Former MEGADETH guitarist Chris Poland recently opened up about his experiences collaborating with frontman Dave Mustaine, shedding light on the creative dynamics within the band during the 1980s. In a candid interview, Poland emphasized MustaineS unique approach to leadership in the studio, stating, “He never told anybody what to do,” which fostered a collaborative habitat among band members. Reflecting on his time with MEGADETH, Poland discussed the contrasting styles of their early albums and his later contributions as a session musician on ”The System Has Failed.” his insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of one of metal’s most influential bands,highlighting the artistic freedom that characterized their formative years. For more details, check out the full interview on Ultimate-Guitar.com [[1]](https://bravewords.com/news/former-megadeth-guitarist-chris-poland-reveals-what-it-was-really-like-to-work-with-dave-mustaine-he-never-told-anybody-what-to-do-really).
Interview with Chris Poland: Insights on Collaboration and Creativity in MEGADETH
Q: Thank you for joining us, Chris.Your experiences with MEGADETH during the 1980s have been an influential part of metal history. Can you share what it was like collaborating with Dave Mustaine?
Chris Poland: Absolutely, it was a unique experience. Dave had a very distinctive approach to leadership in the studio. He never told anyone what to do, which really allowed for a collaborative atmosphere. Each of us could contribute our ideas freely without feeling restricted. This laid the groundwork for the creative fusion that characterized our early work.
Q: That’s captivating! How did this collaborative environment affect the sound of the music you were creating?
Chris Poland: The lack of authoritative direction let us explore different styles and ideas. such as, in our first three albums—Killing Is My Business…and Business Is Good!, Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?, and So Far, So Good…So What?—you can hear the rich textural differences. Our combined influences helped shape the band’s identity. Later on, when I contributed to The System Has Failed, it felt like coming home; I was able to channel that same creative freedom into our music.
Q: In your mind, what distinguishes the early MEGADETH albums from the later works?
chris Poland: The early albums were raw, filled with the energy of young musicians discovering their sound and influence. You can hear that urgency and experimentation. In contrast, the later albums reflect more polished production and a more mature approach to songwriting. It’s a natural progression, but the foundation of creativity and freedom, that we cultivated in our early years, remained essential to MEGADETH’s core.
Q: It sounds like that initial collaboration laid a lot of groundwork. Do you think that this kind of environment is essential for other bands or artists today?
Chris Poland: Definitely. Creating music is inherently a collaborative process. Artists thrive when they feel their contributions are valued without overbearing direction from anyone. Today’s artists should strive to foster that same environment—balancing leadership with respect for creativity can lead to groundbreaking results.
Q: As an expert with extensive experience, what practical advice would you give to up-and-coming musicians regarding collaboration and creativity?
Chris Poland: My advice would be to communicate openly and be willing to listen. Embrace the diversity of styles and ideas within your group. Experiment with different sounds without fear of judgment. Remember, the magic often happens when you step outside your comfort zones. It’s about building trust and allowing everyone to shine.
Q: Thank you, Chris, for sharing such valuable insights about artistry and collaboration. It’s clear your experiences in MEGADETH have shaped not only your music but the metal genre itself.
Chris Poland: Thank you! it’s been great reflecting on those times and sharing the importance of collaboration in music. I hope listeners and new musicians can take these lessons to heart.
For more details on Chris Poland’s experiences with MEGADETH and his contributions, check out the full interview on Ultimate-Guitar.com.