Kings of Thrash, the outfit featuring former Megadeth members David Ellefson and Jeff Young, took to the stage in Belfast on Wednesday Night (30th October 2024), more than three and a half decades after their former band's gig at the nearby Antrim Forum sparked a near riot. The incident was the catalyst for band leader Dave Mustaine to write Megadeth classic 'Holy Wars... The Punishment Due'.
Photo: Darren McVeigh MetalPlanet Music.
Taking place at the intimate Limelight 2 venue in the city, Kings of Thrash succinct one hour set focused heavily on the 'So Far, So Good... So What!' era of Megadeth, whilst also celebrating thirty years of the Big Four icons' 'Youthanasia'.
It was back in May 1988 that, following the show at the Antrim Forum, Megadeth left Northern Ireland, allegedly under police escort, following Mustaine's insane decision to offer his opinion on local politics to a heavily divided audience. Tonight in Belfast however, it was a much less explosive scene, with only the music as combustible as the then unpredictable front man.
Kicking off, quite literally with fanfare and instrumental masterpiece 'Into the Lungs of Hell', before a haunting 'Mary Jane', the four piece completed by Chaz Leon on lead vocals and guitar, and Fred Aching on drums proved more than worthy of the moniker.
And despite a muddied mix that left Young's slinky soloing struggling to cut through, the band's powerful tones faithfully recreated the trademark Megadeth speed metal sound.
Stepping up to greet the crowd, Ellefson took the opportunity to acknowledge the 1988 debacle. "How're we doing tonight, Belfast?!" he asked; "we go back a long way, back to 1988", he said, nostalgically. "So, me and my friend Jeff Young were here back in '88, in a little town called Antrim, and it produced a little song that Jeff's going to play a little something from", he confirmed, with Young ripping into the intro from 'Holy Wars', and the band joining in,
Offering an all too brief tease of the six and a half minute musical colossus, the band went straight into 'Wake up Dead', before delivering a brace of 1994 classics. "There's an anniversary coming up in a couple of days, Nov 1st, of 'Youthanasia", announced Ellefson, before celebrating its three-decade milestone with a grooving 'Train of Consequences' and deep cut 'Victory' - a song that Megadeth themselves have only played nine times, according to Setlist.fm.
And the classics kept coming. Bathed, appropriately in red light for 'Peace Sells...' cut 'Black Friday', it was 'Rust in Peace' cut 'Dawn Patrol' that showcased Ellefson's bass talents, with front man Leon offering his hammiest, most convincing take on Mustaine's snarly delivery yet.
Sticking to that period, and recalling Megadeth's 1990 tour with The Almighty, Ellefson then paid tribute to Ricky Warwick; "Belfast has made a significant impact on us, and Megadeth. and me and Jeff in particular love Thin Lizzy, and we'd love to play something for your hometown hero, Ricky Warwick", he said, before delivering a convincing take on Lizzy classic 'Cold Sweat'.
With the night ending, some unexpected jazz musing on 'These Boots', gave way to an inevitable 'Peace Sells', bringing the show to an end. "It's been an honour and a pleasure to perform for you guys tonight", said Leon signing off.
Taking to socials afterwards, Ellefson thanked the fans for bringing back; "so many memories of all the years we've shared together", signing off; "thank you, Belfast, Northern Ireland".
Earlier in the evening “the missing link between Ronnie James Dio and Christina Aguilera”, Greek singer Andry wowed the crowd with her fiery anthems and infectious melodies. Ripping through tracks from debut album 'Skies', the siren also shoed off her powerful tones on a closing cover of Deep Purple's 'Burn'.
Kings of Thrash with special guests Andry continue their 'Anarchy in the UK' tour until 2nd November. For more, visit their official site.
It was back in May 1988 that, following the show at the Antrim Forum, Megadeth left Northern Ireland, allegedly under police escort, following Mustaine's insane decision to offer his opinion on local politics to a heavily divided audience. Tonight in Belfast however, it was a much less explosive scene, with only the music as combustible as the then unpredictable front man.
Kicking off, quite literally with fanfare and instrumental masterpiece 'Into the Lungs of Hell', before a haunting 'Mary Jane', the four piece completed by Chaz Leon on lead vocals and guitar, and Fred Aching on drums proved more than worthy of the moniker.
And despite a muddied mix that left Young's slinky soloing struggling to cut through, the band's powerful tones faithfully recreated the trademark Megadeth speed metal sound.
Stepping up to greet the crowd, Ellefson took the opportunity to acknowledge the 1988 debacle. "How're we doing tonight, Belfast?!" he asked; "we go back a long way, back to 1988", he said, nostalgically. "So, me and my friend Jeff Young were here back in '88, in a little town called Antrim, and it produced a little song that Jeff's going to play a little something from", he confirmed, with Young ripping into the intro from 'Holy Wars', and the band joining in,
Offering an all too brief tease of the six and a half minute musical colossus, the band went straight into 'Wake up Dead', before delivering a brace of 1994 classics. "There's an anniversary coming up in a couple of days, Nov 1st, of 'Youthanasia", announced Ellefson, before celebrating its three-decade milestone with a grooving 'Train of Consequences' and deep cut 'Victory' - a song that Megadeth themselves have only played nine times, according to Setlist.fm.
And the classics kept coming. Bathed, appropriately in red light for 'Peace Sells...' cut 'Black Friday', it was 'Rust in Peace' cut 'Dawn Patrol' that showcased Ellefson's bass talents, with front man Leon offering his hammiest, most convincing take on Mustaine's snarly delivery yet.
Sticking to that period, and recalling Megadeth's 1990 tour with The Almighty, Ellefson then paid tribute to Ricky Warwick; "Belfast has made a significant impact on us, and Megadeth. and me and Jeff in particular love Thin Lizzy, and we'd love to play something for your hometown hero, Ricky Warwick", he said, before delivering a convincing take on Lizzy classic 'Cold Sweat'.
With the night ending, some unexpected jazz musing on 'These Boots', gave way to an inevitable 'Peace Sells', bringing the show to an end. "It's been an honour and a pleasure to perform for you guys tonight", said Leon signing off.
Taking to socials afterwards, Ellefson thanked the fans for bringing back; "so many memories of all the years we've shared together", signing off; "thank you, Belfast, Northern Ireland".
Earlier in the evening “the missing link between Ronnie James Dio and Christina Aguilera”, Greek singer Andry wowed the crowd with her fiery anthems and infectious melodies. Ripping through tracks from debut album 'Skies', the siren also shoed off her powerful tones on a closing cover of Deep Purple's 'Burn'.
Kings of Thrash with special guests Andry continue their 'Anarchy in the UK' tour until 2nd November. For more, visit their official site.