New MEGADETH Drummer SHAWN DROVER Speaks Out

MEGADETH drummer Shawn Drover (EIDOLON) has posted his first message at the band's official forum. It reads as follows:

"OK, so here I am pondering on how to approach my first entry on my personal forum — several options could have taken place here, but I feel the best approach is to let you know my viewpoint of this entire situation, so let's start off with the famous quote uttered from Glen [Drover, MEGADETH, EIDOLON, ex-KING DIAMOND guitarist] to me on the telephone…

"Shawn, you NEED to sit down…"

"These six simple words (and the conversation that followed that quote, of course) released an array of emotions that almost made my head combust (mild jokularity here) in an instant, 1,000,000 different thoughts raced through my head. With the tour starting in seven days, an answer was needed — NOW!!! One quick call to my wife (who has always supported my musical endeavors) and I was on a plane to Arizona within 12 hours.

"Now the tricky part — I was to learn 90 minutes of material within five days (the sixth day being a travel day to Reno, Nevada) and make it appear to the viewing public that we have been playing together for months (that was my personal agenda, anyway) quite the daunting task, but underneath all of the insanity that was about to commence, I knew deep down that I had to completely focus on learning all these tunes AND playing them as closely to the original recordings, with respect to the previous drummers, knowing that Dave [Mustaine] would want it that way. I learned four songs from the 'Youthanasia' record on the plane ride to Arizona, at which that point I knew that I could pull this off. I just had to prove this to the rest of the band!!!!!

"Being put into a situation like this in any band would be a difficult thing to pull off — but as both you and I know, Dave wants everything related to MEGADETH to be at the highest caliber possible, which is of course the right way to approach any professional situation. With that said, I surely did not want to let Dave down in any way, both professionaly or personally. Aside from a few casual e-mails, Dave had no idea who I was or knew very little about me — his only resourse was trusting Glen's judgment for a suitable last minute replacement, and for that, I am very grateful!!

"Next issue at hand — proving to the MEGADETH FANS that I could pull this off (possibly the most daunting task of all). Being exposed to MEGADETH in 1986, thus becoming a great fan of the band, I am of course completely aware of the hardcore fans that this band does attract. When I entered the picture, I knew that there would be a certain percentage of speculation, or even a few possible conspiracy theories thrown in as well. All I can say to this, is put yourself in my shoes for a moment — if you were offered to become a member of MEGADETH, with your brother as the guitar player (a guy who I have played music with for 25 years) what would be your response?? I believe the answer is quite clear. All that I can do in this situation, is to be the best possible musician I can, but also to be the best possible person that I can be, both to the band and fans alike — those who have met me along the way at these shows, know that I am here for the proper reasons — the music has ALWAYS been first priority for me — the rest of this situation is just icing on the cake.

"I sincerely look forward to meeting more of you along the way in future shows — I wish all of you well."