Marty Friedman Megadeth guitarist , revealed the reasons that led him to leave the group in the early 2000s. In a recent interview on the show Life In Six Strings , Friedman said that his departure was mature and necessary because "I had nothing more to give to the band, and they had nothing more to give to me," thus ending the partnership.
Friedman explained that, around 2000, he felt he had exhausted his creative contribution to Megadeth and that remaining there would limit his own artistic development. For him, the time was right to pursue other musical paths, especially towards influences outside of traditional metal that fascinated him.
The guitarist, who officially left Megadeth due to creative differences, found a new artistic life in Japan, where he has lived since 2003 and become deeply involved in the local music scene. He built a solid solo career, released several albums, and integrated himself into both Japanese culture and the music market, to the point of being named "Ambassador of Japanese Heritage" by the local government.
“I was actually living in Arizona. So, when you come back from tour, it’s really nice. But when you’re not on tour and you’re living there, it’s like living in the desert. So you start thinking: what kind of music do I really want to make? And I was listening to J-Pop, Japanese music, 24/7. And I just knew I needed to be here in Japan if I really wanted to break into the Japanese music scene. So, that was the reason I came.” [transcription via Blabbermouth ].
Friedman also said that the decision to leave was the result of an introspective process, and not just a conflict with the other members. “When I left Megadeth, I knew it was time to leave the band. I had nothing more to offer the band, they had nothing more to offer me, and it was a good time for it to happen,” he confessed.
Since then, he has released solo works that explore fusions between rock, metal, and Eastern influences, maintaining a constant presence on the international scene. Although he stopped commenting on Megadeth for many years, Friedman has more recently resumed conversations about his legacy with respect.
Dave Mustaine discusses his relationship with Marty Friedman and their reunion show
Dave Mustaine stated in an interview on the Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk that Megadeth members for the farewell show announced for 2026. His reasoning, according to him, lies in the past behavior of one of the former band members.
“Well, I really can’t do that, because of the behavior of one of the band members in the past. I just can’t, I can’t. Because, first of all, it would be unfair to the other band members if I didn’t play with them too. But what we did with Marty [ Friedman , former guitarist 1990–2000, 2023] in Japan in early 2024 was an obvious decision. It was brilliant. And I love Marty,” Mustaine stated. [transcription via Blabbermouth ].
He continued: “We had our separation, he went his way and we went ours. But it was a very, very intense relationship that I had with Marty, because it was the first relationship I had with a guitarist. My relationship with Chris [ Poland , former guitarist, 1984–1987] was great, but it wasn't as good as with Marty. With Jeff [ Young , former guitarist 1987–1989] it was good, but… It wasn't as good as it was with Marty. And I probably wouldn't have a problem playing with either of the members of those two lineups, except for the fact that Gar [ Samuelson , former drummer 1984–1987] passed away, and I simply won't do anything that might seem unfair to the other members of the band.”
READ ALSO: Mustaine reveals why the next album will be Megadeth's last.