Megadeth Bids Farewell: Final Album & Last Tour Announced
It’s the end of an era for thrash metal fans. After more than four decades of headbanging history, Megadeth has announced they’re calling it quits. The band revealed that their next album will be their last, and they’ll hit the road one final time for a farewell tour in 2026.
“There are so many musicians who finish their careers, whether it’s by choice or by accident,” said Dave Mustaine, Megadeth’s founder and frontman, in a heartfelt statement on Thursday. “Most don’t get the chance to step away while still at the top — but that’s where I’m at right now.
“I’ve toured the world, met millions of incredible fans, and the toughest part is saying goodbye to them.”
The band hasn’t yet shared the album title, release date, or the tour stops, but they did drop a short video teaser for fans to chew on.
Mustaine says the timing just feels right.
“Don’t be mad, don’t be sad — be happy for us. Come celebrate with me over these next few years. We’ve done something amazing together, something that may never happen again,” he wrote.
“We created a sound, sparked a revolution, changed how the guitar is played, and left our mark on the world. Every band I’ve been a part of has made an impact. I love you all for being part of that journey. Thank you for everything.”
The announcement came just a day after a cryptic post from the band reading: “The end is near …”
Megadeth came to life in 1983, after Mustaine was kicked out of Metallica, a band he co-founded. During recording sessions in New York, Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield made the call to let him go due to his struggles with alcohol and drugs.
After being sent to Los Angeles, Mustaine briefly formed a band called Fallen Angels, which eventually evolved into Megadeth.
Their debut album, Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!, landed in 1985, and by the 1990s, they were one of thrash metal’s “Big Four”, alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.
In 2019, Mustaine revealed he had been diagnosed with throat cancer, which led to tour cancellations while he underwent treatment.
Now, with one last album on the horizon and a final tour ahead, Megadeth is set to go out on their own terms — loud, proud, and unforgettable.