Ex-Overkill guitarist reveals why he wasn’t hired by Metallica, recalls what Metallica members told him at audition

After the iconic “Peace Sells” era of Megadeth crumbled in 1987, with guitarist Chris Poland and drummer Gar Samuelson departing under contentious circumstances, Dave Mustaine, the band’s driving force, reached out to Bobby Gustafson, then guitarist for Overkill. Mustaine sought Gustafson to bolster the lineup he had formed after his acrimonious split from Metallica in 1983. However, Gustafson, amidst Overkill’s thriving success, declined the offer, opting to remain loyal to his current band.

Reflecting on those times in a recent interview with The Meista – Brews & Tunes, Gustafson recounted the tumultuous tour where Megadeth’s troubles became apparent. He revealed Mustaine’s plea for him to join midway through the tour, citing the band’s internal struggles due to substance abuse as a deterrent.

“They were just a bit too chaotic for me at that point,” Gustafson mused. “So, I stuck with my band.”

He acknowledged the potential of a brief collaboration, envisioning himself possibly contributing to one album, but ultimately, he chose the stability of Overkill. However, Gustafson did shed light on the intertwined fate of Megadeth and Overkill during that period, revealing that Nick Menza, later Megadeth’s drummer, was also considered for Overkill before joining Mustaine’s ranks.

Recalling another brush with metal history, Gustafson shared his experience auditioning as a temporary replacement for James Hetfield in Metallica. Amidst a whirlwind of preparation and a last-minute flight delay, Gustafson faced the challenge of learning Metallica’s repertoire practically overnight. Despite a valiant effort, the gig ultimately went to John Marshall, leaving Gustafson to ponder what could have been.

In the intricate web of metal’s history, Gustafson’s tale provides a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of two iconic bands during a transformative era.