Megadeth performed their version of Metallica’s “Ride the Lightning” live for the first time, a track that appeared on their final self-titled studio album. Although Dave Mustaine was no longer part of Metallica when the song was released in 1984, he received a co-writing credit since parts of it were written by him earlier.
The debut of Megadeth’s version took place at Movistar Arena in Bogotá, Colombia, on April 26, and it may be a sign that the band will include the track in upcoming shows.
Megadeth performs their version of “Ride The Lightning” for the first time
In a recent interview with Revolver magazine, Mustaine said that a tour with Metallica “needs to happen” before his group reaches the end of its farewell tour. “You know, if I needed to get the last laugh (by covering this), I would get it. (He pauses, and smiles) But no, this is about showing respect. No (They didn’t say anything yet about my version). And I don’t expect to. But I’m sure at some point we’ll hear what they think.”
“You know, I liked them. If the friendship was restarted, it wouldn’t bother me. I would accept, and I think it would be nice to revisit some of those times. But I just think because there was a lot of hurt and misunderstanding around our time together that it would be difficult not to keep bringing up the past. I think what needs to happen is there needs to be a Megadeth/Metallica tour. Period. That would, I’m sure, make everything right. We could hang out. Spend time together. But I know they don’t really tour like we do. I mean, when we go out on tour, we play many, many shows,” Dave Mustaine said.
Mustaine previously said that although “Megadeth” (2026) will be their final studio album, they will probably also release a final live album. He recently said that the farewell tour might last a couple of years.