Imagine witnessing a legendary metal band reunite with a former member for a once-in-a-lifetime performance—emotions running high, the crowd roaring, and the music hitting harder than ever. But here's where it gets controversial: could this reunion actually surpass the band's original glory days? That's exactly what ex-Megadeth guitarists Marty Friedman and Kiko Loureiro hinted at during a recent interview with Japan's Young Guitar magazine. They reflected on Marty's electrifying guest appearance at Megadeth's historic 2023 show at Tokyo's iconic Budokan, where he joined the band for three iconic tracks: Countdown to Extinction, Tornado of Souls, and Symphony of Destruction.
Marty couldn't contain his enthusiasm: 'When I heard them playing, I thought, “This sounds better than when I was in Megadeth originally.” [Laughs] It just sounded better. The whole thing—the energy, the precision, everything—was on another level. And then I thought, “Wow, I’m about to play with this version of Megadeth?” It was a thrill.' He was equally blown away by the Japanese audience, whose raw emotions—tears, smiles, and screams—made the experience unforgettable.
And this is the part most people miss: Kiko Loureiro, Megadeth's lead guitarist at the time, admitted to feeling a unique pressure during the show. 'I was playing Marty’s solos from his era, and he was right there watching me. It was a weird, mixed feeling. Like, “Shouldn’t Marty be playing this?” But at the same time, it was an honor to carry that legacy forward.' Kiko also praised the band's modern sound, crediting drummer Dirk Verbeuren's rock-solid performance for elevating the entire experience. 'The technology and precision today are unmatched, but there’s still that raw excitement from the ‘90s that’s hard to reproduce.'
Marty’s 2023 reunion with Megadeth wasn’t limited to Budokan. He also joined them at the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany, where they performed four tracks, including Holy Wars... The Punishment Due. When asked about these reunions in a 2024 interview with Metal Obs', Marty described them as 'pure fun' and emphasized the joy of giving fans unforgettable memories. 'We did it for them, and seeing their reactions made it all worth it.'
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Despite not joining Megadeth on stage during his solo band’s support act in Istanbul in 2025, Marty couldn’t help but gush about current guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari’s performance. 'He absolutely NAILED my solos with ease,' Marty wrote on social media. 'Megadeth tore up the place, and we can’t wait to come back.'
But let’s pause for a moment—is it possible that Megadeth’s modern lineup, with its technological advancements and fresh energy, could outshine the band’s original era? Marty seems to think so, and Kiko’s mixed feelings about playing Marty’s solos add another layer to this debate. What do you think? Does progress always trump nostalgia, or is there something irreplaceable about a band’s original magic? Let’s spark a discussion in the comments—agree or disagree, we want to hear your take!
