Megadeth has shared their first photo with former guitarist Marty Friedman ahead of their reunion show on February 27 at the Nippon Budokan venue in Tokyo, Japan. The show will be Megadeth and Friedman's first show together in 23 years, and don't worry if you can't get plane tickets to Japan in a pinch – the show will be livestreamed online.
Friedman has since commented on the reunion saying he feels "immense joy and serious adrenaline to look forward to playing together at this very, very cool place."
"What's up, everybody? This is Marty Friedman here. Just a quick announcement to let you all know that I'm gonna be joining my good friends in Megadeth on stage at the Budokan in Tokyo on February 27th.
"It's been a real long time since I've been on the same stage with Dave Mustaine making music, and we've both taken severely different paths in our life since then. But that doesn't change the fact that I'm so extremely proud of the part that I played in Megadeth's history and Megadeth's legacy, and I'm also very, very proud of the achievements that the band has done in my absence.
"But for right now, at this moment, I just feel immense joy and serious adrenaline to look forward to playing together at this very, very cool place. So I just really wish you could be there, and I hope to see you soon."
Mustaine also issued his own statement upon the announcement, saying "For the first time in more than 23 years, Megadeth alumni Marty Friedman will join Megadeth on stage as the special guest for our one-off global livestream from the legendary Budokan Arena in Tokyo, Japan on February 27!
"'Marty and I have remained friends over 23 years, since we last played together. However, I hear his music every night, and he still is among the top guitar players I’ve ever heard. This is an amazing treat for the fans, as well as myself. To be honest, I may drift off while listening to Kiko and Marty play together!' [said] Dave Mustaine.
"Get your tickets for this global livestream event [here]."
And while this is probably going to be great for Mustaine and Friedman, it's going to be even more incredible for fans. Especially those who never got to see the magic of Friedman doing his thing on stage with Megadeth.
