The Right to Go Insane
Encyclopedia
"The Right to Go Insane" is a song by the American
heavy metal
band Megadeth
, written by Dave Mustaine
. It is the final track and second single from their twelfth studio album Endgame
, which was released on September 15, 2009. The song was commercially released as a single on April 9, 2010, and a music video was released directed by Bill Fishman
, who produced the music video of the band's last single, "Head Crusher
". The music video was based on the real-life events surrounding Shawn Nelson
's descent into madness and the famous tank rampage he engaged in which led to his death.
The song well received by critics and was a financial success, becoming Megadeth's first song to chart well on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks since "Of Mice and Men
" from 2005. It was also featured in the film Land of the Lost
, during a key scene during the ending. Furthermore, Roadrunner Records
has submitted the song to consideration for Best Hard Rock Performance
at the 53rd Grammy Awards
. If it was to be nominated, it would be Megadeth's ninth nomination and their first in the category, being nominated eight times previously for Best Metal Performance
.
by American heavy metal
band Megadeth
. Released on September 9, 2009, it is the first album featuring guitarist
Chris Broderick
, following Glen Drover
's departure in 2008. It is also the band's last studio album with James LoMenzo
before Dave Ellefson replaced him in 2010. The album debuted at number 9 on the Billboard 200
, marking the fifth top 10 debut by Megadeth.
After the grammy-nominated first single released from Endgame was deemed a success, Roadrunner Records
decided to release a second single from the album, which eventually was decided as "The Right to Go Insane" because of the potential mainstream accessibility they believed it possessed. A music video was confirmed in February, and was shot in South El Monte, California
. Dave Mustaine
himself described a portion of the production, "I'm here at the video shoot [on Thursday, February 25] in South El Monte. We just got done filming some footage of an M60
Abrams
[sic] tank
, which was fantastic, and the cops are here, so it could get pretty hairy with this video shoot. I don't know what's going to happen from this point forward, but, man, we're excited. David Ellefson
is here; it's the first video as a band again and we're doing 'The Right To Go Insane'." He continued, "If I am going to carjack something, I'm going to do it Mustaine-style and go over the top like my new M-60 Abram's [sic] tank with a sunroof".
, are about a citizen who is being driven mad
by his financial worries
and the continued stress
caused by his constant overworking
. It expressed his discontempt with the world
due to his difficulties with keeping up with his work
, having enough money to afford food and luxuries, and the great stress
caused by all the concerns in his life. While facing overbearing hunger and starvation
, he eventually ends up becoming fed up with life
, causing him to lose his mind, articulated through the closing lines; I'm living on the edge / Reality is teetering / My mind is on the brink. The chorus rationalizes
his insanity, by making it appear that losing his mind is his only choice, and how he believes going insane is one of his rights
. In an interview
about the 2009 album, Mustaine was quoted as saying, "'The Right To Go Insane' is a song about having been wiped out, like so many Americans
, from the recession
and potential depression
years of 2000."
, a U.S. Army veteran
and unemployed plumber
, stole an M60 Patton
tank from a United States National Guard Armory
in San Diego, California
and went on a rampage
, destroying cars, fire hydrants, and an RV before being shot dead by police. It features actual footage of the incident, edited together with newly shot footage. The Right to Go Insane' is the first Megadeth
video to feature bassist Dave Ellefson since 2001's "Moto Psycho
" from the album The World Needs a Hero
. In 2002, Ellefson left the band and had only returned early 2010 for the band's Rust in Peace
20th anniversary tour.
In the music video, directed by Bill Fishman
which features no performance footage, Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine
(portraying Nelson himself) is filmed sneaking onto a military facility
, stealing a tank
and going on a spree though the streets, destroying street lights, cars, and damaging various other property
. Video footage from the cockpit
shows him singing and laughing, while shots from a surveillance
helicopter depict a missile gunsight tracking him as he pillages. Eventually the tank is snagged on a median
and is unable to continue. The tank is pried open by a crowbar
, and the driver is gunned down, shot and killed by the police
. The final shot of the video consists of Ellefson (portraying Nelson's brother) placing flowers on Mustaine's grave, mourning
him. The video additionally explores the motivations of Nelson's actions on the infamous day, including his parents' deaths, his wife leaving him, and his house being foreclosed
.
