Thrash metal legends Megadeth recently treated fans to a special moment: the first-ever live performance of “Let There Be Shred”. The track — which originally appeared on their 1990 classic Rust in Peace — was played live for the first time during the band’s current tour, and footage of the performance has since been shared online.
The debut took place at a recent concert stop, surprising longtime fans who thought the song might remain buried in the group’s extensive catalog. Known for its blazing guitars and technical precision, “Let There Be Shred” has long been recognized as a fan favorite among musicians and die‑hard followers — even if it wasn’t a regular part of Megadeth’s live setlists.
Videos circulating on social media show frontman/guitarist Dave Mustaine and the rest of the band firing through the track with fierce intensity, drawing enthusiastic reactions from the crowd. For many concertgoers, hearing the song live for the first time was a standout moment of the show.
Rust in Peace, released in 1990, is widely regarded as one of Megadeth’s most influential albums and a landmark in thrash metal history. While staples like “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” and “Hangar 18” have been frequent fixtures in live shows over the years, “Let There Be Shred” had never been performed in a live setting — until now.
The performance reflects Megadeth’s willingness to dig deeper into their catalog as they continue to tour behind their latest work. It also highlights the band’s connection to their legacy, giving longtime fans something unexpected alongside newer material.
Fans online have shared clips and expressed their excitement, with many noting that the song’s live execution “slays” and wishing the track becomes a more regular part of future setlists. Whether or not “Let There Be Shred” returns to the rotation remains to be seen, but its inaugural live run is already being celebrated across fan communities.
