Megadeth has had an impressive lineup of talented guitarists throughout their history, showcasing some of the best in the thrash metal genre. Interestingly, there was a time when another legendary guitarist, Alex Skolnick from Testament, was considered as a potential fill-in for the band. This surprising revelation came to light during an interview Skolnick had with Eonmusic, where he discussed his experiences with Metal Allegiance and his chance to collaborate with iconic musicians from various bands.

As the conversation shifted from playing alongside Marty Friedman to whether Megadeth had ever explored his availability, Skolnick confirmed his role as a one-time “standby” guitarist, highlighting the intriguing possibilities that could have unfolded.

Understanding the Role of Standby Musicians in Touring Bands

The practice of employing standby musicians is not uncommon in the music industry, serving as a precautionary measure to ensure the tour runs smoothly, especially when unexpected events arise. Renowned guitarist Phil Demmel has notably stepped in for both Lamb of God and Slayer at different times, demonstrating the importance of having capable substitutes ready to take over when needed.

In Skolnick’s case, he revealed to Eonmusic, “There were a couple of shows, actually, as recently as the Kiko Loureiro era, where I was on standby to fill in. Kiko’s wife was giving birth, so there was a possibility of a scheduling conflict with a show or event.” This situation highlights the unpredictable nature of touring, where personal commitments can lead to last-minute changes in band lineups.

READ MORE: Discover Alex Skolnick’s Top Picks for Metal Allegiance Collaborations

Loureiro, who officially joined Megadeth in 2015, welcomed twins into his family in 2016, which added to the complexities of touring obligations. Skolnick further explained, “I learned the songs. I was ready, but as it turned out, he didn’t need to miss any shows. I’ve always maintained a friendship with the Megadeth camp, and while I have immense respect for the band, I appreciate my role as an occasional possible understudy.” This reflects the camaraderie and mutual respect among musicians in the industry.

Exploring the What-Ifs: Alex Skolnick’s Potential Role in Megadeth

During his interview, Skolnick shared that he had “heard through the grapevine” years ago about some interest in him joining Megadeth. He reflected, “I don’t know, if I’d made a call secretly, and reached out to management, or whatever, and said; ‘Hey, I really want to give this a shot,’ I’m sure maybe it could have happened.” However, he acknowledged that this interest came during a time when Testament was just beginning to gain traction and establish their sound with influential albums like The New Order and Practice What You Preach.

At that point, Skolnick recognized that joining Megadeth could lead to uncertainty, as the band had already seen three different guitar players come and go. He stated, “It was just clear; ‘Okay, if you’re in Megadeth, you don’t know how long it’s going to last.’” The timing was crucial, as during this period, Marty Friedman was solidifying his role in the band, ultimately leading to one of the most successful lineups in Megadeth’s history.

Meanwhile, Skolnick made the decision to part ways with Testament in 1992 to explore other opportunities. He made a brief return for a re-recording of classic Testament tracks in 2001 but officially rejoined the band full-time in 2005, marking a significant chapter in his musical journey.