Dave Mustaine
praised the video, stating that "This video was a blast to film; Bill Fishman did a great job; even better in my honest opinion than our first video with him. But let me warn you, even though it looks like fun ... don't try this at home." Dave Ellefson agreed, declaring that "[The video] has a very twisted and demented storyline. It was much different than what I thought it would be. It has no band footage at all. It's a very twisted and intriguing story."
on TheLiveLine that some music from Megadeth
would appear in the film Land of the Lost
. Whether this would be music from the new record was not entirely clear, however during the phone message Mustaine stated that there was new music playing in the background of the message. Ultimately, parts of the song "The Right To Go Insane", can be heard near the end of the film. The film failed to meet expectations in its first weekend in theaters; its $19 million opening was far less than the expected $30 million, thereby making it one of 2009's major flops
.
A t-shirt was released to promote the song, as well.
was highly well reviewed, and some of said praise was directed to "The Right to Go Insane". In a song by song review of the album, Terrybezer of Metal Hammer
praised the song, "A rumbling bassline
leads us into a guttural, low-end riff and a chorus
that conjures memories of 90’s Megadeth
. After 3 minutes, there’s a truly heroic build-up and all hell breaks lose. Solos fly while the rhythm track pounds like a prize-fighter to the track’s end. Peter Hodgson of "iheartguitar" was very positive of the song and wrote that "It just fits as a closing track, in a similar way to how Megadeth could not possibly have ended Countdown to Extinction
with any song other than 'Ashes in Your Mouth'. Chuggy guitars in the verses, big harmonies in the choruses, double-time solo
… A kickass track that probably wouldn’t work so well earlier in the album but is right at home here. Classic Mustaine ‘wide stretch’ solo too." The song has also been described as "methodical and melodically created."
Roadrunner Records
has submitted the song to consideration for Best Hard Rock Performance
at the 53rd Grammy Awards
. If it was to be nominated, it would be Megadeth's ninth nomination and their first in the category, being nominated eight times previously for Best Metal Performance
. The song debuted at 39 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, and the next week climbed up to 34. The week after it dropped to 37, and remained on the chart for a total of 7 weeks.
Production
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band Megadeth
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
, written by Dave Mustaine
Dave Mustaine
David Scott "Dave" Mustaine is the founder, main songwriter, guitarist, and lead vocalist for the American heavy metal band Megadeth. Prior to Megadeth, Mustaine was the first lead guitarist and a co-songwriter of the heavy metal band Metallica until he was fired from the band in 1983. In 2009, he...
. It is the final track and second single from their twelfth studio album Endgame
Endgame (album)
Endgame is the twelfth studio album by the American heavy metal band Megadeth. It was released via Roadrunner Records on September 9, 2009 and was produced by Dave Mustaine and Andy Sneap...
, which was released on September 15, 2009. The song was commercially released as a single on April 9, 2010, and a music video was released directed by Bill Fishman
Bill Fishman
Bill Fishman is an American film director, whose work includes the cult film Tapeheads, starring Tim Robbins and John Cusack, as well as the film version of the TV classic Car 54, Where Are You?...
, who produced the music video of the band's last single, "Head Crusher
Head Crusher
"Head Crusher" is the first single from Megadeth's twelfth studio album, titled Endgame, which was released on September 15, 2009. The single was released on July 7, 2009. According to Roadrunner Records official website, a download of "Head Crusher" was available for 24-hours on July 7...
". The music video was based on the real-life events surrounding Shawn Nelson
Shawn Nelson
Shawn Timothy Nelson was a U.S. Army veteran and unemployed plumber who stole a M60 Patton tank from a United States National Guard Armory in San Diego, California and went on a rampage on May 18, 1995, destroying cars, fire hydrants, and an RV before being shot by police.-Prior to the...
's descent into madness and the famous tank rampage he engaged in which led to his death.
