Steve Wariner to Appear on New Music From Heavy Metal Group Megadeth

Steve Wariner is undoubtedly one of the best guitar players of at least this generation, if not of all time, and other artists have taken notice -- even those outside of country music. Wariner has revealed that he recently recorded some steel guitar parts for new material from heavy metal band Megadeth.

"Worlds collide," Wariner tells Nashville's Tennessean. "It's funny. Imagine Megadeth with steel guitar. That's what I did, and [founding member] Dave Mustaine is the nicest guy in the world. Isn't that crazy? It's out of my world. You know me, I'm a traditional country guy. But the stuff I played on is awesome."

Mustaine, who is also a former member of Metallica, reportedly attended one of Wariner's shows as well. It will be easy for the two to join forces again in the future, as, according to Rolling Stone, Mustaine and his family recently relocated to Nashville for the fourth time. He's one of numerous rockers, including Cinderella's Tom Keifer, who now call Music City their home.

"The people are wonderful here. There's certain things I miss about California ... and certain people I don't," Mustaine says. "But it's funny. I was driving to the studio the other day, and I was kind of speeding, and I see this sheriff. And I'm like, 'Oh God, I'm busted.' So I do a quick pull-in to the place where I'm going to eat breakfast, I sit down at a table, and I start looking out the window. I see the sheriff make a U-turn and pass the restaurant real slow, and then he pulls into the parking lot. He walks in, comes right up to me, and I'm thinking, 'Okay, I'm nailed.'

"I start to reach for my wallet," he continues. "But then he goes, 'I just want to tell you I'm a big fan. We all knew you were moving here, and we're so excited to have you here. Welcome.'"

Mustaine and Megadeth joined a long list of country stars -- including Brad Paisley, Loretta Lynn, Martina McBride, George Strait, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Reba McEntire and many more -- in performing for "Playin’ Possum! The Final No Show," the 2013 George Jones tribute concert. They performed Jones' song "Wild Irish Rose."

“George Jones had a way of putting his finger right into your wounds and letting you know, ‘I understand. I know your pain,’" Mustaine says. “While "Wild Irish Rose" may be an unexpected choice with so many great songs to choose from, it is a perfect example of Mr. Jones’ way of reaching inside every one of us, and making us aware that we all have pain."