Shortly after lead guitarist Dave Mustaine was fired from Metallica due to alcohol problems, drug abuse and personality conflicts, Mustaine, guitarist Greg Handevidt and bassist David Ellefson formed Megadeth. As Mustaine himself says, "I could only focus on one thing [after being kicked out of Metallica]: I wanted blood... theirs." After searching for a vocalist and not finding what he wanted, Mustaine became the band's singer, primary lyricist, main songwriter, and rhythm guitarist. Handevidt left the band in late 1983 to form Kublai Khan. The band soon added jazz fusion drummer Gar Samuelson and guitarist Kerry King (of Slayer fame). King was only a temporary member, covering a handful of live dates while a replacement for Handevidt was sought. King was replaced later the same year by Chris Poland, a friend of Gar's.