The song well received by critics and was a financial success, becoming Megadeth's first song to chart well on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks since "Of Mice and Men
Of Mice and Men (song)
"Of Mice and Men" is a 2004 song by the American heavy metal band Megadeth, written by Dave Mustaine. It was the second single off of their 2004 album, The System Has Failed, which was released on September 14th, 2004.-Charts:-Personnel:...
" from 2005. It was also featured in the film Land of the Lost
Land of the Lost (film)
Land of the Lost is a 2009 American science-fiction comedy film directed by Brad Silberling and starring Will Ferrell, Danny McBride and Anna Friel, based on the 1974 Sid and Marty Krofft TV series of the same name.-Plot:...
, during a key scene during the ending. Furthermore, Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
has submitted the song to consideration for Best Hard Rock Performance
Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance
The Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance was an award presented to recording artists at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards, for works containing quality performances in the hard rock music genre...
at the 53rd Grammy Awards
53rd Grammy Awards
The 53rd annual Grammy Awards were held on February 13, 2011, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. They were broadcast on CBS with a rating of 26.6 million viewers. Barbra Streisand was honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year two nights prior to the telecast on February 11. Nominations were...
. If it was to be nominated, it would be Megadeth's ninth nomination and their first in the category, being nominated eight times previously for Best Metal Performance
Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance
The Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance was an award presented at the Grammy Awards to recording artists for works containing quality performances in the heavy metal music genre...
.
Development
Endgame (sometimes capitalized ENDGAME) is the twelfth studio albumStudio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
by American heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band Megadeth
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
. Released on September 9, 2009, it is the first album featuring guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
Chris Broderick
Chris Broderick
Christopher Broderick is the virtuoso guitarist of the American thrash metal band Megadeth. He currently resides in Sherman Oaks, California...
, following Glen Drover
Glen Drover
Glen Drover is a heavy metal guitarist from Missisauga, Ontario, Canada. He currently resides in MississaugaOntario. Drover is best known as the former lead guitarist in Megadeth and King Diamond, as well as his own band Eidolon, along with his brother Shawn Drover.-History:Glen Drover began...
's departure in 2008. It is also the band's last studio album with James LoMenzo
James Lomenzo
James "JLo" LoMenzo is a metal bassist known for his roles as a former member of White Lion and Megadeth. He is also known for his work in Black Label Society .-Past bands and other works :...
before Dave Ellefson replaced him in 2010. The album debuted at number 9 on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
, marking the fifth top 10 debut by Megadeth.
After the grammy-nominated first single released from Endgame was deemed a success, Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
decided to release a second single from the album, which eventually was decided as "The Right to Go Insane" because of the potential mainstream accessibility they believed it possessed. A music video was confirmed in February, and was shot in South El Monte, California
South El Monte, California
South El Monte is a city in the San Gabriel Valley, in Los Angeles County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 20,116, down from 21,144 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
. Dave Mustaine
Dave Mustaine
David Scott "Dave" Mustaine is the founder, main songwriter, guitarist, and lead vocalist for the American heavy metal band Megadeth. Prior to Megadeth, Mustaine was the first lead guitarist and a co-songwriter of the heavy metal band Metallica until he was fired from the band in 1983. In 2009, he...
himself described a portion of the production, "I'm here at the video shoot [on Thursday, February 25] in South El Monte. We just got done filming some footage of an M60
M60 Patton
The 105 mm Gun Full Tracked Combat Tank, M60, also known unofficially as the M60 Patton, is a first-generation main battle tank introduced in December 1960. It was widely used by the U.S. and its Cold War allies, especially those in NATO, and remains in service throughout the world today...
Abrams
M1 Abrams
The M1 Abrams is a third-generation main battle tank produced in the United States. It is named after General Creighton Abrams, former Army Chief of Staff and Commander of US military forces in Vietnam from 1968 to 1972. The M1 is a well armed, heavily armored, and highly mobile tank designed for...
[sic] tank
Tank
A tank is a tracked, armoured fighting vehicle designed for front-line combat which combines operational mobility, tactical offensive, and defensive capabilities...
