Throughout their impressive career, Megadeth has made several notable decisions regarding their live performances, including stepping away from specific songs. One significant example is a cover that frontman Dave Mustaine has publicly stated will never be played live again by the band. This revelation came during his recent appearance on the Steve-O’s Wild Ride! podcast, where he and Steve-O discussed a variety of topics, but a particularly compelling discussion focused on Mustaine’s personal Christian faith and the implications it has had on their setlist choices.

In 2002, according to Rolling Stone, Mustaine experienced a profound spiritual transformation, becoming a born-again Christian. Following this pivotal moment, he made a conscious decision to avoid touring with bands that incorporated Satanic imagery or themes in their music. This commitment to his beliefs significantly influenced Megadeth’s live performances and the songs they chose to play, reflecting a deep sense of responsibility towards their audience, especially younger fans.

Among the songs Megadeth refrained from performing for many years is “The Conjuring,” a track from their iconic 1986 album Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?. After 2001, this song was notably absent from the band’s setlist for a considerable period, only returning in 2018, as documented by Setlist.fm. This lengthy hiatus raises interesting questions about the relationship between an artist’s beliefs and their creative output, particularly in the heavy metal genre.

During the podcast, Steve-O inquired whether the decision to stop playing “The Conjuring” was directly tied to Mustaine’s religious convictions. Mustaine explained, “That was because I wasn’t sure about what effects the lyrics would have on our young fans, and I didn’t want to mislead anybody.” He emphasized his desire to ensure that if he was performing something that could be impactful, he did not want to inadvertently lead fans into a potentially harmful interpretation.

After careful reflection, Mustaine concluded that there was nothing inherently “misleading” in the song’s lyrics, allowing for its reintroduction into their live set approximately 17 years later. Since then, “The Conjuring” has been performed frequently, showcasing the band’s willingness to reconcile their past with their present values.

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However, there is one particular cover that Megadeth has firmly decided never to perform again — their rendition of the Sex Pistols’ “Anarchy in the U.K.,” which was featured on their 1988 album So Far, So Good… So What. Mustaine expressed that the reason for this decision stems from the song’s provocative lyrics, specifically the line, “I’m an antichrist,” stating, “I’m not an antichrist.” This reflects his commitment to his beliefs and the careful consideration he gives to the messages conveyed through their music.

The last performance of “Anarchy in the U.K.” took place at the Download Festival in 2016, marking a significant moment as it had not been included in their setlist since 2001. This performance was particularly memorable as Mötley Crüe‘s Nikki Sixx joined Megadeth on stage, a gesture Mustaine described as an effort to mending relationships within the music community.

For fans eager to dive deeper into this fascinating conversation, check out the full podcast episode below, along with fan-filmed footage capturing that unforgettable Download Festival performance.

Discover the Cover Song Dave Mustaine Declares Megadeth Will Never Perform Again

Experience Megadeth’s “Anarchy in the U.K.” – A Cover of the Sex Pistols with Nikki Sixx