MEGADETH · LITTLE UNTOLD
One of the most recognizable bass intros in metal ended up reaching millions of people who may never have listened to a Megadeth album.
The opening bass line of “Peace Sells”, from Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?, became part of the music used by MTV News.
David Ellefson later recalled the surreal moment when he and guitarist Chris Poland heard it unexpectedly on television. MTV News came on — followed by a bass line they knew very well.
For years, that short piece of Megadeth became associated not only with thrash metal, but with MTV itself. Ellefson has said that its repeated use helped make the bass line recognizable even beyond the band’s audience.
And there is another twist: Dave Mustaine has repeatedly said that he received no royalties for MTV’s use of the music.
Sometimes a riff escapes the song — and becomes part of pop culture.
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