MEGADETH Thrills Fans with Surprise Acoustic Performance in Argentina
Buenos Aires, Argentina – MEGADETH sent shockwaves through the metal community in Argentina with an unexpected acoustic set performed outside Hotel Madero on Tuesday, April 16. The iconic band, led by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, along with bassist James LoMenzo, guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari, and drummer Dirk Verbeuren, delighted fans with stripped-down renditions of “Trust,” “Angry Again,” and “Symphony Of Destruction.”
The impromptu performance echoed past surprises from MEGADETH, who have a history of connecting with their Argentine audience in unconventional ways. In August 2016, the band treated fans to a brief acoustic set outside the Four Seasons hotel in Buenos Aires. And less than two years later, in May 2018, Mustaine himself serenaded fans with an acoustic session outside his hotel in Mendoza, Argentina, following a series of electrifying shows in Mexico.
The excitement surrounding MEGADETH’s presence in Argentina reached a fever pitch with their headline performances at the 15,000-capacity Movistar Arena on April 13 and 14. Such was the demand that tickets for the initial show sold out within minutes, prompting the addition of a second date, which also sold out in just two hours. Not content with two nights of metal madness, MEGADETH announced a third show at the Movistar Arena on April 16, further fueling the frenzy among Argentine metalheads.
For MEGADETH, these concerts mark a significant milestone, celebrating 30 years since their inaugural performance in Argentina back in 1994. It was during this historic event at the Obras Sanitarias stadium that the now-iconic chant “Aguante Megadeth” first echoed through the crowd, a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and the fervent devotion of their Argentine fanbase.
The recent addition of Finnish guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari to the lineup adds a fresh dynamic to MEGADETH‘s sound. Joining the band in September after longtime guitarist Kiko Loureiro announced an indefinite hiatus, Mäntysaari brings his own brand of virtuosity to the stage, solidifying his place in the band’s future endeavors.
Born in Tampere, Finland, Mäntysaari‘s musical journey began at the age of 12, eventually leading him to join acclaimed acts such as WINTERSUN and SMACKBOUND. His debut with MEGADETH at Revel in Albuquerque, New Mexico, marked a new chapter in the band’s storied history, signaling a seamless transition amid lineup changes.
MEGADETH‘s influence on the metal scene is undeniable, transcending generations and genres. Since their inception in 1983, the band has continually pushed the boundaries of speed, technicality, and complexity, earning them a place among the “Big Four” of thrash metal alongside METALLICA, SLAYER and ANTHRAX.
From seminal albums like “Rust In Peace” to recent triumphs such as “The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!” in 2022, MEGADETH‘s discography reflects a relentless pursuit of musical excellence. With a Grammy Award under their belt and a legacy that continues to inspire, MEGADETH remains a driving force in the heavy metal landscape, leaving an indelible mark on fans and fellow musicians alike.