Much like Iron Maiden and Eddie, Megadeth has long been associated with Vic Rattlehead. Both characters are mascots of sorts for their respective bands. In the case of the former, Eddie has appeared on all of Maiden's album cover and has come to be a much celebrated part of their live set. When a man on stilts in an Eddie suit appears on stage during their perpetual set closer "Iron Maiden," it is a moment that always brings cheers. However, we are not here to discuss Maiden.
The first handful of Megadeth releases featured Vic Rattlehead, a character with a skull for a head adorned with a metal visor, chains, and such. I have read that Megadeth frontman had originally designed the figure for a tattoo, but decided against the ink and the character came to represent the band. Then he disappeared from the cover beginning with 1992's Countdown to Extinction. Sure, he was on the back, but it isn't the same. Vic would not appear again until 2001's The World Needs a Hero and a few subsequent releases.
Now Vic Rattlehead has made the jump off the cover and onto the stage, appearing live and in person much like Eddie at the Maiden shows. He was greeted with cheers and Dave Mustaine has promised he will appear again.
I am not sure what to think of this. Why do it at this point in their career? Are they trying to bite off of Iron Maiden? No, I don't think so. I sincerely think this is just a treat for the fans. I kind of like it and would like it more if they came to my town again. Anyway, this first appearance was caught on cell phone video from their show in Cleveland, OH, on August 18, 2010. His emergence came during the song "Dawn Patrol." See it below:
Article comments
1 - Charlie Doherty
Didn't see Vic but saw Testament, Megadeth (for the first time in 12 years) and Slayer tear the roof off of the Tsongas Arena in Lowell, MA last Saturday night.
Thanks for this write-up and video clip, Chris.