed response continued, highlighting that their friendship is centered on music: “I’m joking, but Kiko is calm. Our relationship is very artistic and professional.”
“To tell the truth, drinking was the least thing I could have done with Kiko. And in terms of getting together after a show and drinking, maybe a glass of wine. But that’s only as a professional man, who comes from a culture where wine, at dinner, is used as a drink, not as a way to get drunk.”
The unique dynamics between the musicians go beyond the musical notes, with Mustaine adding respect for the Brazilian member, away for an “extended leave”, with no return expected: “Some guys, when you’re in a band, you sit with him and have a beer. […] But I never did that with Kiko.”, he emphasized.
Surprise appearance?
The band prepares for a performance in São Pauloat the Unimed Spaceon April 18, 2024, promoting the album The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!released in 2022. Since Kiko’s departure, Teemu Mäntysaari He takes on the band’s second guitar, and it is the Finn who should be in the lineup that performs in Brazil.
Asked about Kiko’s possible participation in the next show in São Paulo, Mustaine got straight to the point: “For now, no. During this upcoming tour, I doubt it. And in the future, the doors will open, but I don’t know if he will appear,” he stated.
Mustaine also expressed his concern about the balance between life on tour and Kiko’s need to be close to his family, revealing a difficult and love-filled decision:
“When I’m talking to someone who’s a band member that I love and I see that they’re hurting, I can’t think about myself. I have to think about them.”
Dave also revealed what he said when he received the request to leave, coming from Kiko himself: “I release you with love and I want us to be friends forever and know that you can always call me”, he paraphrased when remembering the moment.
Check out the full audio interview, with simultaneous translation, in the player below:
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
