Former Megadeth Guitarist Marty Friedman Reveals the Reality Behind the Metallica Rivalry and False Feud

The music industry has seen its fair share of band rivalries and one of its most prominent is reportedly between Megadeth and Metallica. Both bands are highly respected in their genre and are arguably the two most successful metal bands of all time. Hence, it makes sense why the two groups were viewed to be competitive.

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However, according to former Megadeth guitarist, Marty Friedman, there was no rivalry whatsoever. Instead, Friedman claimed it to be a sensationalist narrative drafted by journalists. In the metal world, this is seemingly bombshell news, as the bands were always viewed as bitter rivals constantly competing for fans, awards, and ultimately, the first-place podium. However, Marty Friedman saw it as nothing more than hearsay.

The False Feud Between Megadeth & Metallica

In a recent interview with Vanyaland, Friedman debunked the rivalry between his former band and the acclaimed Metallica. He told the publication, “I don’t think we cared as much about Metallica as people put in the press. “We were definitely our own band, our own entity, as far as I’m concerned. We admired Metallica for the great work that they did,” added Friedman.

Friedman was an integral part of Megadeth during their peak, and it just so happens that their peak coaligned with Metallica’s. Thus, Friedman saw this “feud” transpire right before his very eyes. He said to Vanyaland, “There is no question that we were watching their every move” and “What they were doing, what we could learn from it, what we could adapt to our situation from their success.”

Friedman continued, “We could certainly learn from Metallica’s great success. However, it wasn’t like any kind of, ‘Look, we hate Metallica’” and “‘We want to beat them.’ There was absolutely no feud type of thinking.” Regarding the false narrative, Friedman recalled the media’s looming presence in the creation of the feud. He recalled, ” I just remember the journalists: It’s a juicy headline, and so they go with it. And that stuff goes on to this day.”

Per his comments, Friedman certainly doesn’t nor did he ever hold any grudges against Metallica. Furthermore, his current actions would suggest that as well, as Friedman is currently building up his solo career in Japan.

Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage