In a new interview with Scott Penfold of Loaded Radio, Adler opened up about his experience joining one of his favorite bands, his admiration for Mustaine’s guitar skills, and the emotional complexities of working with a man who’s long been both praised and criticized in the metal world.
Adler said:
“Oh, man. [It was a] dream come true. Yeah. Everybody loves to pick on Dave, and I feel bad for him. He had a rough time growing up, and I know his whole story, and we spent a lot of time talking about stuff. And Dave’s a really — he’s a very nice guy. He’s troubled, but in a way that makes him one of the best in the world. And, man, can that guy play guitar — it’s unreal.”
Adler’s stint with Megadeth came during a pivotal moment for the band. He performed on their 2016 Grammy-winning album Dystopia and toured extensively in support of it between January and May that year. When Adler was unavailable, Tony Laureano stepped in, but the role ultimately went to Dirk Verbeuren later in 2016.
Yet despite his short tenure, Adler’s connection to the band — and to Mustaine — left a lasting emotional impression. He reminisced about being a kid, skateboarding and listening to cassettes, and how a Megadeth song changed the trajectory of his life:
“I got the cassette tape, listened to all this punk rock and all that stuff and I heard that MEGADETH song, and that really set me on the path to do everything that I did. So to get that call was a dream come true.”
But it’s his empathy for Mustaine that cuts through the noise of typical rock interviews. In a scene where egos often dominate headlines, Adler’s candid reflection humanizes a figure often caricatured as difficult or controversial. His words offer a rare glimpse into the emotional weight carried by one of metal’s most enduring icons.
In an industry fueled by intensity and bravado, “I feel bad for Dave” might be one of the most honest things ever said about the man behind Megadeth.
