Beloved '80s Rocker Announces New Book 49 Years After Beginning Career
Ex-Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland is looking back on his unfinished business with his upcoming project.
The legendary band's former guitarist is gearing up to step into the spotlight once again, but this time not on stage but through books.
During an interview with U.K. broadcaster Paul Stephenson for VRP Rocks, the 68-year-old musician opened up about what he's been working on lately and what pushed him to speak about issues surrounding former bandmate Dave Mustaine.
Formed in the early 1980s in California, founding member vocalist and guitarist Dave Mustaine launched what would become one of the most iconic forces in the music industry along with bassist David Ellefson.
Prior to their commercial success in the 1990s, the rock band welcomed Poland into the lineup as their guitarist. However, due to internal conflict, the band reportedly decided to let him go.
His initial departure was in 1985 during the tour for their debut album Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!
It was followed by the more well-known exit that took place in 1987 after the conclusion of their world tour Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?
The departure was reportedly linked to the frontman writing the track "Liar," a diss track aimed at the former band member.
When asked about his reaction to this, Poland pointed out that it may have impacted his reputation but not the audience or career path he was actually pursuing.
"Well, I'm sure it did affect my career, but my career was playing instrumental, whacked-out fusion [music]," he told the outlet as cited by Metal Injection, adding, "I had a handful of people that listened to my music. Those people didn't even listen to Megadeth, so it didn't matter."
He also added that he did not carry any resentment and had moved on from the incident.
"And then when [Mustaine] asked me to come back [to Megadeth] – I don't hold any grudges," the guitarist shared. "Sometimes I get a little upset, if I think about it, but I never read [Dave's] books. People would tell me stuff he said [about me], and I'd be, like, 'What are you gonna do?'"
Poland added that one of the key projects he is working on right now is an upcoming book, which may delve into his time with Megadeth as well as issues involving the frontman.
"I'm writing a book [called Now Leaving Metalopolis] right now with [music journalist, podcaster and author] Matt Herring," the musician revealed. "And some of that stuff – I have my little rebuttal about stuff that was said [by Dave] about me. 'Cause, first of all, I don't hit girls. There are a lot of things he said [over the years about me] that's total B.S."
Interestingly, he also mentioned the late drummer Nick Menza, thanking him for helping reshape his mindset and guiding him toward peace and forgiveness rather than holding onto the past.
The upcoming memoir is in its final stages, with an official release date yet to be announced.
Related: 1975 Hit Ranked Among Best ‘Soft Rock Songs' of All Time Became a Timeless Classic
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 7:30 AM.