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Megadeth have been a major force in the thrash metal scene, and they’ve had quite a few lineups over the years. In particular, the band has seen many different drummers take to the throne… eight to be exact.
In this article, we’ll take a look at every Megadeth drummer to grace the stage and what they brought to the project. We’ll break it down by era so you can see who played on which albums, how they shaped the band’s sound, and who’s currently behind the kit.
In a hurry?
- Gar Samuelson
- Chuck Behler
- Nick Menza
- Jimmy DeGrasso
- Vinnie Colaiuta
- Shawn Drover
- Chris Adler
- Dirk Verbeuren
Megadeth drummers
1. Gar Samuelson
Years with Megadeth: 1984-87
First on our list is Gar Samuelson, who joined Megadeth in 1984, just a few months after Dave Mustaine founded the band. Samuelson brought a jazz-rooted finesse to Megadeth’s early sound, setting him apart from other thrash drummers of the time.
Interestingly, before joining, he and guitarist Chris Poland had spent a decade playing in a jazz fusion group. You can hear this influence in Samuelson’s syncopated grooves and ride cymbal work that contrasted with the full-throttle aggression typical of thrash. This gave the early albums a more intricate, fluid feel and helped shape technical drumming in the genre.
His time with the band was cut short due to drug-related issues. but his legacy lives on as his style continues to inspire modern drummers.
2. Chuck Behler
Years with Megadeth: 1987-89
Chuck Behler moved from roadie to drummer after Gar Samuelson’s departure, joining Megadeth in time to record So Far, So Good… So What! in 1988. His drumming had a heavier, more direct feel, replacing Samuelson’s jazz-influenced finesse with raw force.
Some fans felt the songwriting on the album wasn’t as strong as earlier efforts, but his hard-hitting style fit well with the band’s direction at the time. Behler’s stint with Megadeth was short-lived, and in a strange twist of fate, he was replaced by his own roadie.
3. Nick Menza
Years with Megadeth: 1989-1998
Nick Menza was at the centre of Megadeth’s most celebrated era, playing on four landmark albums: Rust in Peace, Countdown to Extinction, Youthanasia, and Cryptic Writings. He helped push the band into new creative territory with his astounding speed, precision, and dynamic control at the kit.
With sharp footwork and tom arrangements, Menza gave the songs a layered, powerful feel and added a more polished sound than earlier records. His signature tone came from a Tama Artstar kit with a large kick drum, deep rack toms, and a 14×8 brass snare, producing a punchy sound that worked perfectly live and in the studio.
4. Jimmy DeGrasso
Years with Megadeth: 1998-2002
Jimmy DeGrasso joined Megadeth in 1998 on very short notice, stepping in just days before a show on the Cryptic Writings tour. He went on to record Risk and The World Needs a Hero and also appeared on the live release Rude Awakening.
DeGrasso’s drumming focused on power, precision, and clean dynamics. While sometimes seen as underrated, he kept Megadeth grounded during a transitional period.
His time ended in 2002 when the band went on hiatus following Dave Mustaine’s injury. After leaving, he built a successful career as a session musician, working with artists such as Alice Cooper and Marty Friedman.
5. Vinnie Colaiuta
Years with Megadeth: 2004
Vinnie Colaiuta’s time with Megadeth was short but significant. He played drums on The System Has Failed in 2004, and as one of the most versatile session players in the world, he brought a polished technical edge. His performance helped steer Megadeth back toward their heavier roots after becoming more commercial in the ’90s.
On the record, his drumming is tight, articulate, and powerful. Although he never toured with the band, his contribution gave the album the drive it needed and reinforced his reputation as one of the finest drummers around.
For the sessions, Colaiuta used a Gretsch USA Custom in Cobalt Blue Gloss Lacquer. In our opinion, though, the star of the show was his double kick sound. It was truly iconic, achieved using a DW 9000 Series double pedal. This is an industry-leading pedal that uses a free-floating rotor system and adjustable cam.
6. Shawn Drover
Years with Megadeth: 2004-14
Next up is Shawn Drover, who had already built a reputation in power metal with Eidolon. He joined Megadeth in 2004 and stayed for 10 years, recording albums United Abominations, Endgame, and Super Collider.
Drover’s drumming focused on relentless double-kick patterns and rapid fills. He may have lacked the nuance of earlier players but he made up for it in stamina and power, even if his era is often seen as more functional than innovative.
Drover favoured Yamaha drums, often using the Absolute Maple Hybrid shell pack, which delivered the clarity and projection needed for high-speed metal drumming. Though he eventually left to pursue his own projects, he remains Megadeth’s longest-serving drummer.
7. Chris Adler
Years with Megadeth: 2015-16
You might know Chris Adler as the powerhouse drummer from Lamb of God, but he also spent a brief spell with Megadeth. In 2015, he was invited to record Dystopia, a call that came as a surprise but quickly proved to be the right fit. Adler’s trademark left-handed leads and polyrhythmic style gave the album a sharp, modern edge while still nodding back to Megadeth’s thrash roots.
Dystopia turned out to be a major success, climbing the charts and earning Megadeth their first Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance. Adler’s time with the band was short, limited to the record and a handful of shows.
If you want his sound for yourself, what better to try than a Chris Adler signature snare?
8. Dirk Verbeuren
Years with Megadeth: 2016-present
Megadeth’s current drummer, Dirk Verbeuren, joined in 2016 after first being asked to fill in for live shows. With only ten days to prepare, he impressed the band so much that Dave Mustaine made his role permanent. Since then, he’s recorded The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead! and become central to Megadeth’s modern sound.
Verbeuren’s style draws on influences from Dave Lombardo to Björk and Napalm Death. He’s particularly known for powerful double bass drumming and intricate blast beats.
On stage, he plays custom Tama Starclassic Maple drums with his own signature Tama snare, and for his heads, he uses Evans. For his snare, he prefers the EVANS ST Dry, and for toms, he goes with the EVANS Clear EC2S.
He occasionally wears gloves for grip and endurance, a choice some drummers adopt for comfort and consistency during long performances. His go-to gloves are Tama, but you can achieve a similar grip by using the Ahead Drummers Gloves.
FAQs
Who is the new drummer for Megadeth?
Dirk Verbeuren is Megadeth’s current drummer. He first filled in during the Dystopia tour in 2016, stepping up after Chris Adler’s departure, and he’s held the spot ever since.
Is Dirk Verbeuren a good drummer?
Dirk Verbeuren is a highly skilled drummer, and his move to become Megadeth’s permanent member was widely praised. Many fans and critics have called him “one of the best drummers in metal.”
Why does Megadeth’s drummer wear gloves?
Megadeth’s drummer wears gloves mainly for protection. Playing intense thrash metal for long stretches can lead to blisters, hand injuries, and strain, so the gloves help absorb shock and keep a steady grip.
Final thoughts
Megadeth’s drum seat has seen plenty of change over the years, but each drummer has left a distinct mark on the band’s music. From Gar Samuelson’s jazz-influenced style to Nick Menza’s technical flair, and now Dirk Verbeuren’s precision and versatility, it’s clear that every Megadeth drummer has brought something fresh to the table.
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