Marty Friedman, Former Megadeth Guitarist, Featured on Talkin’ Rock Interview

Marty Friedman is scheduled to perform at the Token Lounge on January 31st. However, before the much-anticipated show, he took the time to discuss a range of topics with me.

One of the main themes of our conversation was his latest book, Dreaming Japanese. In this book, Friedman delves into the triumphs and struggles of being a part of a monumental band like Megadeth, the process of walking away from that band, and the experience of starting anew in a foreign environment. He expressed that reading other autobiographies enabled him to define the kind of narrative he wanted to construct for his own story. Friedman aimed to be candid and open about his personal journey, even when it meant highlighting moments that might not portray him in the most flattering light. According to him, a more authentic narrative is achieved by sharing both the good and the not-so-good aspects of his experiences, rather than presenting a one-sided success story. In his words, “I’m definitely not the hero in all of these stories.”

Regarding his departure from Megadeth, Friedman revealed that after transitioning out of the band, he chose to avoid discussing his time with Megadeth in any interviews. This deliberate silence was significant for him as it marked a period of closure and moving forward. Friedman mentioned that the venues and shows he performed at following his time with Megadeth were crucial in his career shift and personal growth.