Scott Ian recounts Metallica firing Dave Mustaine in 1983

Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian recently shared details regarding the 1983 firing of Dave Mustaine from Metallica during an appearance on Billy Corgan’s ‘The Magnificent Others’ podcast.

Ian recounted being in New York City when the event occurred. He initially believed bassist Cliff Burton was joking when Burton claimed Mustaine had been sent back to California via Greyhound bus. After confirming the news with Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield, Ian learned the band had already decided to hire Kirk Hammett from Exodus to replace Mustaine. Ian noted that the decision had been under consideration by the band since their arrival in New York.