# Scott Ian Reacts to Metallica Firing Dave Mustaine

> Scott Ian recalls Metallica's surprise firing of Dave Mustaine in 1983.
- Title: Scott Ian Reacts to Metallica Firing Dave Mustaine · Loudwire
- Summary: Scott Ian recalls Metallica's surprise firing of Dave Mustaine in 1983. Scott Ian learned Metallica fired Dave Mustaine in 1983 after watching them in NYC…
- Keywords: scott ian, metallica, dave mustaine, anthrax, kirk hammett, lars ulrich, james hetfield, thrash metal, 1983, new york city, greyhound, exodus
- Source: Loudwire — https://loudwire.com/scott-ian-metallica-fired-dave-mustaine
- Published: 2026-10-01T12:47:21+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: scott ian, metallica, dave mustaine, anthrax, kirk hammett, lars ulrich, james hetfield, thrash metal, 1983, new york city, greyhound, exodus
## Metallica fired Dave Mustaine
Scott Ian heard Metallica told him they fired Dave Mustaine in 1983.
## Ian saw Metallica in NYC
Ian watched Metallica in a scuzzy rehearsal room in New York City.
## Cliff Burton's remark
Cliff Burton said, 'Oh, not much. We fired Dave. He's on a Greyhound back to California.'

> Oh, not much. We fired Dave. He's on a Greyhound back to California.
## Ian thought it was a joke
Ian believed Cliff's remark was a joke because Metallica had a show booked soon.
## Ian confirmed with Metallica
Ian asked James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich if it was true, who confirmed it was real.
## Ian met Kirk Hammett
Ian met Kirk Hammett the next day after Metallica hired him.
## Key takeaway

Scott Ian learned Metallica fired Dave Mustaine in 1983 after watching them in NYC, then met Kirk Hammett the next day.