Megadeth, one of the pillars of global Thrash Metal, arrived in Lima for the third time after 14 years since their last visit. For Peruvian fans it was a dream come true since it is always very difficult for a band to return to Peru, even more so when the heavy metal market in this country is so unpredictable.
Kandavu was the local production company that dared to organize the concert that would mark the beginning of the Latin American part of the “Crush The World Tour 2024”. At first, ticket sales were very slow and this generated fear among fans of a possible cancellation, but little by little massive advertising and marketing activities led to an extraordinary sold out being announced on the day of the concert. On April 6, Dave Mustaine and company demonstrated once again what the band is made of and why they are considered in the Big Four along with Metallica, Anthrax and Slayer. That day any doubts about the legendary guitarist’s abilities after his diagnosis and subsequent remission of cancer were dispelled.
The doors of Arena 1 opened at 6:00 PM and thousands of fans ran in to occupy the places closest to the stage, the euphoria and anxiety were uncontrollable. The night began with Difonia, a Peruvian band that this year celebrates 20 years of experience and was in charge of warming up the atmosphere. They took advantage of every minute on stage to show that they were one of the most powerful bands in the country. They were very well received by the audience who sang their songs and applauded them throughout their set.
Band:
Ricardo Mendez – Vocals, Guitar.
Hans Menacho – Drums
Ou Saba – Bass
Sander Alex – Lead Guitar
Setlist:
1. Tiempo
2. Crisis
3. Despertar
4. 667
5. Tarde o Temprano
A few minutes after 9:00 pm the lights went out and the screams of the public sounded throughout the place, the wait was over. Megadeth’s setlist kicked off surprisingly with the live debut of “The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!” the song that gives name to the band’s latest album released in 2022 and which brought them on tour to this side of the world. Then came “Dread and the Fugitive Mind” which was accompanied by the singing of the entire audience. Dave Mustaine with his Gibson flying V demonstrated why he is considered one of the inventors of Thrash Metal, while Teemu Mäntysaari, the new guitarist who replaced Kiko Loureiro in 2023, complemented the power of the band with a perfect technique that allowed him to shine with the classic “Devil’s Island”, a song that returned to the band´s setlist after 10 years. Each note, each riff, and each guitar solo was experienced with an infectious intensity and the fans jumped around hugging each other while singing each note of each song. Before continuing, Dave addressed the audience “It’s so good to be back in Lima, Peru. It’s been a long time since we were here, it’s been like 10 years. I think so, 10 years, right? Too much! But now we are here, and we have many surprises for you,” said the singer before starting with ‘Hangar 18’ from the album Rust in Peace which merged with “Wake Up Dead” from Peace Sells …But Who’s Buying and then “In My Darkest Hour” from So Far, So Good… So What!
The indisputable anthems did not stop playing: “Sweating Bullets” and especially “Hook in Mouth” were received in the midst of total ecstasy from the fans who reached their climax when the opening notes of “Trust” were heard over the speakers followed by “Tornado of Souls”, one of the most anticipated songs of the night. It was exciting to see Mustaine’s joy when he saw the tremendous dedication of the Peruvian fans. His smile revealed great respect while he exclaimed, visibly excited, “Thank you, I love you very much.”
After a brief pause, it was the turn of “A Tout le Monde”, an emotional song that was sung in its entirety by an audience that was giving it their all. Until this moment we were enjoying great success for the band. The songs, the exchange of solos between Mustaine and Mäntysaari, and the tremendous rhythmic base of James Lomenzo and Dirk Verbeuren resounded in Arena 1. This concert was determined to be a see-saw of emotions and the enthusiasm of the people was still far from reaching its maximum splendor, proof of this was the tremendous discharge of energy heard in “Symphony of Destruction” and its peculiar chorus of: “Megadeth, Megadeth, Peru is Megadeth”, a moment in which hundreds of voices in unison left a Dave Mustaine speechless, visibly shocked by the situation.
The end would come with a trio of songs calculated to leave the audience exhausted: “Peace Sells” with that characteristic bass intro. “Mechanix” was a total party that continued when Mustaine said “This is the last song. You’re going to like this song” and started with the devastating riff of “Holy Wars”. The night ended after 15 songs that, although few, were enough to fill the more than 10 thousand attendees with joy. When this chronicle reaches your screens Megadeth has finished its show in Chile and is preparing to go to Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and El Salvador and then leave for Europe.
Band:
Dave Mustaine – Vocals, Lead Guitar
James LoMenzo – Bass
Dirk Verbeuren – Drums
Teemu Mantysaari – Lead Guitar
Setlist:
1. The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!
2. Dread and the Fugitive Mind
3. Devil’s Island
4. Hangar 18
5. Wake Up Dead
6. In My Darkest Hour
7. Sweating Bullets
8. Hook in Mouth
9. Trust
10. Tornado of Souls
11. A tout le monde
12. Symphony of Destruction
13. Peace Sells
14. Mechanix
15. Holy Wars… The Punishment Due
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I’m a photographer with extensive experience working for national and international media. I’m also a passionate photography educator with extensive experience working with students of different ages. I love Heavy Metal music and I began shooting concerts in 1992. Concert Photography is my passion. I’m based in Perú but willing to travel anywhere.
