Megadeth in Lima: The symphony of the reunion with the most resistant metal | CHRONICLE

Not only his detractors say this, but he himself Dave Mustaine also: singing is not his thing. After 40 years of touring around the world, his main instrument was never his voice, but rather his silver Gibson Flying V EXP guitar that he carries everywhere, and that, when Mustaine wants, he makes it sing for him.

And at 62 years old – after overcoming throat cancer – it is no longer necessary for him to try to achieve the impossible highs like in his last performance in Peru 16 years ago. Nor is it necessary to greet an audience that pogues, shouts and spills beer for him. Megadeth made an appearance at Arena 1, and several stacked beer cans welcomed them to a concert where a metal legend met Peruvian headbangers, who, like Mustaine himself, also show signs of age.

“The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!” He opened the show, with guitar solos that the audience tried to emulate with fuss, while others asked from the beginning for his favorite songs. Horned hands were also present, as were leather jackets, spiked wristbands, military boots and T-shirts with the covers of albums such as “Countdown to Extinction”, “Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good!”. Although for some, in the absence of Megadeth merchandising, it was valid to wear polo shirts or jackets with icons of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, even Metallica with James Hetfield’s face.

The night continued with the inevitable “Hangar 18”, “In my Darkest Hour” and “Sweating Bullets”. All issues that increased the size of the mosh pits in different areas where shirts, caps and people were flying in all directions. Young people of 15 and people over 50 had an impact, all under the legendary solo of “Tornado of souls”. After almost five minutes of ripping the ropes, even Mustaine himself was losing buttons on his white shirt, while his blonde hair covered his face.

After one of the busiest moments of the night ended, the lights went off and came back on. Foreshadowing what was to come, the audience screamed at the imminent arrival of Megadeth’s second most popular song “A tout le monde”, the quiet song of the night. And there is no way to poguear when Mustaine intones “My life flashed before my eyes / I discovered how little I achieved / All my plans were denied”, you can only sing along with him and clap your hands, letting that intimate end. moment with a duet guitar solo.

Unlike Argentina, which chants “Hold on, Megadeth!”, Peru has its own chorus: “Perú is Megadeth!” There is also no shortage of the classic “olé, olé, olé”. This seems to please the band, who leaves the stage every three songs to return when the chorus is at its peak.

Before starting the next song “Peace Sells”, Mustaine addressed his staff while continuing with his guitar solo to raise a particular character who was watching him from the audience: a fan dressed as Vic Rattlehead – Megadeth’s mascot – who previously He was welcoming attendees with a poster alluding to the new album. As the skull walked around the stage, the guitar solos sounded with greater intensity, just as the iconic musician said at the Monumental Stadium in 2008, Megadeth was at home.

At this point in the night, the poles were flying, while people entered and left the pogos, losing something on the ground – inevitable – but getting one of the best experiences of the night. Some attendees tried to get up – without success – while others looked at the time to guess if this or that song would be the last. And then, Mustaine’s word: “These are the last songs.” Arena 1 exploded with the song “Mechanix” and the inevitable “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due”.

The concert ended as it began, with a guitar solo. The band meets again to say goodbye as in the theater, with a bow, but Megadeth still has something more to give to its audience. Several guitar picks are thrown around, while Mustaine throws one of his wristbands. The legendary guitarist leaves after sending greetings, they cover him with a robe with the band’s name embroidered on it and he leaves as he always does, without looking back.