Ex- Megadeth guitarist, Kiko Loureiro, recently had a conversation with Guitar World magazine where he discussed his replacement in Megadeth, and said he suggested and recommended to Dave Mustaine and the band’s management that he would formally be replaced by former guitarist, Marty Friedman.

Here’s what Loureiro said:

“Actually, I even mentioned to management and Dave that I thought bringing Marty Friedman back would be amazing.

”I have no idea if they’re talking about it or talking to him, but I did say that. But again, I have no idea beyond that, and I don’t want to make anything more complicated.”

Friedman briefly rejoined Megadeth for a special show in Tokyo, marking his first performance with the band in 23 years. This led to speculation about him rejoining the band permanently, but Dave Mustaine later announced that they would go on with the 36-year-old guitarist from Wintersun.

His statement about Megadeth’s 2024 lineup read:

“We have had many conversations with Kiko about this, and they have all been very positive. Kiko is going to remain on an extended leave of absence due to our heavy touring commitments next year, and we are going to continue to move forward with Teemu Mäntysaari as the guitar player for Megadeth.”