These issues strained Mustaine’s relationships with the other band members, leading to the decision to let him go. Despite the challenges that ensued from Mustaine’s firing, Metallica went on to achieve great success – they have sold over 125 million albums worldwide and have become one of the most influential bands in the metal genre.

In the aftermath of being kicked out of Metallica, Dave Mustaine formed Megadeth, which has become a prominent figure in the metal scene. The rivalry between the two bands has been well-documented over the years, fueled by the animosity Mustaine initially harbored towards his former bandmates. Today, Megadeth is considered one of the “Big Four” bands in thrash metal, along with Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, showcasing Mustaine’s resilience and talent in the world of metal music.

Dave Mustaine’s Departure: Why Was He Removed?

With Mustaine’s departure, the way Metallica would split their money amongst themselves was also changed due to royalties alongside Metallica completely altering their musical direction forever. 

Circumstances of Firing

Dave Mustaine, the former guitarist of Metallica, was fired from the band in 1983. A talented musician, Mustaine struggled with heavy drinking and disruptive behavior, which led to tensions within the band. Metallica, which would later nickname itself Alcoholica, dismissed him due to his out-of-control drunkenness. Apart from Mustaine’s alcohol issues, an incident involving Ron McGovney’s dog also caused friction among band members.

Impact on Metallica’s Direction

After Mustaine’s firing, Metallica hired guitarist Kirk Hammett to replace him. Hammett’s arrival marked a turning point for Metallica as they shifted towards a more refined sound. Mustaine’s aggressive guitar style had previously influenced their music, but with Hammett on board, a shift toward melodic solos occurred. The band’s first album without Mustaine, Kill ‘Em All, showcased the new direction Metallica was taking, paving the way for their future success.

Formation of Megadeth

Despite the complications with Metallica, Mustaine quickly bounced back, starting his own band, Megadeth, shortly after his departure. Megadeth became one of the biggest metal bands in the world and engaged in a legendary rivalry with Metallica. Mustaine used his firing as fuel for his new project, and Megadeth’s music showcased his signature aggressive guitar style, ultimately cementing his influence on the metal scene.

What Happened To Metallica After Dave Mustaine Was Kicked Out?

As soon as Dave was kicked out, Metallica had to act fast. This was what they immediately did: 

Hiring of Kirk Hammett

After Dave Mustaine was kicked out of Metallica due to issues with alcoholism, the band sought a new guitarist to fill the void. They eventually found a talented guitarist named Kirk Hammett. Hammett joined Metallica in 1983 after leaving his former band, Exodus. His addition to the band helped solidify their line-up and altered their sound, paving the way for their future success.

Release of ‘Kill ‘Em All’

With Hammett on board, Metallica began working on their first album. In July 1983, the band released their debut album titled Kill ‘Em All. This album marked a change in the classic rock band’s sound, moving towards a more aggressive and raw style, which would later become known as thrash metal. Kill ‘Em All featured both James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich’s powerful songwriting and was well-received by fans of the growing thrash metal genre.

Rise to Fame

Following the release of Kill ‘Em All, Metallica steadily gained a devoted fan base and solidified their place in the metal scene. They continued to release successful albums like Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets, both of which were praised by fans and critics alike. Over the years, they developed a reputation for their intense live performances and intricate musicianship. As their fame rose, so did the respect they received from their peers and the music industry at large. Today, Metallica stands as one of the most successful and influential bands in rock and metal history.

Did Metallica and Dave Mustaine Ever Make Up?

Time heals all wounds, and over a long period, Megadeth and Metallica forged a bittersweet competition among themselves. 

Dave Mustaine’s Success with Megadeth

After being kicked out of Metallica due to issues with alcoholism, Dave Mustaine went on to form a highly successful band of his own, Megadeth. Megadeth’s music showcased Mustaine’s talent as both a guitarist and songwriter, with iconic albums like Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? propelling the band to new heights.

Reconciliations and Onstage Reunions

Over time, resentment between Dave Mustaine and Metallica lessened, allowing for renewed friendships and even some onstage reunions. Mustaine’s appearance in the Metallica documentary Some Kind of Monster marked a significant step in this direction, as it demonstrated both his willingness to confront past issues and his ability to move on from them.

Both Metallica and Mustaine have continued to leave their mark on the world of heavy metal, even after their split. Mustaine’s unique guitar-playing and songwriting skills clearly shaped Megadeth into the powerhouse that it is today. Meanwhile, Metallica has also gone on to become a genre-defining act, with both bands carrying on their respective legacies while maintaining a restored sense of camaraderie.