Who Got Kicked Out Of Metallica? The Definitive Story of Dave Mustaine and Ron McGovney
For many rock and metal fans, the name Metallica conjures images of blistering guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and a legendary career spanning decades. But like any long-standing band, Metallica’s journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. There have been lineup changes, and the question that often arises is: Who got kicked out of Metallica? The most prominent and impactful dismissals involve two key figures from the band's early days: guitarist Dave Mustaine and original bassist Ron McGovney.
Dave Mustaine: The Explosive Departure and Megadeth's Rise
Perhaps the most famous "exit" from Metallica, and one that significantly shaped the thrash metal landscape, is that of guitarist Dave Mustaine. Mustaine was a founding member and a significant creative force in Metallica's initial sound. He joined the band in 1981 and was instrumental in writing early songs that would eventually appear on their debut album, Kill 'Em All.
However, Mustaine's tenure was marked by significant struggles with alcohol and drug abuse, as well as a volatile personality. These issues frequently led to conflict within the band. By April 1983, just as Metallica was preparing to record their first album in New York City, the decision was made to part ways with Mustaine.
The dismissal was abrupt. The band woke Mustaine up one morning and informed him he was out. He was put on a Greyhound bus back to California with little more than the clothes on his back. This expulsion, while no doubt painful for Mustaine at the time, fueled his determination. He would go on to form the highly successful thrash metal band Megadeth, which would become one of Metallica's biggest rivals and a titan in its own right.
Mustaine's perspective on his departure has often been expressed as feeling betrayed and unfairly treated. He has spoken extensively about his addiction issues and the friction they caused, but also about his contributions to Metallica's early work, some of which he felt were not adequately acknowledged after his exit. Despite the acrimonious split, there have been moments of reconciliation and mutual respect between Mustaine and the members of Metallica over the years, though the sting of the expulsion has never fully disappeared for some fans.
Metallica's Official Statement and Kirk Hammett's Arrival
Following Mustaine's departure, Metallica needed a new lead guitarist to re-record the tracks Mustaine had laid down for Kill 'Em All. They quickly recruited Kirk Hammett from the Bay Area band Exodus. Hammett’s arrival solidified the lineup that would go on to record the band's first four iconic albums: Kill 'Em All, Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, and ...And Justice for All.
The band has generally maintained that Mustaine's behavior was unsustainable and that his removal was necessary for the band's future. Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, and Cliff Burton (prior to his tragic death) all played a role in the decision. While the specifics of the confrontation have been recounted differently over the years, the outcome was definitive: Dave Mustaine was out, and Kirk Hammett was in.
Ron McGovney: The Original Bassist Who Stepped Aside
Before Dave Mustaine and Kirk Hammett, and even before Cliff Burton joined, Metallica had an original bassist named Ron McGovney. McGovney was instrumental in the band's formation and early days, helping to secure early gigs and contributing to the band's initial sound. He was with Metallica from their inception in 1981 until early 1982.
McGovney wasn't technically "kicked out" in the same confrontational manner as Mustaine. Instead, he recognized that his musical style and commitment level didn't quite align with the rapidly developing aggressive sound that James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich were pursuing. He also felt that the band was becoming increasingly focused on heavier, faster music, and he wasn't as passionate about that direction.
McGovney willingly stepped aside to allow the band to pursue their vision. He recommended Cliff Burton, whom he knew from another band, to replace him. Burton's arrival was a pivotal moment for Metallica, bringing his unique bass playing style and musicality that would profoundly influence the band's sound on their first three albums.
“I was never asked to leave. I was just getting tired of playing so much thrash metal. I was the original bass player, and I was glad to see them go on and do what they did. I didn’t want to be a part of it anymore. I introduced them to Cliff Burton.”
– Ron McGovney, reflecting on his departure.
McGovney has remained a friend to the band and is often acknowledged as the original bassist. He occasionally appears at Metallica events and has spoken positively about his time with the band, emphasizing that his departure was amicable and driven by a mutual understanding of musical direction.
The Impact of Lineup Changes
These two departures, while seemingly negative events at the time, ultimately shaped Metallica into the band they are today. Dave Mustaine's expulsion led to the creation of Megadeth, a significant force in metal music. Ron McGovney's voluntary exit paved the way for the legendary Cliff Burton, whose influence is still felt in Metallica's music.
The early instability, particularly with Mustaine, was a difficult period. However, the subsequent additions of Kirk Hammett and the profound influence of Cliff Burton solidified a lineup that would go on to achieve unprecedented success. Understanding who got kicked out of Metallica offers a fascinating glimpse into the band's formative years and the crucial turning points that led to their enduring legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How was Dave Mustaine kicked out of Metallica?
Dave Mustaine was informed one morning in April 1983 that he was no longer a member of Metallica. He was immediately put on a Greyhound bus and sent back to California. The primary reasons cited by the band were his ongoing issues with alcohol and drug abuse, as well as frequent conflicts and aggressive behavior stemming from these issues.
Why did Ron McGovney leave Metallica?
Ron McGovney left Metallica voluntarily because he felt his musical interests were diverging from the band's rapidly developing aggressive and fast-paced thrash metal sound. He wasn't as passionate about that direction and decided to step aside to allow the band to pursue their evolving musical vision, recommending Cliff Burton as his replacement.
Did Dave Mustaine want to leave Metallica?
No, Dave Mustaine did not want to leave Metallica. He was dismissed from the band. He has expressed feelings of betrayal and has often spoken about his desire to remain with Metallica, but his struggles with addiction and aggressive behavior led to the band's decision to remove him.
How did Kirk Hammett end up in Metallica?
Kirk Hammett was recruited by Metallica to replace Dave Mustaine as lead guitarist in April 1983. The band had seen Hammett perform with his previous band, Exodus, and were impressed with his guitar playing skills. He was quickly brought into the band to re-record the guitar parts for their debut album, Kill 'Em All.