, which was fantastic, and the cops are here, so it could get pretty hairy with this video shoot. I don't know what's going to happen from this point forward, but, man, we're excited. David Ellefson
David Ellefson
David Warren "Dave" Ellefson is a bassist and founding member of the American thrash metal band Megadeth. He also goes by "Junior." He currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona...
is here; it's the first video as a band again and we're doing 'The Right To Go Insane'." He continued, "If I am going to carjack something, I'm going to do it Mustaine-style and go over the top like my new M-60 Abram's [sic] tank with a sunroof".
Lyrical meaning
The lyrics of the song, written by Dave MustaineDave Mustaine
David Scott "Dave" Mustaine is the founder, main songwriter, guitarist, and lead vocalist for the American heavy metal band Megadeth. Prior to Megadeth, Mustaine was the first lead guitarist and a co-songwriter of the heavy metal band Metallica until he was fired from the band in 1983. In 2009, he...
, are about a citizen who is being driven mad
Insanity
Insanity, craziness or madness is a spectrum of behaviors characterized by certain abnormal mental or behavioral patterns. Insanity may manifest as violations of societal norms, including becoming a danger to themselves and others, though not all such acts are considered insanity...
by his financial worries
Debt
A debt is an obligation owed by one party to a second party, the creditor; usually this refers to assets granted by the creditor to the debtor, but the term can also be used metaphorically to cover moral obligations and other interactions not based on economic value.A debt is created when a...
and the continued stress
Stress (biology)
Stress is a term in psychology and biology, borrowed from physics and engineering and first used in the biological context in the 1930s, which has in more recent decades become commonly used in popular parlance...
caused by his constant overworking
Burnout (psychology)
Burnout is a psychological term for the experience of long-term exhaustion and diminished interest. Research indicates general practitioners have the highest proportion of burnout cases; according to a recent Dutch study in Psychological Reports, no less than 40% of these experienced high levels of...
. It expressed his discontempt with the world
World
World is a common name for the whole of human civilization, specifically human experience, history, or the human condition in general, worldwide, i.e. anywhere on Earth....
due to his difficulties with keeping up with his work
Employment
Employment is a contract between two parties, one being the employer and the other being the employee. An employee may be defined as:- Employee :...
, having enough money to afford food and luxuries, and the great stress
Stress (biology)
Stress is a term in psychology and biology, borrowed from physics and engineering and first used in the biological context in the 1930s, which has in more recent decades become commonly used in popular parlance...
caused by all the concerns in his life. While facing overbearing hunger and starvation
Starvation
Starvation is a severe deficiency in caloric energy, nutrient and vitamin intake. It is the most extreme form of malnutrition. In humans, prolonged starvation can cause permanent organ damage and eventually, death...
, he eventually ends up becoming fed up with life
Existentialism
Existentialism is a term applied to a school of 19th- and 20th-century philosophers who, despite profound doctrinal differences, shared the belief that philosophical thinking begins with the human subject—not merely the thinking subject, but the acting, feeling, living human individual...
, causing him to lose his mind, articulated through the closing lines; I'm living on the edge / Reality is teetering / My mind is on the brink. The chorus rationalizes
Justification (theology)
Rising out of the Protestant Reformation, Justification is the chief article of faith describing God's act of declaring or making a sinner righteous through Christ's atoning sacrifice....
his insanity, by making it appear that losing his mind is his only choice, and how he believes going insane is one of his rights
Rights
Rights are legal, social, or ethical principles of freedom or entitlement; that is, rights are the fundamental normative rules about what is allowed of people or owed to people, according to some legal system, social convention, or ethical theory...
. In an interview
Interview
An interview is a conversation between two people where questions are asked by the interviewer to obtain information from the interviewee.- Interview as a Method for Qualitative Research:"Definition" -...
about the 2009 album, Mustaine was quoted as saying, "'The Right To Go Insane' is a song about having been wiped out, like so many Americans
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, from the recession
Recession
In economics, a recession is a business cycle contraction, a general slowdown in economic activity. During recessions, many macroeconomic indicators vary in a similar way...
and potential depression
Depression (economics)
In economics, a depression is a sustained, long-term downturn in economic activity in one or more economies. It is a more severe downturn than a recession, which is seen by some economists as part of the modern business cycle....
years of 2000."
