Gar Samuelson was a legendary drummer who played for the thrash metal band Megadeth from 1984 to 1987. He was known for his innovative and influential style, which blended elements of jazz fusion and heavy metal. He contributed to the band’s first two albums, Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! and Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?, which are considered classics of the genre. However, his life and career were cut short by a tragic and mysterious death that shocked the metal community. What was Gar Samuelson’s cause of death and how did it affect his former bandmates and fans?
Contents
The Rise and Fall of Gar Samuelson
Gar Samuelson was born on February 18, 1958, in Dunkirk, New York. He started playing drums at an early age and was influenced by jazz musicians such as Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa. He also developed a passion for rock and metal bands such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple. He joined a band called The New Yorkers in the late 1970s, which included his brother Stew, guitarist Chris Poland, and bassist Robbie Pagliari, among others. The band played a fusion of jazz and rock, but never released any material.
In 1984, Samuelson met Dave Mustaine and Dave Ellefson of Megadeth, who were looking for a drummer for their new band. Samuelson impressed them with his skills and versatility, and was asked to join the band on October 24, 1984. Poland soon followed, and Mustaine referred to this as “the first real line-up” of Megadeth. Samuelson brought a new dimension to the band’s sound, adding complex and dynamic drum patterns that complemented Mustaine’s aggressive and technical guitar riffs. He also helped to shape the band’s image, with his long hair, bandana, and sunglasses.
Samuelson recorded and toured with Megadeth for their first two albums, which established the band as one of the leaders of the thrash metal movement. Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! was released in 1985 and featured songs such as “Mechanix”, “Rattlehead”, and “The Skull Beneath the Skin”. Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? was released in 1986 and featured songs such as “Wake Up Dead”, “The Conjuring”, and “Peace Sells”. The album was a critical and commercial success, selling over a million copies and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance.
However, Samuelson’s tenure with Megadeth was also marked by problems and conflicts. He struggled with drug addiction, especially heroin, which affected his performance and health. He also clashed with Mustaine, who was also a drug user and had a volatile personality. Samuelson was fired from the band in 1987, along with Poland, due to their drug issues and unreliability. He was replaced by Chuck Behler, who had been his drum technician. Samuelson later claimed that he was not fired, but quit the band because he was unhappy with the direction they were taking.
The Mysterious Death of Gar Samuelson
After leaving Megadeth, Samuelson formed a band with Megadeth touring musician, Mike Albert. The band, called Metalist, disbanded before signing to Combat Records. Samuelson then formed another band, Fatal Opera, which featured his brother Stew on guitar. The band released two albums, Fatal Opera in 1995 and The Eleventh Hour in 1997, which showcased Samuelson’s drumming and songwriting abilities. The band also included vocalist Dave Inman, bassist Travis Karcher, and guitarist Billy Brehme.
Samuelson spent his last years running his own recording studio in Orange City, Florida. He also kept in touch with some of his former Megadeth bandmates, such as Ellefson and Poland. He expressed interest in rejoining Megadeth, but Mustaine declined, citing his health and drug problems. Samuelson died in his home in Orange City on July 14, 1999, at the age of 41. The cause of death was reportedly liver failure, possibly due to years of drug abuse. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered by his family and friends.
Samuelson’s death was a shock and a loss for the metal world. His former bandmates in Megadeth dedicated the 2002 remaster of Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! to “the memory of Gar Samuelson”. Mustaine also announced his death to the crowd at the Woodstock Festival in 1999, and played Peace Sells as a tribute. Fans and musicians alike mourned his passing and praised his legacy as one of the most influential drummers of thrash metal. He was also remembered for his personality, which was described as friendly, funny, and humble.
The Legacy of Gar Samuelson
Gar Samuelson was a drummer who changed the face of thrash metal with his unique and innovative style. He combined the speed and power of metal with the finesse and creativity of jazz, creating a sound that was both complex and catchy. He influenced many drummers who followed him, such as Nick Menza, Lars Ulrich, Dave Lombardo, and Mike Portnoy. He also left a mark on the history of Megadeth, being part of their classic line-up and contributing to their best albums. He was a musician who pushed the boundaries of his genre and his instrument, and a person who touched the lives of many with his talent and charisma. He was a legend who died too soon, but whose music lives on. Gar Samuelson’s cause of death was a tragedy, but his legacy is a triumph.
