Wayne Madden, one of our contributing columnists, just conducted this short update interview with Shawn Drover of Megadeth. Thanks Wayne…
SDM: Since joining Megadeth, you’ve been performing with a rack reminiscent of a Greg Voelker rack system, which was also favored by a predecessor of yours in Megadeth, namely Nick Menza. Have you found that useful in terms of authenticity when performing ‘Rust In Peace’ in its entirety for these anniversary shows?
Shawn: No, not at all. In the end, the Mega-Rack (as we call it) is more of a visual piece than anything else. I am just as happy, if not more so to play on a normal wood drum riser, as the vibration of my monitors resonate to the point of almost tearing my head off – I quite like that.
SDM: What are your thoughts concerning the ‘Big Four’ being shown in cinema screens around the world this Summer?
Shawn: I think it's great, of course and I think its what so many fans of metal have wanted for so long. Over 25 years in the making, but good things come to those who wait, as they say. I am looking forward to it.
SDM: There’s a lot of these ‘Droverisms’ going around with Megadeth fans. I was just wondering if you had any thaughts on these, and perhaps if you had a favorite that you’ve heard?
Shawn: Ah, that stuff is all in good fun and I think a lot of it is quite humorous, to be honest. Look, I have a good reputation in drum circles by the fact that I am a good natured dude who wants to enjoy myself out here and not to take any of this for granted. I didn't get to this level until I was 38, so I am really trying to make up for lost time and I am old enough to know better than to waste any time by doing anything but enjoying doing what I was put on planet earth to do.
SDM: What do you think it means to have founding bassist David Ellefson back in the group – and what’s it like to play with him?
Shawn: Well, of course its fantastic. I hoped that David would have been in the band when I joined in 2004, with no disrespect to either James or James, who both did a fantastic job respectively. Having said that, David is the only member who lasted throughout all the band member changes, etc. and was there from the beginning, so for me it was very cool to have him back in the band.
SDM: As a younger musician, what kind of Thrash Metal acts had an influence on you? Would you say there was one particular Thrash Metal act or track that brought your attention towards the scene?
Shawn: The big 4 certainly were a big influence on me, as were Exodus, Testament and Kreator way back then. It was all so new and musically violent, and I was all about that! (although I am very mild mannered). Expressing my violence musically was a great way to get out all the aggression I was feeling at the time…… and to an extent, still do to this day.
SDM: What do you think the future holds for Megadeth?
Shawn: That's a good question Wayne. At the moment, we are in tour mode for our new record and the Rust in Piece 20th anniversary tour, which has really taken on a life of its own. We really only intended on playing the record on the 1 American tour we did back in early 2010, but now everybody wants us to play R.I.P and to be honest, I am enjoying doing that right now. In 2011 it will be the 25th Anniversary of Peace Sells, so who know's? I think it would be cool to do something special with that, but that is just me thinking out loud, though I do think it would be a killer idea, even if it was just for 1 tour leg. 25 years into Megadeth and we are still ascending. It does not suck, believe me!
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