Rock legend Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, riffed on a range of topics from the profound influence of Phoenix on his life to the ever-evolving ethos of his band during a glimpse into his world before a much-anticipated concert. According to a Phoenix New Times interview, Mustaine, now 62, peeled back the curtain on the deeper meanings behind his song "Life In Hell" from Megadeth's latest album "The Sick, The Dying … And The Dead!" touching on themes of addiction and personal downfall.

“It’s about somebody who got caught doing something very bad. Caught red-handed. The guy is cheating. He’s got this mentality that it’s okay to live this life of carrying on. The guy is just narcissistic, self-centered, egocentric and when the shit goes down, he has a drink or a drug or whatever,”  Mustaine told Phoenix New Times. Offering insight into the track Mustaine articulates a personal history that reverberates with struggle and relatability, despite the rock star veneer.

Mustaine reflected on living in Phoenix during an earlier chapter of his life. He detailed his and his wife Pamela's decision to raise their family away from Los Angeles' turmoil, ultimately choosing Phoenix over other cities. The pull of Phoenix's music scene was a strong influence, yet, the intense heat was a notable drawback. "It’s so blasted hot. You know everyone says it's the ‘Valley of the Sun,’ but it's the surface of the sun. It was too hot for me," Mustaine remembered with a mix of fondness, and jest.

When discussing his former residence, Mustaine lamented the loss of personal haunts such as a beloved breakfast burrito shop, which he frequented with former bandmate Marty Friedman. He also expressed his enduring affection for the local people, their enthusiasm, and the vibrancy of downtown Phoenix events. However, Mustaine was startled to learn about the Arizona Coyotes' relocation, reacting with a blunt "Get the fuck out! Are you kidding me?" as reported by Phoenix New Times.

Musically, Mustaine’s diverse influences manifest in Megadeth's repertoire, absorbed from various genres including punk, embodied by their "Police Truck" cover of Dead Kennedys' classic on their latest album. Mustaine's encounters with punk legends like Jello Biafra and Lee Ving have added color to his musical journey, as discussed in the Phoenix New Times piece. 

Throughout the hardships, including his dismissal from Metallica, battles with substance abuse, and health challenges like throat cancer, Mustaine has persevered, etching out a space for Megadeth to not merely exist, but to thrive as articulated in the interview with Phoenix New Times.