Biography
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.
"I got Gar Samuelson because he came to rehearsal and he fell asleep — he nodded on heroin — and his cigarette burned clean through his fingers. And I went, 'Fuuuck, that's metal!' I thought, 'This guy's gonna be into cattle prods and stuff!' So we hired him."
Gar passed away from a liver failure at 1999, at the age of 41.
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