Megadeth’s Guitarist and Drummer Quit

(from left) Megadeth members Shawn Drover, Chris Broderick, Dave Mustaine and David Ellefson. Photo: Travis Shinn

Thrash metal veterans Megadeth have suffered two members leaving the band in the span of two days, with drummer Shawn Drover and guitarist Chris Broderick releasing statements about their decision to quit the band earlier this week. Following the split from Broderick and Drover, the band currently comprises founding members Dave Mustaine, who serves as frontman and bassist David Ellefson.

Drover, who has been part of Megadeth for the last decade, announced his decision to leave the band on November 25th. Broderick, who joined in 2007, issued a statement later that day on his website, citing “artistic and musical differences” as the reason for quitting Megadeth. Both members also mentioned they wish to pursue their own musical interests. Drover added in his statement, “I want to thank Dave Mustaine and the entire Megadeth family, as well as thanking all the amazing Megadeth fans around the world! I truly appreciate all of you.” Like Drover, Broderick has also expressed gratitude towards Mustaine. The guitarist said in his statement to fans, “I want all of you to know how much I appreciate the amount that you the fans have accepted and respected me as a member of Megadeth for the last seven years, but it is time for me to move on. I wish Dave [Mustaine] and everyone in Megadeth all the best. I am working on a few things of my own and hope that when they come out, you will all dig it.”

Both Broderick and Drover were part of the lineup which performed in India twice, including adventure sports and music festival MTV Xtreme in Delhi NCR in February this year. Both members also worked on their Grammy-nominated 2011 album Thirteen and their 2013 album Supercollider. While there has been no word on replacements for Broderick and Drover, fans are expecting Mustaine to reconcile with former drummer Nick Menza [who was fired from the band in 1998] and guitarist Marty Friedman, who left citing musical differences in 1999 and has since moved to Japan.