Gar Samuelson

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Gar Samuelson Birth name Gary C. Samuelson Born February 18, 1958(1958-02-18) Origin Dunkirk, New York, U.S.Died July 22, 1999(aged 41)
Clewer, Orange City, Florida, U.S.Genre(s)Thrash Metal, Heavy metal
Speed metal, JazzOccupation(s) Drummer Instrument(s)DrumsYears active 1983 – 1999 Label(s)Capital, CombatAssociated acts Megadeth
Fatal Opera

Gary C. "Gar" Samuelson (February 18, 1958 in Dunkirk, New York - July 22, 1999 in Orange City, Florida), was the drummer for the thrash metal band Megadeth from 1984 through 1987.

Little is known about Gar before Megadeth, however it is known that he and Chris Poland played in a jazz fusion band called The New Yorkers, and that before this, he and Poland practiced and played together for many years.

After meeting with Dave Mustaine of Megadeth in 1984, it was apparent that he should join the band. He eventually got Chris in the band, creating what Mustaine refers to as 'the first real line-up'. Samuelson would go on to serve as Megadeths drummer until 1987, appearing on the albums 'Killing Is My Business...And Business Is Good', and the heavily praised 'Peace Sells...But Who's Buying', as well as serving through tours, until he was ultimately fired for his extreme drug addictions, especially heroin.

Although Gar's credited for little in his years as Megadeths drummer, he was apparently a very big influence on Dave Mustaine, offering ideas such as shortening the length of certain songs. Also, although not as well received as the second album, 'Killing Is My Business...And Business Is Good' was notable for Gar's extremely talented drums use.

He and his brother Stew, along with Billy Brehme, Travis Karcher and Andy Freeman, would form Fatal Opera, which released a self-titled album in 1995 and the Eleventh Hour in 1997. Samuelson died, reportedly of liver failure, at 41 in Orange City, Florida. He was a long-time friend of guitarist and fellow Dunkirkian Chris Poland, who said about him: "He was a true friend. Everything I know about--time, rhythm and feel--I learned from Gar, so I'll always hear his voice in my music." With Samuelson's death, all hopes for fans of Megadeth's original lineup reuniting, although those chances were most likely never going to happen, even if Gar hadn't died.