To coincide with this weekend's US performance, music website Metal Insider recently caught up with various musicians to discuss their favourite of the iconic 'Big 4' outfits.
The website chatted with various metal identities from a range of bands, including, The Dillinger Escape Plan, God Forbid, Cephalic Carnage and Agnostic Front.
"This Saturday, for the first time in America in over 25 years, Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax will take the stage as the Big Four in Indio. The metal titans have played European festivals before, but their sole American date (so far, anyway) is seeing people fly in from around the world to witness a part of history. Since countless musicians, artists and industry executives have grown up worshipping the four bands, Metal Insider asked a cross section of them the following question: Which of the Big Four bands playing on Saturday means the most to you and why?" Metal Insider writes.
The Dillinger Escape Plan guitarist, Benjamin Weinman identified Megadeth as the most influential to him, stating:
"All the bands on the BIG 4 had a huge impact on me growing up but Megadeth was probably the most influential. I loved pretty much all metal but the eclectic and innovative guitar playing on all of the Megadeth records really pushed me to think more creatively with my playing."
In contrast, Cephalic Carnage member Leonard Leal highlights early Slayer as the most significant.
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"I dig all these bands in their own right for what they have done for metal over the years. Its good to see that they can play a show like this for their fans, the ones who were there from the beginning. I would have to say I am most inspired by early Slayer," he said.
You can read the full article and list of responses here.
