Gar Samuelson

Gary Charles "Gar" Samuelson (February 18, 1958 – July 14, 1999) was an American musician best remembered for being the drummer for American thrash metal band Megadeth from 1984 to 1987, contributing to their first two albums, Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! (1985) and Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? (1986). He is considered one of the most influential drummers of thrash metal, having pioneered the incorporation of jazz fusion into the subgenre.[1]

Gar Samuelson
Background information
Birth name	Gary Charles Samuelson
Born	(1958-02-18)February 18, 1958 Dunkirk, New York, U.S.
Died	July 14, 1999(1999-07-14) (aged 41) Orange City, Florida, U.S.
Genres	Heavy metal, speed metal, thrash metal, jazz fusion
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Drums, percussion, timpani
Years active	1975–1999
Labels	Capital, Combat
Associated acts	Megadeth, Fatal Opera, The New Yorkers

Samuelson initially cut his teeth playing the band The New Yorkers, a stint that lasted from the late 70s into the early 80s though it is unknown if the band ever actually put out any material. After meeting with Dave Mustaine and Dave Ellefson of Megadeth in 1984, he joined the band, and Poland soon followed, this being what Mustaine refers to as 'the first real line-up'. Samuelson would go on to serve as the band's drummer until 1987, appearing on the albums Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! and Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?, as well as serving through tours, until he was ultimately fired for his drug addiction.[2][3] Upon leaving Megadeth he played in the band Fatal Opera for a while which also comprised his brother Stew on guitar and subsequently released various albums and demos and continued to play in the band up until his death.

Samuelson died in Orange City, Florida, on July 14, 1999 (Bastille Day) at the age of 41; the cause of death was reportedly liver failure.[1][2] The 2002 remixed and remastered version of Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! is "dedicated to the memory of Gar Samuelson".[2]

References

1. Talevski, Nick (2006). Rock Obituaries: Knocking on Heaven's Door. Omnibus Press. p. 570. ISBN 1-84609-091-1.
2. Kielty, Martin (September 10, 2012). "Megadeth drummer made Peace Sells". Classic Rock. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
3. "Megadeth history from 1984 to '87". Megadeth.com. Archived from the original on September 16, 2013. Retrieved August 4, 2013.

Preceded by Lee Rausch	Megadeth drummer 1984–87	Succeeded by Chuck Behler