So many factors can attribute to the success of a live heavy metal show, and over the years one of the best of the big four thrashers, Megadeth, has gained much momentous stage success throughout the multiple lineup changes. On Friday, August 9th, and Thursday, August 15th, 2024, Megadeth headlined Los Angeles’ YouTube Theater with support by Mudvayne and All That Remains.
With the YouTube Theater being one of the newest and smallest venues that is lumped into a multiple colossal venue space, attendees had nothing but praise for the evening as a whole.
The only downside was that when I attended on August 15th, the venue had a strict 10pm curfew, and they last minute scheduled an early start time of 6 pm, from the anticipated 6:30 pm. With Megadeth on at around 8:30 pm, there was a frenzy to catch it all from the start.
Starting off the night of heavy riffs, was Massachusetts melodic metalcore band All That Remains. They are a metalcore band that doesn’t like to be called metalcore, apparently.
Ever since the death of original guitarist Oli Herbert, this band has strayed a little from the earlier heavier technical sounds to some softer, more melodic metal. It is good to see them continuing to get out there touring. They do still pack a punch on stage, and made the best of their 30min set.
All That Remains
Photo Credit: Chris Loomis
Gearing up backstage, Illinois’ Mudvayne were set to play next with another early-ish start time of 7 pm. The good news for them is that they got in a fulfilling hour of stage time.
Last year around this time, they toured with Coal Chamber and GWAR, and it was really an exceptional set. Mudvayne has an abundance of fans but still seems somewhat underrated to those who just aren’t familiar with their musical style.
Lead singer Chad Gray has a very unique stage presence, and he is just as full of emotional complexities as the music itself is. They mix progressive metal, nu-metal, alternative rock, and just about anything that enhances and completes the intent of each tune.
The sound at the YouTube Theater this evening was magnificent, and the raw emotions of the lyrics plus the music itself could not have came across to the audience better.
The venue has no bad seating, and even the acoustics from all sections are praiseworthy. Hailing as a band since 1996, they only have five studio albums, but the collection is full of intricately laid metal with no expiration date.
From face paint to no face paint, back to whatever they feel like, face paint is how they roll on stage. It is never a dull moment for Mudvayne live. Their setlist covered a nice compliance of songs, including “Dig,” “Nothing To Gein,” “Under My Skin,” “Dull Boy,“ and “Happy?“ to name a few.
The end of their set was bittersweet, as always. There is just no escaping the feeling of some unwarranted emotional head trip during live Mudvayne shows, and why would anyone want to?
Mudvayne
Photo Credit: Chris Loomis
Next up was definitely a well-played, fully engaged one-and-a-half-hour Megadeth set that energized the crowd into a youthful spirit. Having seen this band quite a few times over the years, including once overseas a couple of years ago, this current lineup serves nothing but the highest caliber live performance.
Of course, Dave Mustaine is still an incredible guitarist despite almost losing the nerves in his hand many years back.
Watching him this night with all his fun and flashy guitars, it was like a trip back in time. He seemed so full of life and carefree right up until after “Tornado Of Souls,” when he made a point to care about getting some douchebag fan to leave the show.
He also defended someone next to that audience member who security was maybe going to kick out as well, saying he was cool and didn’t do anything. Black button-up shirt Dave Mustaine was on fire on both nights of the tour in LA. He’s only ever wearing a white button-up or a black button-up shirt on stage, and I like to refer to that as his devil and angel sides.
The set list was definitely what true fans hoped for, but in reality, he could play double the time and not get into all the tunes that would completely satisfy everyone.
Opening with “The Sick, The Dying….and The Dead!,“ jumping right into “Hanger 18,“ exploring the underrated “Dystopia,“ midway into it all, including a newer first-time live tune “Kick The Chair,“ and ending with a rampage of “Peace Sells”, and “Holy Wars…..The Punishment Due,“ fans had a blast.
The fan-favored Megadeth mascot Vic Rattlehead also made an appearance for a bit of notoriety. There has been a wave of drama over the years with Dave’s guitarists coming and going, but to be honest, it keeps the MegaDave show fresh with creative talent.
It’s not easy to play lead guitar with a lead guitarist who is also playing lead guitar, but Dave has never picked a bad egg. From Chris Poland and Marty Freidman to Chris Broderick and Kiko Lauren, plus many more, these guitarists have left their permanent stamp on the Megadeth timeline.
Now, the lineup includes Finnish guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari, bassist James LoMenzo, and percussionist Dirk Verbeuren.
What really stood out this evening was just how enthusiastic they all were playing the best Megadeth music while letting their individual personalities shine through on stage.
The musical equality of the individuals together makes for a very tight collaboration in this version of Megadeth. Dirk Verbeuren was absolutely non-stop entertainment both in his drumming qualities and his facial expressions.
He’s like Animal from the Muppets, but much more surreal and in tune with the badass beats that exude from all four of his limbs.
Teemu is also a great fit for Megadeth and more than capable of playing intricate guitar parts through all the eras. James LoMenzo is definitely a compatible choice for this team as he adds more fun to the stage presence, along with his perfected low riffs.
There are just not enough successful words to describe Megadeth’s performance on this evening and throughout the tour. Expecting the newer music to be just like Peace Sells is really a touch arrogan, because how could it be?
There is so much amazing quality riffing going on that no era or album goes unappreciated in these live settings. Megadeth 2024 is all that it’s cracked up to be and more, so get it while it’s hot.
Megadeth
Photo Credit: Chris Loomis
