MEGADETH Bassist: 'I Can Die A Happy Man Now'

MEGADETH bassist James MacDonough (ex-ICED EARTH) has posted the following message in the "Forums" section of the band's official web site:

"After playing to the multitude of these festivals has been simply amazing, but I have to especially talk about Donington. As a kid I always heard about Donington, all the bands I had ever dreamed of seeing in one package. To finally play at this spectacular event was beyond a dream come true. I had never thought it possible. We were on stage on one of the ramps. First off the stage is an artform in itself. Dave [Mustaine, guitar/vocals], Glen [Drover, guitar], Shawn [Drover, drums] and I saw the sea of people coming from two different areas sliding their way into the huge field as our adrenaline started pumping faster and faster. When we ran out on stage there was aproximatly 80,000 people, a giant sea of hungry metal fans, enough to make your heart feel like it's about to burst. Every face I looked into was feeling exactly what I was, from near and far and that my frineds in the purpose and meaning of why we do what we do. That feeling that you live, sacrifice and die for. I think it will be hard to beat that show, but I have a feeling Gigantour will hold new highs.

"The last few days have been pretty hectic on all of us, especially our talented crew. Dave said himself that he's never had a schedule quite like this past few days. We played, traveled, flew, traveled, played for four days straight. Yesterday we had three flights from the gig the night before from FInland to Italy. Our crew is amazing and so professional with the last piece of equipment showing up within an hour of the gig making it all happen. Probaly 15 hours of sleep in four days is enough to make any man break. So a big KUDOS to them, not the candy bar. I must also state that not a single person complained the entire time but there was a lot of coffee consumed, and Dimebonics' 'preblown' was used quite alot too.

"Thanks to all for you support and coming out and seeing the show. It is always a pleasure to do the meet & greets. We have a little less than two weeks left on this jaunt and then two weeks off. Then rehearsals start for Gigantour. I think I heard Shawn talking about doing a juggling act for part of an intermission but the bowling balls might stretch his tendons too much. Naw, just kidding, he hasn't done it for years and is out of practice, but he does love his marbles."