MEGADETH's DAVE MUSTAINE Checks In From 'Rust In Peace' Tour Rehearsals

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine has issued the following update:

"'Rust In Peace' [tour] rehearsals are going pretty good. We are sorting out some new gear, organizing the stuff we've got, hot-rodding everything, and deciding on several aspects of the show. Of course we realize that 'Rust In Peace' was approximately 45 minutes long, and our show is longer than that, that we are going to need to keep several other classics in the show as well as our favorite new songs too.

"So far we went over 'Holy Wars', 'Hangar 18', 'Tornado of Souls', 'Take No Prisoners', 'Five Magics', and 'Poison Was The Cure'. I am letting a DAT run in the background for serendipity in case I have a moment where I come up with something new and it doesn't slip away if I don't record it.

"It may sound strange to hear that we are going over the songs that we already know, but this is a pivotal record in heavy metal and it didn't become that way by playing what we think is right. We have all been under the microscope and we have found several things that we have improved on, as well as learning the new 'Rust In Peace' songs, and I can't stop smiling while we are playing.

"It's kinda cool too to be brainwashing myself with 'Rust In Peace' before we get ready to go into the studio for our ultimate Roadrunner record. I am not going to go on record and say anything yet until I can sing over these songs, but for now, watching Chris [Broderick] play these solos is mind-blowing. It's just like Marty [Friedman] was here again.

"When you guys 'see' Shawn [Drover, drums] you are going to be blown away, as well as how ferociously he is playing right now.

"Speaking of Shawn, we are getting ready to go with James [Lomenzo, bass] up to the Grammys today, and do some pre-lim stuff. Shawn and I wrote 'Head Crusher', and the funny thing is that this is my eight nomination and I have never won. I think what's the use going, but then I see Shawn's enthusiasm for his first time ever being nominated, and I am actually excited for our chances and for him. Of course we are nominated in a category with formidable competition, and they are all of our friends. I actually joked with Kerry King and said, 'Can ya let us win it this year?'

"Honestly, I don't think I was ready to fully appreciate what this all means the previous times. I know that we may win, and that we may not. I know what it feels like to lose, and I would like to know what it feels like to win. I mean, I would really be excited if Shawn and I won, but either way we have been recognized by our peers to be one of the best and I am proud to be back in the finals for the Grammys."