In a brand new interview with Metroactive, MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine spoke about the band’s former drummer Nick Menza, who passed away unexpectedly in May at the age of 51.

“I know he’s in a better place now, so I’m happy for him,” Mustaine said. “He had a super successful career, he’s got a beautiful child that he left behind, and his legacy speaks for itself. There’s not a lot of guys that make that kind of statement in heavy metal.”

Mustaine was also full of praise for MEGADETH‘s latest additions, Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro, best known for his work with ANGRA, and former SOILWORK drummer Dirk Verbeuren.

Kiko definitely did give us a blood transfusion of sorts,” Mustaine said,. “And it’s really fun for us to go out and get these new guys out there and let people see what they’re all about.

Dirk is remarkable,” he added. “The first time I played with him, I said, ‘I love this guy. He’s like Nick Menza and Gar Samuelson rolled into one.'”

Menza played with MEGADETH during what many associate as the band’s “classic” era. In recent years, he joined progressive rock/fusion group OHM:, which also features ex-MEGADETH guitarist Chris Poland.

MEGADETH‘s tour with AMON AMARTH, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, METAL CHURCH and BUTCHER BABIES kicked off on September 20 in Casper, Wyoming, with dates booked through October 15 in Camden, New Jersey.

MEGADETH is continuing to tour in support of its latest album, “Dystopia”, which came out in January.

Fonte: Blabbermouth.net