Just two months after lead guitarist [[Dave Mustaine]] was fired from [[Metallica]] due to drinking, drug use, violent behavior and personality conflicts, Mustaine, bassist [[David Ellefson]], guitarist Greg Handevidt, and drummer Dijon Carruthers formed Megadeth in Los Angeles. Mustaine later said, "After getting fired from Metallica, all I remember is that I wanted blood. Theirs. I wanted to be faster and heavier than them".

On September 17, Megadeth played "Head Crusher" live on the Late Night show.