MEGADETH Kicks Off DYSTOPIA World Tour -

Article and photos by: Ryan Javier

DALLAS, TX – Heavy metal legends, Megadeth kicked oftheir 2016 world tour last night in at South Side Ballroom in Dallas, Texas.

The veteran rockers released their first album in three years, Dystopia, last month and just in those few short weeks, the new album has been tearing up the charts and getting rave reviews from fans and critics alike. Dystopia is still #1 on Billboard’s “Rock Album” and “Hard Rock Album”, and sits at the #2 slot on Billboard’s “Top Current Albums”. Have listen and score a copy here.

Any band that has been around for over thirty years has had its share of trials and tribulations, and Megadeth (est. 1983) are no strangers to wild and oft cruel world of Rock ‘N Roll. Battling through addiction, media controversies, personal life-altering injuries feuds with other bands and even a break up, through it all, Megadeth has managed to keep their heads above water and remain in the forefront of Metal, much to their credit. The band has managed to maintain an uncommonly huge fan base of die-hards, as evidenced by the steadfast exponential increase in Dystopia album sales since its release – that and tour ticket sales.

The crowd was near capacity and from the perspective of an audience member, the huge numbers could easily be mistaken for a “sold out” show. In support of Megadeth in Dallas, were openers Havoc and Children of Bodom. Special guest, Suicidal Tendencies will join Megedath on their tour starting February 26^th. The openers played in the dark and when they weren’t it was only a handful of red and orange lights. Despite not being able to see them, both opening acts performed their job and warmed up the crowd, setting the mood for what would be an epic show.

Megadeth were front and center, employing a lighting plot that was the polar opposite of their predecessors. The legends of metal made sure every ticketholder had a good view of them. Utilizing a relatively simple stage set up with one large prop; a futuristic-looking metal capsule that spanned the width of the upstage area, with drummer positioned Megadeth opened with “Hanger 18” and then went straight into “Kingmaker”.

After a solid hour, the band closed with the song the band is best known for: “Symphony of Destruction”. The band was gracious enough to play two encores; “Peace Sells” and “Holy Wars”. For tour info and more, visit Megedath online.