Marty Friedman recently released his autobiography, Dreaming Japanese, where he talks about meeting Rick Beato for the first time and how Beato influenced and guided him through his J-Pop transformation. Marty Friedman recently released his autobiography, Dreaming Japanese, where he talks about meeting Rick Beato for the first time and how Beato influenced and guided him through his J-Pop transformation. Friedman also reflects on the exact moment he decided to leave Megadeth, sharing personal insights into one of the most pivotal decisions of his career.

The Meeting That Changed Everything

During the Risk tour, Marty met Rick Beato, who was then an accomplished musician but not yet the globally recognized music educator he is today. Friedman recalls the moment vividly:

“Who the hell is this amazing guitarist, and why is he playing in some unknown garage band?”

This question marked the beginning of a friendship that would transform Marty’s musical journey. Rick’s knowledge of music theory and his unique approach to chords and arrangements captivated Marty, who admitted that J-Pop was an entirely foreign landscape to him at the time.

“I wouldn’t have even noticed Rick had he not been teaching me backstage… Hearing jazzy, intricate chords and strange harmonizations was a total dreamscape during a Megadeth tour.”

Rick introduced Marty to J-Pop’s complex structures, which blended traditional Japanese sounds with Western influences. This new world of music was unlike anything Marty had encountered before, pushing him beyond the confines of heavy metal.

Falling in Love with J-Pop

Despite his roots in metal, Marty found himself irresistibly drawn to J-Pop:

“J-Pop was addictive, and thousands of miles removed, literally and figuratively, from the pointlessly hostile nu-metal dominating the U.S.”

He described the genre as “exotic and infectious,” filled with unconventional melodies and complex chord progressions that challenged his musical boundaries. Marty spent countless hours learning J-Pop structures, often retreating backstage to jam along with Japanese pop tracks while on tour.

The Exact Moment Marty Left Megadeth

As Marty’s passion for J-Pop grew, his connection to Megadeth began to fade. The turning point came during a tour in late 1999. Sitting in Dave Mustaine’s hotel room in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Marty finally voiced what had been weighing on him:

*”I wasn’t nervous because I already knew I was done, and it would feel great to get out there and start moving on.

‘I gotta go, man. This is just not my thing anymore. I’m sorry to bring this up in the middle of the tour, but I’ve got to move on.’

Dave looked flustered. He paused for a few moments before responding.

‘I actually didn’t have a clue. I wish you would discuss your feelings with me more, Marty. Is there anything I can say or do to make you stay?’

‘No, man. I think I’m done. I’m sorry. I just don’t see where I fit in this music anymore. It’s nothing personal.’

‘Of course I do,’ he said sharply, ‘or I wouldn’t have you around.’

‘I’m sorry, man.'”*

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back, Marty acknowledges that leaving Megadeth was necessary for his growth as an artist. His deep dive into J-Pop not only revitalized his passion for music but also led to a thriving career in Japan.

“I’m very glad I left the band and was able to do things that far surpassed my time in it. The band has done wonderful things in my absence, so I think everybody wins.”…

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Also read:

Marty Friedman Shares the Hilarious Story of His First Guitar and Band