Music video
"The Right To Go Insane" music video is inspired by the events of May 17, 1995 when Shawn Timothy NelsonShawn Nelson
Shawn Timothy Nelson was a U.S. Army veteran and unemployed plumber who stole a M60 Patton tank from a United States National Guard Armory in San Diego, California and went on a rampage on May 18, 1995, destroying cars, fire hydrants, and an RV before being shot by police.-Prior to the...
, a U.S. Army veteran
Veteran
A veteran is a person who has had long service or experience in a particular occupation or field; " A veteran of ..."...
and unemployed plumber
Plumber
A plumber is a tradesperson who specializes in installing and maintaining systems used for potable water, sewage, and drainage in plumbing systems. The term dates from ancient times, and is related to the Latin word for lead, "plumbum." A person engaged in fixing metaphorical "leaks" may also be...
, stole an M60 Patton
M60 Patton
The 105 mm Gun Full Tracked Combat Tank, M60, also known unofficially as the M60 Patton, is a first-generation main battle tank introduced in December 1960. It was widely used by the U.S. and its Cold War allies, especially those in NATO, and remains in service throughout the world today...
tank from a United States National Guard Armory
San Francisco Armory
The San Francisco Armory, also known as the San Francisco National Guard Armory and Arsenal or simply The Armory, is a historic building in the Mission District of San Francisco, California.-National Guard Armory:...
in San Diego, California
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
and went on a rampage
Running amok
Running amok, sometimes referred to as simply amok is a term for a killing spree perpetrated by an individual out of rage or resentment over perceived mistreatment....
, destroying cars, fire hydrants, and an RV before being shot dead by police. It features actual footage of the incident, edited together with newly shot footage. The Right to Go Insane' is the first Megadeth
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
video to feature bassist Dave Ellefson since 2001's "Moto Psycho
Moto Psycho
"Moto Psycho" is the lead single off Megadeth's ninth studio album The World Needs a Hero. The song is about people who commute every day to and from work, ending up spending a long time on the road:...
" from the album The World Needs a Hero
The World Needs a Hero
-Track listing:-Personnel:-Album:-Singles:...
. In 2002, Ellefson left the band and had only returned early 2010 for the band's Rust in Peace
Rust in Peace
Rust in Peace is the fourth studio album by American heavy metal band Megadeth. Released on September 24, 1990, it was the third Megadeth album distributed through Capitol Records. The album was the band's only collaboration with record producer Mike Clink who was the first producer to...
20th anniversary tour.
In the music video, directed by Bill Fishman
Bill Fishman
Bill Fishman is an American film director, whose work includes the cult film Tapeheads, starring Tim Robbins and John Cusack, as well as the film version of the TV classic Car 54, Where Are You?...
which features no performance footage, Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine
Dave Mustaine
David Scott "Dave" Mustaine is the founder, main songwriter, guitarist, and lead vocalist for the American heavy metal band Megadeth. Prior to Megadeth, Mustaine was the first lead guitarist and a co-songwriter of the heavy metal band Metallica until he was fired from the band in 1983. In 2009, he...
(portraying Nelson himself) is filmed sneaking onto a military facility
Military base
A military base is a facility directly owned and operated by or for the military or one of its branches that shelters military equipment and personnel, and facilitates training and operations. In general, a military base provides accommodations for one or more units, but it may also be used as a...
, stealing a tank
M60 Patton
The 105 mm Gun Full Tracked Combat Tank, M60, also known unofficially as the M60 Patton, is a first-generation main battle tank introduced in December 1960. It was widely used by the U.S. and its Cold War allies, especially those in NATO, and remains in service throughout the world today...
and going on a spree though the streets, destroying street lights, cars, and damaging various other property
Property damage
Property damage is damage to or the destruction of public or private property, caused either by a person who is not its owner or by natural phenomena. Property damage caused by persons is generally categorized by its cause: neglect , and intentional damage...
