Dave Mustaine (born David Scott Mustaine, September 13, 1961 in La Mesa, California, United States) is the lead/rhythm guitarist, songwriter, and singer for the speed/thrash metal band Megadeth. He grew up in various Southern California suburbs. As the central figure of Megadeth and a former Metallica lead guitarist and co-songwriter, he is one of a handful of people considered to have pioneered thrash metal and speed metal.