Dave Mustaine (born September 13, 1961 in La Mesa, California USA) is the lea/rhythm guitarist, songwriter, and singer for the thrash metal band Megadeth. Mustaine 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. Mustaine is also an avid Philadelphia Flyers fan.