. Video footage from the cockpit
Cockpit
A cockpit or flight deck is the area, usually near the front of an aircraft, from which a pilot controls the aircraft. Most modern cockpits are enclosed, except on some small aircraft, and cockpits on large airliners are also physically separated from the cabin...
shows him singing and laughing, while shots from a surveillance
Surveillance
Surveillance is the monitoring of the behavior, activities, or other changing information, usually of people. It is sometimes done in a surreptitious manner...
helicopter depict a missile gunsight tracking him as he pillages. Eventually the tank is snagged on a median
Central reservation
On divided roads, such as divided highways or freeways/motorways, the central reservation , median, parkway , median strip or central nature strip is the area which separates opposing lanes of traffic...
and is unable to continue. The tank is pried open by a crowbar
Crowbar (tool)
A crowbar, a wrecking bar, pry bar, or prybar, or sometimes a prise bar or prisebar, and more informally a jimmy, jimmy bar, jemmy or gooseneck is a tool consisting of a metal bar with a single curved end and flattened points, often with a small fissure on one or both ends for removing nails...
, and the driver is gunned down, shot and killed by the police
Police
The police is a personification of the state designated to put in practice the enforced law, protect property and reduce civil disorder in civilian matters. Their powers include the legitimized use of force...
. The final shot of the video consists of Ellefson (portraying Nelson's brother) placing flowers on Mustaine's grave, mourning
Mourning
Mourning is, in the simplest sense, synonymous with grief over the death of someone. The word is also used to describe a cultural complex of behaviours in which the bereaved participate or are expected to participate...
him. The video additionally explores the motivations of Nelson's actions on the infamous day, including his parents' deaths, his wife leaving him, and his house being foreclosed
Foreclosure
Foreclosure is the legal process by which a mortgage lender , or other lien holder, obtains a termination of a mortgage borrower 's equitable right of redemption, either by court order or by operation of law...
.
Dave Mustaine
Dave Mustaine
David Scott "Dave" Mustaine is the founder, main songwriter, guitarist, and lead vocalist for the American heavy metal band Megadeth. Prior to Megadeth, Mustaine was the first lead guitarist and a co-songwriter of the heavy metal band Metallica until he was fired from the band in 1983. In 2009, he...
praised the video, stating that "This video was a blast to film; Bill Fishman did a great job; even better in my honest opinion than our first video with him. But let me warn you, even though it looks like fun ... don't try this at home." Dave Ellefson agreed, declaring that "[The video] has a very twisted and demented storyline. It was much different than what I thought it would be. It has no band footage at all. It's a very twisted and intriguing story."
In other media
On May 10, it was also announced by Dave MustaineDave Mustaine
David Scott "Dave" Mustaine is the founder, main songwriter, guitarist, and lead vocalist for the American heavy metal band Megadeth. Prior to Megadeth, Mustaine was the first lead guitarist and a co-songwriter of the heavy metal band Metallica until he was fired from the band in 1983. In 2009, he...
on TheLiveLine that some music from Megadeth
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
would appear in the film Land of the Lost
Land of the Lost (film)
Land of the Lost is a 2009 American science-fiction comedy film directed by Brad Silberling and starring Will Ferrell, Danny McBride and Anna Friel, based on the 1974 Sid and Marty Krofft TV series of the same name.-Plot:...
. Whether this would be music from the new record was not entirely clear, however during the phone message Mustaine stated that there was new music playing in the background of the message. Ultimately, parts of the song "The Right To Go Insane", can be heard near the end of the film. The film failed to meet expectations in its first weekend in theaters; its $19 million opening was far less than the expected $30 million, thereby making it one of 2009's major flops
FLOPS
In computing, FLOPS is a measure of a computer's performance, especially in fields of scientific calculations that make heavy use of floating-point calculations, similar to the older, simpler, instructions per second...
.
A t-shirt was released to promote the song, as well.
