Guitarist Chris Broderick and drummer Shawn Drover announced their departure from Megadeth today within hours of each other. First, Shawn Drover released a statement saying that he was leaving Megadeth “to pursue his own musical interests,” and hours later, Broderick announced that he too would be leaving the band due to “artistic and musical differences.”
Shawn Drover released an official statement detailing his departure from the bands and the reason for it. “After 10 years, I have decided to quit Megadeth to pursue my own musical interests. I want to thank Dave Mustaine and the entire Megadeth family, as well as thanking all the amazing Megadeth fans around the world!!! I truly appreciate all of you. Stay tuned for info on my next musical journey.”
He had initially joined the band in 2004 on the recommendation of his brother Glen Drover, who was Megadeth’s lead guitarist at the time. He joined the band after the release of The System has Failed and 5 days before the Blackmail the Universe world tour in October of that year. He has played the drums on four of their albums, including United Abomination, Endgame, Thirteen and Super Collider. He had been in the band for over 10 years, longer than any current or ex band member, except original members Dave Mustaine and Dave Ellefson. He is famous for his “open handed drumming” style, which involves not crossing the hands while playing the hi-hat and snare drum.
In an equally surprising development, guitarist Chris Broderick also announced that he was quitting the band in a statement released on his official blog and Facebook page. “Due to artistic and musical differences, it is with great reluctance that I announce my departure from Megadeth to pursue my own musical direction. I want all of you to know how much I appreciate the amount that you the fans have accepted and respected me as a member of Megadeth for the last seven years, but it is time for me to move on. I wish Dave and everyone in Megadeth all the best. I am working on a few things of my own and hope that when they come out, you will all dig it. Until then, Chris. m/”
Chris Broderick has played for Jag Panzer and served as a touring member for Nevermore. He is well known for his technique and has been described as one of the fastest shredders in metal today.
The timing of their departures comes at a mysterious time as the band was set to enter the studio in January to record their 14th album. No official statement has been made by the band until now.