Dave Mustaine, the founder of Megadeth, and a guitarist and singer, says he organized the metal festival Gigantour because of his love for the music.
"It's a guitar gig," Mustaine said by phone from Los Angeles prior to a rehearsal. "We have been watching and keeping an eye on a lot of bands. If they love playing guitar and play good heavy music that's technically outstanding, then we ask and see if they want to be a part of the tour."
This year, headbangers will be treated to sets by Lamb of God, Opeth, Arch Enemy, Overkill, Sanctity and Smashup.
Mustaine says he's just happy that he's able to do another Gigantour. "The first tour last year caught people's attention. And we felt we needed to do another one. I know there are so many people who want to see this become a yearly outing. I'd like to see that."
Last year's fest included Anthrax, Fear Factory and Dream Theatre. In fact, the tour was so successful that there will be a live album and DVD released later this year. "One of the reasons why I put this tour together was selfish. If there was ever a time that I would have to stop playing, I would want people to know what I have accomplished. All these bands have at one point or another cited Megadeth as an influence in their musical lives. And I'm proud of that."
In fact, there was a time when Mustaine did quit playing. Back in 2003, he damaged a nerve in his hand while working on his house. "I never thought I would play again. Luckily, I am able to play again. It's like I have a second chance on life."
Mustaine has revamped the Megadeth lineup, and the band is currently working on an album. "We were trying to get this album released in time for the tour, but we didn't make it," he said with a laugh. "So we'll make due."
Megadeth currently features Mustaine, guitarist Glenn Drover, bassist James LoMenzo and drummer Shawn Drover (Glenn's brother). "The last Megadeth album ('The System Has Failed') was supposed to be a Dave Mustaine solo album, but the record company had different ideas. So it was a Megadeth album.
"Then I started working with the Dover boys, and I enjoyed working with them so much that we decided to get James into the band and make a new album."
Mustaine wouldn't comment on former bassist Dave Ellefson's lawsuit targeted at Mustaine for breach of contract. But he said the new Megadeth is working out nicely. "I'm looking forward to coming to Salt Lake City. We missed it last year. And I have a niece who lives there. So it will be great to visit."
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Arch Enemy guitarist Michael Amott chuckled when he heard Mustaine tapped into the band because of guitar proficiency. "Dave must have gotten it wrong," Amott joked by phone from Boise. "He must have heard another band and thought it was us.
"No, really, we are honored to be on the tour. I mean, he was one of my major influences growing up."
Arch Enemy, which hails from Sweden, features Amott, vocalist Angela Gossow, drummer Daniel Erlandsson, guitarist Fredrik Akesson and bassist Sharlee D'Angelo. And it has been gaining fans all over the world.
"We wanted to combine death and thrash metal with melodic guitars," said Amott, who formed the band with his brother Christopher in the 1990s. "When my brother left the band, we had a lot to think about. Each of us realized what Arch Enemy meant to us. And it lit us up to be better than we have been in the past. And to be included on Gigantour is an honor."
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Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler said his band is looking forward to playing Gigantour. "One of my musical influences was Gar Samuelson, the original drummer for Megadeth," Adler said by phone from his home in Richmond, Va. "So for us going out on tour with Megadeth is a dream come true."
For Adler, however, there have also been some highlights during the past few months. And they've all been festival tours — Sounds of the Underground with Gwar and Clutch, The Unholy Alliance Tour with Slayer and Mastodon, and now Gigantour, with Megadeth, Opeth and Arch Enemy.
"We had been gradually working our way to bigger venues throughout our career," said Adler, who, along with his brother, guitarist Willie Adler; bassist John Campbell, guitarist Mark Morton and vocalist Randy Blythe, comprise Lamb of God. "We started the band back in 1994 and have played everywhere from small holes in the walls to arenas. In arenas, the audience is 20 feet away and sometimes our sound can sound sludgy.
"But for us to be where we are now with all the tours, it's great. We're getting in touch with new fans."
If you go
What: Gigantour: Megadeth, Lamb of God, Opeth, Arch Enemy. Overkill
Where: E Center, 3200 Decker Lake Dr., West Valley City
When: Today, 4:30 p.m.
How much: $30-$45
Phone: 467-8499 or 800-888-8499
Web: www.smithstix.com
E-mail: scott@desnews.com