Reception
EndgameEndgame (album)
Endgame is the twelfth studio album by the American heavy metal band Megadeth. It was released via Roadrunner Records on September 9, 2009 and was produced by Dave Mustaine and Andy Sneap...
was highly well reviewed, and some of said praise was directed to "The Right to Go Insane". In a song by song review of the album, Terrybezer of Metal Hammer
Metal Hammer
Metal Hammer is a monthly heavy metal music magazine published in the United Kingdom by Future Publishing, and in several other countries by different publishers. Metal Hammer articles feature both mainstream bands and more unusual acts from the whole spectrum of heavy metal music...
praised the song, "A rumbling bassline
Bassline
A bassline is the term used in many styles of popular music, such as jazz, blues, funk, dub and electronic music for the low-pitched instrumental part or line played by a rhythm section instrument such as the electric bass, double bass, tuba or keyboard...
leads us into a guttural, low-end riff and a chorus
Refrain
A refrain is the line or lines that are repeated in music or in verse; the "chorus" of a song...
that conjures memories of 90’s Megadeth
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
. After 3 minutes, there’s a truly heroic build-up and all hell breaks lose. Solos fly while the rhythm track pounds like a prize-fighter to the track’s end. Peter Hodgson of "iheartguitar" was very positive of the song and wrote that "It just fits as a closing track, in a similar way to how Megadeth could not possibly have ended Countdown to Extinction
Countdown to Extinction
Countdown to Extinction is the fifth studio album by the American heavy metal band Megadeth. It was released on July 14, 1992 through Capitol Records. Countdown to Extinction is Megadeth's best-selling album, eventually achieving double platinum status...
with any song other than 'Ashes in Your Mouth'. Chuggy guitars in the verses, big harmonies in the choruses, double-time solo
Solo (music)
In music, a solo is a piece or a section of a piece played or sung by a single performer...
… A kickass track that probably wouldn’t work so well earlier in the album but is right at home here. Classic Mustaine ‘wide stretch’ solo too." The song has also been described as "methodical and melodically created."
Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
has submitted the song to consideration for Best Hard Rock Performance
Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance
The Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance was an award presented to recording artists at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards, for works containing quality performances in the hard rock music genre...
at the 53rd Grammy Awards
53rd Grammy Awards
The 53rd annual Grammy Awards were held on February 13, 2011, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. They were broadcast on CBS with a rating of 26.6 million viewers. Barbra Streisand was honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year two nights prior to the telecast on February 11. Nominations were...
. If it was to be nominated, it would be Megadeth's ninth nomination and their first in the category, being nominated eight times previously for Best Metal Performance
Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance
The Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance was an award presented at the Grammy Awards to recording artists for works containing quality performances in the heavy metal music genre...
. The song debuted at 39 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, and the next week climbed up to 34. The week after it dropped to 37, and remained on the chart for a total of 7 weeks.
Chart performance
| Chart (2010) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Mainstream Rock Songs (Billboard Billboard (magazine) Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis... ) |
34 |
Personnel
Megadeth- Dave MustaineDave MustaineDavid Scott "Dave" Mustaine is the founder, main songwriter, guitarist, and lead vocalist for the American heavy metal band Megadeth. Prior to Megadeth, Mustaine was the first lead guitarist and a co-songwriter of the heavy metal band Metallica until he was fired from the band in 1983. In 2009, he...
– VocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
, leadLead guitarLead guitar is a guitar part which plays melody lines, instrumental fill passages, guitar solos, and occasionally, some riffs within a song structure...
, rhythmRhythm guitarRhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together...
, and acoustic guitarAcoustic guitarAn acoustic guitar is a guitar that uses only an acoustic sound board. The air in this cavity resonates with the vibrational modes of the string and at low frequencies, which depend on the size of the box, the chamber acts like a Helmholtz resonator, increasing or decreasing the volume of the sound...
s - Chris BroderickChris BroderickChristopher Broderick is the virtuoso guitarist of the American thrash metal band Megadeth. He currently resides in Sherman Oaks, California...
– Lead, rhythm, and acoustic guitars - James LoMenzoJames LomenzoJames "JLo" LoMenzo is a metal bassist known for his roles as a former member of White Lion and Megadeth. He is also known for his work in Black Label Society .-Past bands and other works :...
– Bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick.... - Shawn DroverShawn DroverShawn Drover is a Canadian drummer, best-known for his work with the heavy metal band Megadeth....
– DrumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
and percussionPercussion instrumentA percussion instrument is any object which produces a sound when hit with an implement or when it is shaken, rubbed, scraped, or otherwise acted upon in a way that sets the object into vibration...
