CHRIS POLAND

Formerly of Megadeth

Before Megadeth scored a record deal. Kerry King was briefly playing with Megadeth but Kerry chose to stay with Slayer and Dave Mustaine recruited Chris Poland to be the bands lead guitarist. The classic Megadeth-lineup of Dave Mustaine, David Ellefson, Gar Samuelson and Chris Poland wrote history. First with their excellent debut-album Killing is my business... and business is good! from 1985. Even if it was heavily underproduced it was a success. But not like their big breakthrough that came a year later with Peace sells... But who's buying?.

An album that made Megadeth superstars in the metal community. But things worsened in the Megadeth camp. The band were heavily into drugs and a feud between Dave Mustaine and Chris Poland made Chris leave the band. Dave wrote a song called Liar for the next album. So far, So good, So what that was dedicated to Chris Poland.

Nowdays Chris Poland has retired from playing thrash metal and he spends his time in a modern Jazzband called OHM. He has also recorded albums under his own name and one with Damn the machine. Chris is a living legend of the 80's thrash scene and I've got the opportunity to speak with him.

Peace Sells... But who's buying?

What bands are you influenced by?

I grew up listening to John McLaughlin, Jeff Beck, Hendrix, Martino, Holdsworth, etc…Those are the guys that most influenced my style. I have always really been into jazz fusion.

Of all the albums that you’ve made, which one is your favorite?

I like certain songs from all of them, but I wouldn’t call any one my favorite. I am probably most proud of this new OHM: record though as we worked really hard on this record to make it sound and feel right. The OHM: record was the first album that I recorded and engineered myself with the help of my friend Petar Sardelich.

What’s going on with your index finger?
I’ve heard that the injury forced you to develop your own style.

When I was in high school, I was shoved through a glass window and severed the tendons in my left index finger. After the operation it did not heal correctly, leaving me unable to bend it. I had to re-learn how to play chords in a different way in order to accommodate this injury. So, yes this injury definitely has allowed me to develop my own style.

Killing Is My Business...

There have been tons of rumours why you left Megadeth. What is the true story?

I left the band to get sober because I knew if I did not I was going to die. I never got paid money that I was owed after all the touring and record sales. That coupled with musical frustration were also factors promoting my leaving. Megadeth was Dave Mustaine’s band and trying to contribute my ideas was often very futile. After the last show in Hawaii on the “Peace Sells..” tour, Gar and I left the band.

More rumours, did Megadeth ask you to reunite with them?

Yes. Dave had hired me to do the demos for the “Rust In Peace” record and shortly thereafter had asked me to rejoin the band. I opted not to because I knew we couldn’t get along and that I would get back into a lifestyle that I had left the band to get away from.

What’s the highlight of your career?

Probably right now, being able to play with our new drummer, Kofi Baker, the son of Ginger Baker (Cream). He is just so knowledgeable about music and a pleasure to play with. It just feels right. He joined the band after the OHM: record was completed, replacing David Eagle.

Megadeth

What do you think of the thrash metal scene today? Especially when all the bands seems to reunite. Are you listening to it at all?

I am not into it anymore at all. It really is its own entity. I realized this after recently doing a guest spot on the up and coming Lamb of God cd. I respect its intensity and originality, but it is just not what I enjoy listening to these days.

Any good advice for youngsters that want to start a band?

Be persistent and turn your Marshalls up to 10! Have some fun!

Do you have any funny metal-stories to tell?

Too many to go into. Besides I would probably get killed for divulging ;o)

Any last words to our readers?

Thanks to all for the support of my music throughout the years. I hope you enjoy the OHM: record and we hope to see you on tour soon. Oh, yeah for the latest on OHM: and Chris Poland check out www.chrispoland.com

/ Ruthless

(02-04-2003)