Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren sat down with Underground’s Voice and shared his thoughts about Kiko Lourero’s departure and Teemu Mäntysaari taking his place. In his words, the band was lucky to find Mantysaari, and the former guitarist recommended him. He explained:
“We tour a lot, and it just became very difficult for [Kiko] to really enjoy and be present on tour, because of the stuff that was happening back at home. So I think we all believe that he made the right decision, because family comes first, of course; his children come first. But that’s how it is. And luckily, we found Teemu, who’s an incredible guitar player. Kiko recommended him, and Teemu came towards the end of Kiko’s time in the band. Teemu came and joined along and watched the show and went over all the details and stuff.”
Verbeuren also explained how the band loved the way the new guitarist fit right in:
“And so when we finally started playing with him, he was already very familiar with how we operate. And he’s been amazing. He’s an amazing guitar player, he’s a great person to be around. So it’s been really nice.”
Mantysaari’s Join Was ‘The Best Thing’
Lourero left Megadeth in September 2023 to spend more time with his family and be with his children back in Finland. Even though his departure was for a good cause, Dave Mustaine revealed feeling bittersweet when he left the band. Nevertheless, he was happy that a guitarist like Mantysaari joined the band to replace him. He explained in an interview in April:
“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:
“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.”
See the interview down below.