58 MEGADETH SONGS THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN PLAYED LIVE

Unplayed Megadeth Songs: An Overview

While Megadeth has an extensive catalog of songs played live, several tracks remain untouched in a concert setting. These songs span various albums and showcase the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different sounds and themes. Below is a breakdown of these tracks, organized by album, highlighting their uniqueness and potential reasons for their absence from live performances.

Album-by-Album Breakdown

1. Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! (1985)

• Looking Down the Cross
• Chosen Ones

Megadeth’s debut album set the tone for their early sound, characterized by raw energy and speed. Despite its impact, tracks like “Looking Down the Cross” and “Chosen Ones” have never been featured in live performances, possibly due to the band’s focus on more popular tracks from the album.

2. Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? (1986)

• I Ain’t Superstitious

This album is often hailed as one of the defining records of thrash metal. However, “I Ain’t Superstitious,” a blues cover, has never been played live, perhaps due to its stylistic departure from the rest of the band’s catalog.

3. So Far, So Good… So What! (1988)

• 502
• Mary Jane

While So Far, So Good… So What! features some of the band’s fan-favorite tracks, “502” and “Mary Jane” have remained absent from setlists. These songs, although appreciated by fans, might not fit the high-energy vibe of Megadeth’s live performances.

4. Rust in Peace (1990)

• Dawn Patrol

Considered a masterpiece, Rust in Peace is packed with iconic tracks. “Dawn Patrol,” an atmospheric interlude, has not been performed live, likely due to its short duration and experimental nature.

5. Countdown to Extinction (1992)

• Captive Honour
• Psychotron

This album marked a shift towards more mainstream metal. While many songs from this record are live staples, “Captive Honour” and “Psychotron” have not been played, possibly due to their complex arrangements and lyrical themes.

6. Youthanasia (1994)

• Elysian Fields

Youthanasia continued the band’s transition into more melodic territory. “Elysian Fields,” with its introspective lyrics, remains a studio-only track.

7. Cryptic Writings (1997)

• Use the Man
• I’ll Get Even

Cryptic Writings features a blend of heavy and melodic tracks. Despite its popularity, “Use the Man” and “I’ll Get Even” have not been featured in live performances, possibly due to their slower tempos.

8. Risk (1999)

• Crush ‘Em
• The Doctor is Calling

Known for its experimental approach, Risk divided fans and critics alike. “Crush ‘Em” and “The Doctor is Calling” have never been played live, likely due to the mixed reception of the album.

9. The World Needs a Hero (2001)

• Losing My Senses
• When

This album marked a return to Megadeth’s heavier roots. However, tracks like “Losing My Senses” and “When” have not made it to live shows, possibly due to the band’s focus on their classic hits.

10. The System Has Failed (2004)

• Blackmail the Universe
• Something That I’m Not

The System Has Failed was a commercial success, yet “Blackmail the Universe” and “Something That I’m Not” have not been played live, perhaps due to the album’s diverse range of tracks.

11. United Abominations (2007)

• You’re Dead
• Burnt Ice

The politically charged themes of United Abominations resonate with many fans. However, “You’re Dead” and “Burnt Ice” have not been included in live performances, possibly due to their complex arrangements.

12. Endgame (2009)

• The Hardest Part of Letting Go… Sealed with a Kiss

Endgame marked a return to Megadeth’s thrash roots. “The Hardest Part of Letting Go… Sealed with a Kiss,” a ballad-like track, has not been played live, likely due to its departure from the album’s overall intensity.

13. Thirteen (2011)

• Millennium of the Blind
• 13

Thirteen features a mix of new songs and re-recorded tracks. “Millennium of the Blind” and “13” have not been performed live, possibly due to their introspective and personal nature.

14. Super Collider (2013)

• Bitter Suite
• Forget to Remember

With its more accessible sound, Super Collider was a departure from the band’s thrash roots. “Bitter Suite” and “Forget to Remember” have not been played live, likely due to the album’s mixed reception.

15. Dystopia (2016)

• Post American World

Dystopia received critical acclaim for its return to thrash metal. Despite its success, “Post American World” has not been included in live setlists, possibly due to its thematic overlap with other tracks.

Conclusion

Megadeth’s extensive discography is a testament to their enduring legacy in the world of metal. While many of their songs have become staples in live performances, some tracks remain undiscovered in a concert setting. The reasons for these omissions vary, ranging from stylistic choices to thematic considerations. Nevertheless, these unplayed songs offer a unique glimpse into the band’s diverse musical journey.

For fans and curious listeners alike, exploring these tracks provides an opportunity to appreciate the depth and complexity of Megadeth’s music beyond their most famous hits. As the band continues to tour and record new material, there remains the possibility that some of these songs may eventually see the light of day in a live context, adding another layer to their rich legacy.