Mike Albert, the legendary guitarist (ex - Megadeth), front man of the Mike Albert Project which he formed to evolve his playing to showcase his own sound was in Mumbai as part of the World Music band with L. Shenkar. Mike had replaced Megadeth’s Chris Poland during the 1985 "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good" US tour. His earlier bands were the Frank Zappa produced, Ruben and the Jets and El Chicano, a Latin band.

Jovial and wise cracking, Mike met up with his fans in the dressing room, gamely posing for photographs and signing away autographs.

Here is an exclusive with the guitarist on his maiden visit to India in November 2014, when he played a gig with double necked violinist L. Shenkar at the Shanmukhananda Auditorium in Mumbai.

How did you become interested in playing guitar? At what age did you start?

It started at age 9 when I saw the first acoustic guitar up close at my aunt’s house. I picked it up and never put it down. I think it only had three strings on it. It didn't matter to me, I just kept on playing

How did you and Shenkar start to collaborate?

Nine years ago, we met at the record company Big Deal Records, which released both our solo albums. Since then we have done a number of concerts and toured together. It’s quite a different experience playing with this band, different from all my other ventures.

Who were your early influences in music?

I listened to a lot of Beatles, Cream, B B King, Albert King, Ritchie Blackmore, and Santana. There were a lot of good guitarists out there. When I started, I practiced eighteen hours a day, to get my chops right. I’ve spent forty years in the business playing different styles, trying not to lock myself into one style, experimenting with different artists.

How was it playing with Dave Mustaine and Megadeth?

It was a new experience for me playing in a metal band. The music was fast and loud. The crowds were wild. Concerts were sold out. Their music has definitely influenced some of my playing and compositions.

Did playing with El Chicano give you a different sound and ideas as well?

Oh yes, definitely. People said that I sounded like Santana. But I wanted to have my own sound at the end of it.

Is the guitar you used now the one you always use for concerts?

Oh no. My guitar was damaged on the flight over here. This is one that Furtados kindly consented to loan me for this concert along with the amplifiers.

So which are the guitarists you enjoy listening to nowadays.

Oh there are so many. I like Clapton. He’s got a smooth, effortless style. I liked Gary Moore also. Then there is Joe Bonamassa, who although younger than me has a similar style to mine. You know, I play all kinds of guitar but I think I really excel in blues and slide guitar.

So would you like to conduct workshops and visit music schools here like Mathias Eklund and Arne Jansen?

I love teaching. I was a sessions and studio musician so I got a good foundation there. I’ve got a five year visa to India (smiles) so let’s see what happens.

So have you tried out the Indian cuisine?

(Laughs). Not yet but I’m looking forward to it.

Interviewed by Verus Ferreira