5.23.2007 - Selecting bands for Gigantour?

Dear Scorpion,

I am curious as to how much communication Dave and the other members of the band have to bands like Dreamtheater, for example on the Gigantour 05' what goes into the selection of the bands? Is Dave friends with the members of the bands or does he just think of ideas to make the most ecclectic show to appeal to a vast audience. And also makes for excellent dvd's of the shows for fans to view.
Thank you for your time,
Barry Yeager
Philadelphia,Pa.

P.S. Looking forward to Megadeth's arrival in Philadelphia for the heaven and hell tour (tix bought and paid for !)

My dearest Yeagermeister,

One of the truly killer things about Gigantour is that Dave Mustaine hand picks every single band on the tour! All were chosen for special reasons based on diversity and musicianship. For example, Dream Theater was asked to be on the maiden voyage of Gigantour because Dave and Mike Portnoy became fast friends and wanted to tour together. Dream Theater recommended Symphony X for G1. Anthrax was an easy choice to finish up the tour, since they were one of the "pillars" of metal. Megadeth toured with Fear Factory back on the Reckoning Day tour, so they were a safe bet. Dave produced the Sanctuary CD "Refuge Denied" back in the day, and two members of Sanctuary went on to form Nevermore. It also helped that Glen and Shawn are Nevermore fans and that James MacDonough toured with them when he played bass for Iced Earth. Bobaflex was brought on as fresh new talent because Justis Mustaine, Dave's son, was a fan of the band. Talk about a lot of work and scrutiny! Your ole' pal the Scorp is willing to bet his bottom dollar that none of the leaders of these other "fests" put that kind of time and effort into picking the bands that bring all those lovely metal flavors to you kiddies! That's all for this week, but keep those question coming in and beware of the cicadas!

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