Megadeth’s Dirk Verbeuren Says Dave Mustaine “Will Tell You Straight To Your Face”

Working with Dave Mustaine isn’t about guessing games, and according to Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren, that’s exactly why the process works.

Speaking on the Freddy And Friends podcast, Verbeuren opened up about collaborating with Megadeth’s founder while working on the band’s upcoming final album, explaining that Mustaine’s blunt honesty makes creative decisions clearer rather than harder.

“Dave is very straightforward always; he is a very straightforward person. Whatever anybody says about him, with him you get what you see. And he’ll tell you straight to your face if he doesn’t like something or if he’s looking for something or whatever.”

Verbeuren described the early stages of writing with Mustaine as a process of understanding expectations, but said Megadeth’s leader actively encourages contribution from the entire band.

“He is, like, ‘Hey, guys, I want you all to contribute stuff. I wanna do it this way and this way. Contribute your stuff. Put the riffs here,’ whatever.”

That openness paid off

Verbeuren confirmed he has material featured on the upcoming record, simply titled ‘Megadeth’, which arrives on January 23rd via Mustaine’s Tradecraft imprint and Frontiers Label Group’s BLKIIBLK label.

“So then you do that, and then we work through it and in the end I have songs on the record. So, clearly it works.”

The Belgian born drummer also revealed the album only recently wrapped mastering, with most of the recording taking place in Nashville, while drums were tracked at One On One Studios in Los Angeles.

“It just got finished mastering three days ago… we just worked on stuff day after day.”

Beyond the studio

Verbeuren reflected on how touring has evolved during his decade with Megadeth, noting that live shows have become the band’s primary engine.

“Touring is where — it’s our bread and butter. That’s everything.”

Now on a farewell tour, Verbeuren admitted the reality of being part of Megadeth still feels surreal, especially given his teenage obsession with the band.

“If you had told me at that time, ‘Yeah, one day you’ll be in that band,’ I think my head would’ve exploded.”