Dave Mustaine Claims Authorship of Key Metallica Early Music

Dave Mustaine, former Metallica guitarist, has recently detailed his early contributions to Metallica's music and the circumstances surrounding his 1983 dismissal during a lengthy interview on the Shawn Ryan Show. Mustaine described how he discovered Metallica through a classified ad and established early rapport with drummer Lars Ulrich, highlighting his credibility in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene. He revealed that some early Metallica songs, such as "Hit The Lights," were initially written by others but that he contributed significantly by bringing in extensive guitar riffs and musical ideas, which the band continued to use even after his departure. Mustaine disputed claims that his substance abuse alone led to his firing, noting that the entire band engaged in heavy drinking and that his removal was precipitated by a car accident while traveling to New York. Despite explicitly telling Metallica not to use his music after leaving, Mustaine asserts that the band did so, fueling ongoing tensions between him and the group. Their complex relationship has included attempts at reconciliation, such as the 2004 documentary and joint tours, but disputes over credits and royalties have perpetuated the discord.