Harmony and hops: Dave Mustaine on craftsmanship and collaboration

Ahead of a performance, Dave Mustaine and the band Megadeth stepped away from the amps to talk about a different kind of craft: brewing. Hosted by Kerrang!'s Phil Alexander, the conversation on October 26 centered on Megadeth Beer Co., the band’s burgeoning collaboration with Black Sheep Brewery. The partnership has already found success with the Rattlehead IPA, Rattlehead Pilsner, and the Rattlehead IPA Zero, now stocked in 450 Tesco stores and available online.

Mustaine spoke with clear respect for the brewing process, drawing parallels to his musical career. “You have a recipe that’s a quality recipe. Those brewers are the rock stars of the beer business,” he remarked. He emphasized that the key to great beer, like great music, is harmony: “Like in a band, you need harmony. Brewing’s the same. You’ve got to listen to the people who know how to make it sing.”

The instantly recognizable Rattlehead artwork was praised by the band, with Mustaine noting, “It’s a symbol that’s always stood for grit and survival. It looks powerful on a can; like it’s meant to be there.”

Focusing on the flavor profile, Mustaine championed authenticity and balance, particularly with the zero-alcohol option. “Some brewers might turn their nose up at zero-alcohol beer, but we all know that moment when you just want the taste – not the aftermath. It’s about balance, not compromise,” he asserted.

When asked to pair Megadeth tracks with the brews, Mustaine and bassist James LoMenzo suggested the IPA goes best with “Peace Sells,” while the Pilsner matches the energy of “Mechanix.”

While the band hinted at potential future darker brews, Mustaine confirmed that the immediate focus is on expanding the brand’s distinct taste and identity into new markets across Europe.

Closing the session, Mustaine reflected on the passion required for longevity in both music and brewing: “Maybe I’m just too stubborn to go away. But when it stops being fun, that’s when people lose their passion. For me, whether it’s music or beer, it’s still fun.”