The Time Anthrax Pranked Megadeth On Tour And Nearly Got Kicked Off The Bus

March 20, 2025

The tour bus was rumbling along the dark highway, rattling with laughter and loud music from the speakers. It was 1990, and two of the biggest names in thrash metal, Anthrax and Megadeth, were on the road together. The camaraderie between the bands was electric, with endless pranks and jokes flying around like guitar riffs. But one night, Anthrax decided to take their pranking to a whole new level, and it almost cost them their spot on the tour.

It all started when Anthrax, known for their wild sense of humor, brainstormed a way to get back at Megadeth for their constant teasing. They came up with an elaborate plan involving fake backstage passes and a pile of raw meat. Their idea was to create a fake “emergency” that would send Megadeth into a panic. They carefully plotted out the prank: they’d claim there was a mysterious shipment of spoiled meat that had been delivered to their dressing room, and they would blame Megadeth for causing the chaos. The excitement among the guys was palpable as they prepared to execute their scheme.

As the night unfolded, everything was going perfectly. Anthrax burst into the Megadeth dressing room, waving around the fake passes and acting as though a disaster was imminent. The expressions on Megadeth’s faces were priceless as they rushed to see what was happening. However, the might of a broken refrigerator filled with rotten meat was no laughing matter. When the rest of the Megadeth crew arrived to find the mess, everyone fell silent. The fun turned serious quickly, and the atmosphere on the bus shifted from jovial to tense.

Dave Mustaine, the frontman of Megadeth, was furious. He was known for his passion for music and loyalty to his band, and this time, he felt betrayed. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a guitar pick. Anthrax was convinced they would be kicked off the tour, and the thought of their careers being jeopardized by a prank weighed heavily on their hearts. They could’ve easily blamed the prank on their desire for fun and laughter, but instead, they stepped up to face the music.

In a moment of courage, the members of Anthrax gathered their nerves and approached Mustaine. With sincerity in their voices, they apologized for taking the joke too far. They explained how much they admired Megadeth and how they never intended to cause trouble. Instead of anger, Dave saw their genuine enthusiasm and passion for music. It was a turning point, a moment that transformed their rivalry into a solid friendship. They spent the rest of the tour reminiscing about the prank, turning an embarrassing moment into a legendary shared story.

Looking back, that night became a lesson for both bands. It taught them the importance of friendship, understanding, and maintaining a sense of humor in a competitive world. Anthrax and Megadeth continued to tour together, making music that inspired millions. They emerged from the prank stronger than ever, proving that sometimes, the bonds we forge through adversity are the ones that resonate the most. In the world of metal, where battles are often fought onstage, they learned that the real battle was about respect and camaraderie, and that brought them closer than they could have ever imagined.