In a recent chat with Alejandrosis, Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine opened up about Teemu Mäntysaari stepping in as the new guitarist as a replacement for Kiko Loureiro. During the interview, the frontman said Mäntysaari was the best replacement they could ever ask for. He explained why it was getting harder every day for Loureiro:
“Well, I can tell you that Kiko leaving was bittersweet. Kiko is a really good dad, and he loves his family, and he also loves his craft. He’s a wonderful guitar player, and he’s been a good friend to me and to Megadeth fans and the band. And we found out that Kiko was having stress and strain on his family, being away so much, and we knew that it wasn’t gonna get any better; it was just gonna be more shows and more time away from home right now. And he’s got three little ones [at home]. So, in the formidable years, he needs to be there. We all agreed and said that we’re gonna bring in an understudy.”
He added while praising Mäntysaari:
“Teemu came in and helped us for a little while, and then we realized that this is probably the best thing, is for us to stick with Teemu and [for Kiko to] step aside and go back and take care of [his] little ones until everything’s okay.”
Mustaine Was Disappointed About Loureiro
Earlier, Mustaine discussed the lineup change in the band. During the interview with A Rádio Rock, the rocker shared his disappointment about his former bandmate leaving. He also clarified that their current guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari is the right choice for the band:
“Well, I’m expecting us to keep doing what we’ve been doing. Kiko had recommended Teemu, and Teemu is an exceptional guitar player. Kiko was at the top of his game when this happened, so we were obviously disappointed, but it is what it is. If Kiko would have said, ‘I don’t know anybody, and you’re on your own,’ that would have been a lot harder.”
Would Loureiro Ever Come Back?
Mäntysaari joined Megadeth last year in September, taking the place as the band’s lead guitarist and replacing Loureiro for their Crush The World tour. Loureiro had to step down from the tour due to family reasons.
However, Mustaine said that he wouldn’t oppose if Loureiro was ever to come back to the band. He is also aware that it’s not possible for now:
“I don’t think right now that’s something that Kiko’s interested in because he left for a reason, to be with his family. He needs to be there. And if the time presents itself in the future, I’m not opposed to it.”
You can listen to the interview below.