A Metallica and Megadeth Tribute Duel Thursday at Peabody’s

It’s better than the real thing: Once rivals, Metallica and Megadeth didn’t share a stage until both of them had seen better days. Tribute bands Alcoholica (Metallica) and Degameth (Megadeth) recreate the clash of the titans the way it should have been, presenting sets primarily comprising old-school classics. Featuring former members of MSOD and Mo Rage, Cleveland’s Degameth nails some of the sickest, gnarliest guitar songs ever. Frontman George Hartwig – thankfully – sings deeper than Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine’s trademark piercing vocals, leaving the shrieking to lead guitarist Jon Perroti. Alcoholica is a side-project for drummer Opus and guitarist Ross, whose main gig is playing in Dead by Wednesday, a metalcore on the roster of Jamey Jasta’s Stillborn Records. As Mustaine once asked, “Can you put a price on peace — or a show like this?” Alcoholica drummer Opus didn’t want to ruin the surprise, but here’s what he had to say about his band: “I can tell you that we do not play anything past …And Justice For All, and we call ourselves a CLASSIC METALLICA tribute band, so that gives you a hint for sure. We do a bunch of the old classics that everyone wants to hear, and some obscure old ones, as well as some of the covers they did too, from the Misfits and more. We do it out of respect for the band, so we try an play it like they did when they were kids.” And the kids sure were alright. Alcoholica and Degameth. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 31, $6, 21 and over/$10, 20 and under (all ages). Peabody’s, 2083 E. 21st St., 216-776-9999. – D.X. Ferris

This article appears in May 30 – Jun 5, 2007.