The story of musical camaraderie and legendary performances at Tokyo's iconic Budokan is truly captivating—and here's where it gets controversial... Recently, in an engaging interview with Japan's Young Guitar magazine, guitar virtuosos Marty Friedman and Kiko Loureiro, both former members of MEGADETH, shared their heartfelt reflections on a special moment from early 2023. Marty Friedman’s surprise guest appearance during MEGADETH’s historic first-ever concert at the legendary Budokan arena in Tokyo marked a milestone not just for the band, but for every fan present.
On February 27, 2023, Marty joined MEGADETH on stage for three iconic tracks—"Countdown To Extinction," "Tornado Of Souls," and "Symphony Of Destruction." Marty expressed how profoundly moving the experience was: "Playing with MEGADETH at Budokan was a fantastic feeling. When I listened to their performance, I thought, ‘This sounds even better than when I was part of MEGADETH originally.’ It just had a richer sound—like the band had stepped up its game. I felt like I was playing in a version of MEGADETH that somehow surpassed past recordings. Witnessing the Japanese crowd—people crying, smiling, screaming—was pure adrenaline. It was an unforgettable thrill, and I enjoyed every second of it."
Kiko Loureiro, who was MEGADETH’s lead guitarist during the concert, added his perspective: "What Marty said resonates deeply. I remember watching videos from the ’90s, feeling a certain attitude, excitement, and freshness that’s tough to replicate. But now, with modern technology and the tight rhythm section led by drummer Dirk Verbeuren, the band sounds incredibly solid. Playing alongside such a reliable team makes the performance even more impactful."
Kiko continued, emphasizing the significance of the concert: "This was a crucial show for MEGADETH and Dave Mustaine personally. You could sense the weight of the moment and the respect for the venue. Interestingly, I found myself playing some of Marty’s solos from the Friedman era, right there on stage, even though he wasn’t officially performing. It created a strange but exciting mix of emotions—like feeling the presence of my predecessor while stepping into the shoes of his riffs. For example, opening with "Hangar 18"—one of the band’s most complex and celebrated guitar pieces—made me wish Marty was playing it himself, knowing he was right there watching. That added an extra layer of pressure—knowing Marty was checking me out as I played his own solos."
Marty responded warmly, affirming Kiko’s compliment: "You nailed it, man. You totally got it right."
In addition to this memorable event, Marty Friedman rejoined MEGADETH on stage twice within 2023. The first time was at the Budokan show, and the second during the famed Wacken Open Air festival in Germany in August. At Wacken, Marty performed four tracks—"Trust," "Tornado Of Souls," "Symphony Of Destruction," and "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due"—adding his signature touch to these legendary songs.
Looking ahead to December 2024, Marty was asked by France’s Metal Obsessions about how it felt to step back into the MEGADETH spotlight after over twenty years. His response was full of enthusiasm: "It was purely fun, a wonderful experience for everyone involved, especially for us on stage. We played with the intention of giving the audience unforgettable memories—something they could go home with and cherish. Watching their reactions was incredibly rewarding."
When discussing reconnecting with bandleader Dave Mustaine, Marty said: "It was fantastic. We’ve always kept a friendly relationship, even if we don’t stay in touch daily. So, when the opportunity arose to perform together, it felt completely natural—like old friends catching up through music."
Most recently, Friedman’s solo band supported MEGADETH during a live show on September 22, 2025, at Maçka Küçükçiftlik Park in Istanbul, Turkey. While Marty didn’t hit the stage that night with the band, he took to social media afterwards to share his enthusiasm: "My band and I had an incredible time playing in Istanbul! Naoki Morioka and I watched as Teemu Mäntysaari—MEGADETH’s current guitarist—absolutely nailed my solos with ease, and MEGADETH rocked the stage! We can't wait to return."
And here’s the question most will debate—does such a reunion show and continuous collaboration genuinely preserve the band's original spirit, or does it risk diluting its legacy? What are your thoughts? Have we crossed a line by reuniting in such a way, or is this an inspiring chapter for fans and musicians alike? Drop your opinions in the comments below!
