Megadeth performed the Metallica song “Ride the Lightning” live for the first time during their Sunday show in Bogota, Colombia.
The song, co-written by Dave Mustaine while he was in Metallica, is the title track of the seminal 1984 album Ride the Lightning. Mustaine, however, had never played the song live with Megadeth until this past weekend.
It contains riffs written by Mustaine during his time in the band in the early ’80s, but was largely composed by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich after Mustaine’s departure from the group.
The song appeared in the live setlist just after “Mechanix,” which Mustaine also co-wrote with Metallica. The track appeared on Megadeth’s 1985 debut album Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!, but was previously slowed down and rewritten as “The Four Horseman” from Metallica’s 1983 debut, Kill ‘Em All.
Megadeth’s version of “Ride the Lightning” appeared on the band’s self-titled final studio album released earlier this year, closing out the record as a bonus track. Mustaine described the choice as a “full-circle” moment, ending his career where it began over 40 years ago.
Megadeth are in the midst of a farewell tour that is expected to last a few years. The band will support Iron Maiden on a 2026 North American run that launches in late August (pick up tickets here).
Meanwhile, Metallica will launch a 24-date residency at Las Vegas’ Sphere in early October, with tickets available here.
Watch Megadeth’s performances of “Rise the Lightning” and “Mechanix” below.
