Dave Mustaine – "I think people do expect me to be invincible."

Fans were stunned when Dave Mustaine was diagnosed with cancer. Below, we find out how the Megadeth frontman took on his biggest battle yet – and won.

- By Jamie Blaine

THE WHOLE WORLD IS COMING APART at the seams. At least that’s the way it seems in Nashville this week. A T6 tornado tore the hell out of town just as the Coronavirus hit the Volunteer State. Even the President is in Music City today, surveying the damage from Marine Helicopter One, hovering above us as we step into a dark, downtown studio to meet with a local resident – DAVE MUSTAINE.

The Apocalypse’s first and second horsemen take a back seat, at least for the moment. Right now, we’re more concerned about Dave’s dog. Oblivious to its diminutive size, the long-haired Chihuahua descends upon us like some high-pitched Hound of Hell, menacingly baring his teeth and threatening to devour our very soul if we step any closer to his master.

“Easy, Romeo. Easy,” Dave says, reaching to save us from the snarling beast. We coil back, cautiously offering the back of our hand. Dave laughs gruffly. “Oh, no,” he says. “That doesn’t work with him.”

As the Megadeth frontman corrals his pup, it gives us a chance to check out the legend after his recent health crisis. Mass of fiery mane — intact. Black jacket, jeans, black T-shirt, white sneakers. Honestly? Well, he looks like Dave Mustaine, like the hellraiser still not sold on cheap or easy peace. He moves a bit slow, but not creakily — more like a man who’s fought the Devil bare-fisted and lived to tell the tale.