Dave Mustaine , frontman of Megadeth , said in an interview with 89 FM – A Rádio Rock, that Teemu Mäntysaari is the "right guitarist" for the band. He added that Kiko Loureiro recommended him for the position.
During the conversation, Mustaine said (transcribed by Blabbermouth.Net ): “Well, I hope we continue doing what we’ve been doing. Kiko recommended Teemu, and Teemu is an exceptional guitarist. Kiko was at the top of his game when that happened, so we were obviously disappointed, but it is what it is. If Kiko had said, ‘I don’t know anyone, and you’re on your own,’ that would have been much harder. But Teemu is the right guy for Megadeth. And Kiko knows Teemu is the right guy for me. So, he really did us a great favor, and I love him and wish him the best in everything he does.”
The Finnish guitarist took over the position in September 2023, when Kiko announced he would be absent from the upcoming tour.
Kiko Loureiro's departure
In a social media post, Loureiro announced his decision to leave the band, and he is currently dedicating himself to personal projects, having more time to spend with his family in Finland.
Kiko officially joined Megadeth in April 2015, with Dave Mustaine calling him "the best guitarist we've ever had".
READ ALSO: Megadeth: watch videos of the first show with guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari
