With MEGADETH having released their final studio album just weeks ago, it feels like the perfect moment to look back at one of the most interesting corners of their catalogue: the cover songs they recorded throughout their career. To celebrate that legacy, we’ve assembled a special compilation titled “Take Cover”, gathering every official MEGADETH cover track into one cohesive collection.
Most of the band’s covers pay tribute to the artists who shaped Dave Mustaine’s musical upbringing. The selection spans a wide range of ’70s and early ’80s influences — Alice Cooper, Dead Kennedys, Sex Pistols, Thin Lizzy, KISS, Black Sabbath, Diamond Head — alongside a few unexpected choices such as “These Boots” (Nancy Sinatra) and “I Ain’t Superstitious” (Willie Dixon, via Jeff Beck’s arrangement). Also included is MEGADETH’s newly released take on Metallica’s “Ride the Lightning”, a song Mustaine originally co‑wrote.
One of the most surprising highlights is the band’s explosive version of Sammy Hagar’s “This Planet’s On Fire (Burn in Hell)”, originally from Hagar’s 1979 album Street Machine. Mustaine has long admired Hagar’s voice, and the two teamed up for a fiery duet that blends their styles seamlessly.
Mustaine explained his admiration:
“I knew Sammy from Montrose and his early solo work… that man can sing. He’s been one of my favorite vocalists forever.”
When Mustaine invited him to contribute guitars as well, Hagar jokingly declined:
“I’ll sing on it, but I’m not playing guitar — you two shred enough already.”
“I Ain’t Superstitious”, featured on Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?, traces its roots back to blues legend Willie Dixon and Howlin’ Wolf’s 1961 recording, though MEGADETH’s version clearly channels Jeff Beck’s interpretation — one of Mustaine’s longtime inspirations.
“Cold Sweat”, from Super Collider (2013), honors Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott and John Sykes, staying true to the intensity of the 1983 original from Thunder and Lightning.
“Strange Ways” — written by Ace Frehley — was recorded for the 1994 tribute album KISS My Ass: Classic KISS Regrooved and later resurfaced in the Warchest box set. MEGADETH’s version adds a heavier, more aggressive edge to the KISS classic.
“It’s Electric”, performed live, pays homage to Diamond Head — one of the most influential bands of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. The track even features guest vocals from Diamond Head’s own Sean Harris, making it a standout moment in MEGADETH’s history of tributes.
“Take Cover” serves as a fascinating journey through MEGADETH’s influences, revealing the musical DNA behind one of metal’s most important bands. From punk to blues to classic hard rock, these covers show the breadth of Mustaine’s inspirations and the band’s ability to reshape iconic songs into something unmistakably their own.