MEGADETH Members Check In From Brazil

MEGADETH members Dave Mustaine, James MacDonough and Shawn Drover have posted separate messages on the band's official forum prior to the group's Oct. 11 gig in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The messages read as follows:

Dave Mustaine: "I am harnessing up for the Sao Paulo show, whom I am sure knowing the fighting determination of these lovely people will not allow Chile or Argentina to show them up.

"The show is sold out, 7,000+ people and me and my boys. I am going to play a birthday song tonight to John Leeder, who is 41 years old today, yep you heard it here, old goat!

"Anyway, I spent the whole day listening to riffs and thinking about how to start the next record, the artwork, song titles, etc. I think my brain is itching and swelling, and this may be a good thing, or maybe not. Two shows to go, and then it is off to demo-ville.

"Love to you all. Sao Paulo, we will not disappoint you wonderful people tonight!

"Here's to the Caribeniero motorcycle daredevil escort!!! Ole, ole ole!!!"

James MacDonough: "Hello all, just sitting back after playing the show of a lifetime, listening to PRIEST and watching the Steelers and Chargers battle it out on the field.

"Chile was spectacular, gorgeous view of the Andes indeed, we took a lot of pics flying over the massive peeks. Truly a beautiful place. The people in every city have been great, fans everywhere, the lobby and camped outside waiting to catch one us.

"When we landed in Chili we were greeted by a large roar as we walked through the airport. In Argentina a multitude of Droogs were waiting outside the airport. As we were going down the six-lane highway, fans were racing to get beside us at 60 mph to get their booklets signed. Dave signed every one as well.

"The acoustic-impromptu jam at the park was really cool to do and see, Dave and Glen jammed it up. I'm glad that was caught on film, quite a unique experience.

"We were rushed to the van and we took off, the fans that could get to their cars fast enough started following us. For fifteen minutes we heard car horns honking the beat for 'Symphony of Destruction'.

"This show was simply put, unbelievable. It was very special to all of us, especially Dave. We were trying not to get too psyched out. You could hear the roar between each band awaiting the forthcoming metal onslaught. We hit the stage and as Dave said already, it was magic. It always is with my bros, night after night. A giant sea of metalheads, it was a beautiful thing.

"I was so happy we were playing two hours, the only reason we cut one was because of the strict curfew. I didn't know that there was a live feed untill after the show, another good idea.

"I wanted to extend a huge THANK YOU to all of you for making that show magical for us. I'm truly proud to be a part of the MEGA family."

Shawn Drover: "So here I am hanging out at this awesome hotel in Sao Paulo, and reflecting on this past week. I just finished watching both shows (Chile, Argentina ) on Glen's video camera (he usually films a bunch of shows during the course of a tour — no exception here ) and I must say that I am real happy about how both of them sounded and looked, visually. I do realize now that I was a tad antsy about playing the Argentina show, being that it was filmed for DVD, recorded for a live record, as well as broadcast over the www, broadcast live all over Argentina T.V. and on Argentina radio (NO pressure here, eh??? YA RIGHT) Having just said this, I wouldn't want it ANY other way, and I honestly have been having the time of my life on this tour!!!!!!

"Tonight the MEGA-party continues with this Brazil show, in which I know that this crowd will as well be totally crazy (I have watched RUSH in Rio 413 times to verify this assumption ). It's really no secret how passionate South American fans are about music, and they have shown us this in spades!!!! I am as well REALLY looking forward to Puerto Rico — the show for sure, but also the BEACH!!!!!!!! 3 days off soaking up the rays will not suck."