A thrilling reunion took place on stage at Tokyo's iconic Budokan in February 2023, as former MEGADETH guitarists Marty Friedman and Kiko Loureiro joined forces with the legendary Dave Mustaine-fronted outfit for a historic performance. This momentous occasion sparked a wave of emotions and reflections, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of MEGADETH's sound and the impact it had on both musicians and fans alike.
Marty, in an exclusive interview with Japan's Young Guitar magazine, shared his awe-inspiring experience of playing alongside MEGADETH once again. He revealed, "When I heard them playing, I was blown away. It sounded even better than when I was originally with the band. The entire performance had an incredible energy to it. I was thinking, 'Wow, I'm about to join this amazing MEGADETH on stage.' It was an absolute thrill, and watching the Japanese audience's reaction was incredible. People were crying, smiling, and screaming—it was a truly special moment."
Kiko, who held the lead guitarist position during the Budokan show, added his own perspective. He explained, "I can't compare what Marty is saying, but I do remember watching old videos from the '90s, and there was this unique attitude and freshness that was hard to replicate. However, with the technology and the solid drumming of Dirk Verbeuren, the band sounded incredibly tight. It was a very important concert for the band and Dave Mustaine, and I could feel the tension in the air, likely due to the respect for the venue. But it was also a strange feeling, playing Marty's solos from his MEGADETH era while he was right there on stage. It was a mix of emotions, knowing he was watching me play his iconic parts."
Marty chimed in, praising Kiko's performance, "You absolutely nailed it, man. You played everything perfectly."
But here's where it gets controversial... Marty rejoined MEGADETH not once, but twice in 2023! After the Budokan gig, he returned to the stage with the band at the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany, performing an even more extensive set. At Wacken, Marty and MEGADETH delivered an unforgettable performance, including fan favorites like "Trust" and "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due."
In a 2024 interview with France's Metal Obs, Marty reflected on his return to the band after more than two decades, describing it as "pure fun." He added, "It was wonderful to see the audience's reaction. It was a memorable experience for everyone, especially for us on stage. We knew we were giving the audience something special to take home with them."
When asked about reconnecting with Dave Mustaine, Marty said, "It was great. We've always maintained a friendly relationship, even though we don't talk every month. When the opportunity arose to play together again, it felt natural."
And this is the part most people miss... In September 2025, Marty and his solo band had the honor of opening for MEGADETH in Istanbul, Turkey. Although he didn't join his former band on stage, Marty's excitement was palpable as he watched current MEGADETH guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari effortlessly nail his solos. Marty shared his thoughts on social media, expressing his eagerness to return to the stage with MEGADETH again.
So, what do you think? Is MEGADETH's sound better now than it was in the past? Do you agree with Marty and Kiko's reflections on their time with the band? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
