Chris Poland Plans to Watch Megadeth Despite Past Tension

Former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland has confirmed that he intends to attend at least one show on the band’s upcoming farewell tour, even as frontman Dave Mustaine has ruled out inviting former members to participate onstage. Speaking with KNAC.COM, Poland said he feels compelled to catch a performance if the tour truly marks the band’s final run.

“Oh, I’m sure I will. If it’s the final one, I should go see one [show]. I’ll have to make the time,” Poland explained. “I run a couple of hundred studios during the day, and it’s a lot of work and it’s hard to get out. But I will. I’ll make time for Dave.”

Mustaine’s Firm Stance on Former Members

Poland’s comments follow Mustaine’s earlier explanation for not including past Megadeth members in the farewell celebrations. The frontman made it clear that unresolved issues prevent a full reunion lineup from taking shape.

“I can’t really do that [inviting all surviving Megadeth members], because of the behavior of one of the band members in the past,” Mustaine stated.

While he did not name anyone directly, the remark underscores the lingering tensions that have shaped the band’s long and often turbulent history.

A Legacy of Collaboration and Distance

Poland’s relationship with Megadeth remains layered, defined by both creative chemistry and years of separation. As the band’s original second lead guitarist from 1984 to 1987, he introduced a jazz-fusion sensibility that distinguished him within the thrash metal genre, giving Megadeth an edge that set it apart from its peers.

He later reunited with Mustaine in 2004 to contribute to The System Has Failed, an experience he described as “a blast,” suggesting that, at least creatively, their partnership could still thrive. However, time has since widened the gap between them. Poland has not spoken with Mustaine since that collaboration and has shown no desire to rejoin the band permanently.

Even so, his decision to attend the farewell tour signals a quiet respect that endures despite the distance. Rather than revisiting old roles, Poland appears content to step into the crowd—acknowledging the band’s legacy, supporting his former bandmate, and witnessing what could be Megadeth’s final chapter from the perspective of a fan.