- Solo – ChrisChris BroderickChristopher Broderick is the virtuoso guitarist of the American thrash metal band Megadeth. He currently resides in Sherman Oaks, California...
- Solo – DaveDave MustaineDavid Scott "Dave" Mustaine is the founder, main songwriter, guitarist, and lead vocalist for the American heavy metal band Megadeth. Prior to Megadeth, Mustaine was the first lead guitarist and a co-songwriter of the heavy metal band Metallica until he was fired from the band in 1983. In 2009, he...
- Music & Lyrics - MustaineDave MustaineDavid Scott "Dave" Mustaine is the founder, main songwriter, guitarist, and lead vocalist for the American heavy metal band Megadeth. Prior to Megadeth, Mustaine was the first lead guitarist and a co-songwriter of the heavy metal band Metallica until he was fired from the band in 1983. In 2009, he...
Production
- ProducedRecord producerA record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
by Andy SneapAndy SneapAndy "Undie" Sneap is an English record producer, recording engineer, mixer, guitarist, and songwriter. He is best known for producing and mixing many acclaimed heavy metal albums.-Musician:...
and Dave Mustaine - EngineeredAudio engineeringAn audio engineer, also called audio technician, audio technologist or sound technician, is a specialist in a skilled trade that deals with the use of machinery and equipment for the recording, mixing and reproduction of sounds. The field draws on many artistic and vocational areas, including...
, mixedAudio mixing (recorded music)In audio recording, audio mixing is the process by which multiple recorded sounds are combined into one or more channels, most commonly two-channel stereo. In the process, the source signals' level, frequency content, dynamics, and panoramic position are manipulated and effects such as reverb may...
, and masteredAudio masteringMastering, a form of audio post-production, is the process of preparing and transferring recorded audio from a source containing the final mix to a data storage device ; the source from which all copies will be produced...
by Andy Sneap - Additional recording by Dave Mustaine
See also
- Shawn NelsonShawn NelsonShawn Timothy Nelson was a U.S. Army veteran and unemployed plumber who stole a M60 Patton tank from a United States National Guard Armory in San Diego, California and went on a rampage on May 18, 1995, destroying cars, fire hydrants, and an RV before being shot by police.-Prior to the...
, the basis for the video - EndgameEndgame (album)Endgame is the twelfth studio album by the American heavy metal band Megadeth. It was released via Roadrunner Records on September 9, 2009 and was produced by Dave Mustaine and Andy Sneap...
- "Sweating BulletsSweating Bullets (song)"Sweating Bullets" is a song by the American heavy metal band Megadeth. It was released in 1993 as the third single from their fifth album, Countdown to Extinction. The song charted at #29 on the US Mainstream Rock chart and at #26 in the UK....
", another Megadeth song about insanity. - Land of the LostLand of the Lost (film)Land of the Lost is a 2009 American science-fiction comedy film directed by Brad Silberling and starring Will Ferrell, Danny McBride and Anna Friel, based on the 1974 Sid and Marty Krofft TV series of the same name.-Plot:...
: "The Right to Go Insane" was an uncredited song in the movie, played when Will FerrellWill FerrellJohn William "Will" Ferrell is an American comedian, impressionist, actor, and writer. Ferrell first established himself in the late 1990s as a cast member on the NBC sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, and has subsequently starred in the comedy films Old School, Elf, Anchorman, Talladega...
rides the tyrannosaurusTyrannosaurusTyrannosaurus meaning "tyrant," and sauros meaning "lizard") is a genus of coelurosaurian theropod dinosaur. The species Tyrannosaurus rex , commonly abbreviated to T. rex, is a fixture in popular culture. It lived throughout what is now western North America, with a much wider range than other...
. - 44 Minutes44 Minutes"44 Minutes" is a song by the American heavy metal band Megadeth, which appears on their twelfth studio album, titled Endgame, which was released on September 15, 2009, written by frontman Dave Mustaine...
, another MegadethMegadethMegadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
song based on a criminal act that culminated in the death of the perpetrator(s). Also found on Endgame.
External links
- Official music video on YouTubeYouTubeYouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
- Official lyrics