List of Megadeth band members
Wikimedia list of persons

Megadeth is an American thrash metal band formed by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine after he was fired from Metallica. The first line-up, in 1983, after their name change from Fallen Angels, featured Mustaine and Robbie McKinney on guitar, vocalist Lor Kane and bassist Matt Kisselstein. The band's current line-up includes consistent member Mustaine, bassist James LoMenzo (2006 to 2010, and since 2021), drummer Dirk Verbeuren (since 2016) and guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari (since 2023).
History
The original Megadeth lineup was short-lived. The band's bassist, Matt Kisselstein, was replaced by Minnesotan David Ellefson, while guitarist Robbie McKinney was replaced with Minnesotan Greg Handevidt (who was Ellefson's roommate). Handevidt soon left the band, as he had a child in Minnesota. Lor Kane, the band's first vocalist, sang on the groups 1983 demo, though he too left the band. The band's first drummer was Dijon Carruthers. He was replaced by Richard Girod in the summer of 1983, though Carruthers returned in the fall and played various rehearsals with the band. The next drummer to join, Brett Frederickson, joined the band in November 1983, though he chose to leave the band as he was busy with work and school.
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