Review of Megadeth Endgame Tour in Peoria, IL

If anyone thinks Megadeth’s recent tour titled “The Endgame Tour” has anything to do with the band’s final tour or possibly hangin it up, think again!  Sunday, November 15, 2009 at the Peoria Civic Center, Dave Mustaine and the boys didn’t look like they have any plans of slowing down anytime soon.

Playing to a crowd of approximately 3,000 – 4,000 people (it’s so hard to tell when we’re all scrunched up against the stage), the band showcased a wide variety of songs from their music catalog.  They played songs from very early on in their career to the most recent album, “Endgame” that just hit the stores in September.

Opening up for Megadeth were Arcadium, Suicide Silence and Machine Head.  All did a decent job but when you bring out the blistering guitars of the dynamic duo, Dave Mustaine and Chris Broderick, you soon forget that there even were any opening bands.  Until you’ve seen these two axeman live, you haven’t really witnessed true guitar skills.  It’s always great to watch the reactions of the people in the crowd and to see their jaws drop in sheer amazement during the guitar solos.  Add in the energy of bassist James Lomenzo and the phenomenal drumming from Shawn Drover and it spells success every night.

There was quite a vast range of fans in attendance, mainly old rockers in their 40’s like myself,  but there was even a baby in the crowd, yes a baby.  Dave Mustaine quickly spotted the toddler and jokingly said, “This is the youngest fan I’ve ever seen, better get him some ear plugs”. (Don’t worry she already had some in)

If you are looking for a great show, you have to check them out!  We took my sons who are 15 and 17, and they had an awesome time!  There are plenty of dates left on the Endgame tour.  If you can’t make it to any of them, then you’re in luck because the American Carnage tour starts at the beginning of the year.  This tour will feature Slayer, Testament and Megadeth.  You can get your tickets right here at Cant Stop Rockin.  Remember, You’re Never Too Old to Rock!!

Endgame tickets and tour dates

American Carnage tickets and tour dates

Setlist from the November 15, 2009 concert at the Peoria Civic Center

Set The World Apart
Wake Up Dead
Hangar 18
Skin O My Teeth
1320
A Tout Le Monde
She – Wolf
Tornado of Souls
Headcrusher
In My Darkest Hour
Washington Is Next
Sweating Bullets
Rattlehead
Trust
Symphony of Destruction
Peace Sells
Encore – Holy Wars & The Punishment Due