Road Crew Books recently caughht up with MEGADETH frontman Dave Mustaine's guitar tech, Willie Gee. An excerpt from the interview is available below:

Q: You’ve worked mostly for heavy bands such as Megadeth, ANTHRAX, LAMB OF GOD and KING DIAMOND. Do you pursue metal gigs because it’s where your heart is at?

Willie: "That’s kind of accurate. Sometimes I don’t know if I’m pursuing metal gigs or if they are pursuing me! I love heavy music, pretty much always have …. I can’t see a time when I will ever NOT do metal touring. Money is important, as anyone knows….but I am spoiled or something…. I don’t feel as much at ease on other gigs as I do on metal gigs. I suppose I am too immersed in that subculture. I started doing some gigs for BLACK EYED PEAS, and some of their crew members crack jokes now and again about being 'the metal guy.' I can take it. Also, it seems like acts other than metal acts that tour have more chefs in the kitchen so to speak, and it makes it a lot harder to get anything done than it should be. I don’t like red tape and people in charge that in actuality do nothing."

Q: In what ways do you feel that touring has changed since you first started out?

Willie: "I haven’t been touring all that long, but I remember the days of trying to call various company reps, management offices, even home from a pay phone! More than anything else, technology has changed touring more than anything else. Broadband technology has definitely made touring a lot easier, as communication and information transference is of such high importance. I’m pretty curious about some of the new digital wireless products that have been coming out too, speaking of broadband…. everyone who’s had to work with wireless gear in the recent years knows about the problems with increased broadband interference.

The situation with the September 11th tragedy, the 'war on terrorism' and all of that has definitely made touring a bit different. Anyone who travels a lot for ANY reason knows what a pain in the ass traveling has become ever since 2001, and to make that worse, doing a show in places like New York City with their vehicles and trailer restrictions as of late doesn’t make for a pleasant experience either.

On a more petty scale, the popularity of social networking….ugh…. something else that didn’t exist until somewhat recently. At every gig, there are people showing up that act like they are entitled to some sort of special treatment because they think they have some connection to something or someone because they 'follow them on this' or are 'friends with them on that'… I say this a lot: in the past when there was a show, people bought their ticket in advance, waited to get in, watched the show and went home. Now, people get sold a VIP ticket package with a meet and greet involved or whatever, and they always show up late when they knew what time things were scheduled for, but because they’ve spent money, they expect to get a private audience or something. Annoying. Just buy the ticket, watch the show and go home. Don’t forget to buy merch on your way out, also."

Go to this location for the complete interview.

Megadeth recently announced their new album and new label deal. Currently working in their studio in San Diego on their 14th studio album titled Super Collider, Mustaine, along with bassist Dave Ellefson, drummer Shawn Drover and guitarist Chris Broderick, are looking forward to its release in June.

The band has released more footage from Vic's Garage Studio in San Marcos, California.Check out studio report #6 below:

Previous footage of Megadeth recording tracks for album #14 can be seen below:

Super Collider is the first release through leader Dave Mustaine’s new label, Tradecraft, after signing an exclusive worldwide deal with Universal Music Enterprises(UMe).

“It was a real thrill for us to learn there was an opportunity to join Universal,” said Mustaine during a break in the sessions. “It seems like every time you see a great band or music video, it comes from the Universal label. Being with Universal is by far the most exciting and prestigious home for Megadeth ever! We are electrified with what the future holds and the possibilities such a powerhouse like Universal will bring for us all. We have worked with some great people over the years, and it is amazing to see so many of them on the Universal team for our new record, Super Collider. If Megadeth being here isn’t satiating enough, having Tradecraft as my own label is going to be really amazing for metal bands around the world.”

Mustaine added, “Shawn, Chris and David have all been feverishly contributing some great music and I believe we are doing our best work ever together in the studio right now!

Megadeth also announced that they will be touring the UK in June of this year. They will play headline shows in Newcastle, Glasgow, Manchester and London. Megadeth tickets go onsaleat 9 a.m. on Friday, February 15. Megadeth fan club tickets presale begins Wednesday, February 13 @ 9 a.m. local at this location.

Megadeth UK dates:

June

3 - O2 Academy - Newcastle, UK
4 - O2 Academy - Glasgow, Scotland
5 - Manchester Academy - Manchester, UK
6 - O2 Academy - Brixton, UK

Other Megadeth dates:

June

8 - Sonisphere Italy - Fiera Milano Live Rho
9 - Sonisphere France - Amneville Snowhall Parc