Originally published in Guitar World magazine · July 2005
Monster Mash
News1 min read
Dave Mustaine brings virtuosity to the headbanging masses with Gigantour.
By Jon Wiederhorn
Throughout the Nineties, Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine progressively simplified his group’s once complex music, much to the dismay of his fans. With Megadeth’s 2004 release, The System Has Failed, the guitarist showed he had regained his taste for shred. Now, with the creation of his new Gigantour festival, Mustaine appears to have fully embraced his virtuosic roots.
In addition to headliners Megadeth, the tour will feature a range of sonically adventurous acts, including Dream Theater, Fear Factory, Dillinger Escape Plan and Nevermore. Gigantour will also showcase a variety of second-stage acts. The tour launches in late July and runs through mid September.
“I wanted to put together a festival that consisted of positive bands that play heavy music in a high-energy environment,” says Mustaine. “I think the variety of playing styles and the credibility of the different players is really exciting.”
For Dream Theater bassist Mike Portnoy, Gigantour is an opportunity for his band to reach beyond its audience. “I see this as kind of a meeting between musicians and metalheads,” he says. “I think we bring some diversity to the bill.”
Gigantour takes its name from Gigantor, an animated TV series from the Sixties about a giant robot and the young boy who controls him. Mustaine, for his part, hopes to keep a tight rein on his metal monster by maintaining a top-quality lineup and affordable ticket prices. At about $35 apiece, they’re cheaper than tickets to Ozzfest and other major rock tours.
“I think people want an affordable alternative to the choices out there,” he says. “And I think that between its lineups and its ticket prices, Gigantour will stand the test of time.”