Menza watches words over Megadeth return

Former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza has stopped short of confirming or denying whether he’s returning to the band.

Speculation has been rife in recent weeks that the sticksman, who left in 1998 after a five-album stint in Dave Mustaine’s outfit, could be set to come back after the departures of Shawn Drover and Chris Broderick in November.

Megadeth last month released a teaser video showing bassist David Ellefson playing in their studio with an unidentified drummer. He and Menza attended the NAMM industry show in California at the weekend.

But Menza would only tell Examiner.com: “It’ll be final when it’s final,” then asked: “What do you think are the chances of me coming back?”

He’s already signed up to be part of a band featuring ex-Megadeth men Chris Poland and James LoMenzo. Asked whether that might represent a clash with a return to the thrash giants, he said: “I’m a free agent; I can do whatever I want.”

Megadeth intend to record their 15th album as planned this year. Former guitarist Glen Drover recently predicted Menza would be part of the project. Last month Mustaine recently promised fans “would be very happy” with the upcoming lineup announcement.

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.