Ex-MEGADETH Drummer NICK MENZA Says That He Doesn't Want To Bash His Former Bandmates

Ex-MEGADETH drummer Nick Menza says that he had a "great" time with his former bandmates but insists that he will "chart [his] own way" during the coming months "and not rely on any shining reunion."

Menza joined MEGADETH for the 1989 recording "Rust In Peace" and for the next nine years became associated with the band's "classic" and most profitable era.

Following the reissue of the entire MEGADETH catalog, Menza was invited to reunite with the band in 2004. Days after a reunion was announced, Menza was fired after rehearsals and replaced with Shawn Drover. MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine said that this was because Nick "just wasn't prepared."

In a recent interview with Loaded Radio, Mustaine was asked whether he still gets pressure to get Menza and guitarist Marty Friedman back in MEGADETH. He replied: "Yeah, but that makes as much sense as somebody saying, 'Put a rotten tooth back in your mouth.' Don't get me wrong, but I've seen stuff that Menza's been saying [in interviews and online postings], and it's unfortunate. And I know that Marty's happy doing what he's doing. And frankly, if I wanted to get them back in the band, I would have worked it out, but I don't want 'em in the band. I think that Shawn [Drover, current MEGADETH drummer] is, all around, if you add all the parts up, is way more what I want in my life and my band, and the same thing with Chris [Broderick, current MEGADETH guitarist]."

Responding to Mustaine's comments, Menza said: "I had my time with Dave and it was great.

"I don't make it a point to bash my former bandmembers and diminish the memories of our great times together.

"I have great plans in my future.

"I will chart my own way and not rely on any shining reunion.

"A chance to celebrate the great moments of the past together with our fans doesn't appear to be in the cards."

Menza has been writing, recording and producing constantly but only releasing sporadic singles for years. That will all change when he opens the floodgates with the upcoming release of his memoir, "Menzalife" (formerly "Megalife"),by acclaimed writer J. Marshall Craig.

Menza is currently negotiating a publishing deal for the book, which will feature rare and never-before-seen photos of Menza with every band he's ever been in, including, of course, MEGADETH.

Menza and former MEGADETH bassist James Lomenzo earlier in the month announced a working musical relationship that will lead into a full working, writing, recording and touring band at some point.