Dave Mustaine recently addressed questions about Megadeth’s upcoming farewell tour and whether the band will reunite with all surviving former members. He shared his thoughts during an interview on Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk.
When asked about inviting all former band members for the farewell tour, Mustaine explained the reasoning behind his decision to limit the reunion lineup.
“Well, I can’t really do that, because of the behavior of one of the band members in the past. I just can’t — I can’t. Because, first off, it would be unfair to the other band members if I didn’t play with them as well,” Mustaine said.
Mustaine highlighted his special relationship with former guitarist Marty Friedman. He noted that their recent collaboration in Japan during early 2024 was a natural fit. He reflected on how his connections with other former members compared to that bond.
“But the thing about what we did with [former Megadeth guitarist] Marty [Friedman] in Japan [in early 2024], that was a no-brainer. That was brilliant. And I love Marty. We had our separation, and he went his way and we went our way. But it was a very, very intense relationship I had with Marty, because that was the first relationship I had with a guitar player,” he explained.
Mustaine also addressed his relationships with other former guitarists. While he had no issues with most of them, other factors prevented a full reunion.
“My relationship with [former Megadeth guitarist] Chris [Poland] was really great, but it wasn’t as good as it was with Marty. My relationship with [former Megadeth guitarist] Jeff [Young] was good, but it wasn’t as good as it was with Marty. And I probably wouldn’t have a problem playing with any of the members of those two lineups, except the fact that [former Megadeth drummer] Gar’s [Samuelson] deceased, and [I’m] just not gonna do anything that is gonna, in any way, seem unfair to the other band members,” Mustaine concluded.
Mustaine’s comments reflect on the band’s storied history. The farewell tour will move forward with Megadeth’s current roster. Megadeth’s official website reveals that the band will kick off its farewell tour in North America following the January 23, 2026 release of their final studio album. This marks a significant moment in metal history, as Mustaine has decided to retire the legendary band after decades of influential contributions to the genre.
The current lineup features a mix of longtime and returning members. No Treble reported that Megadeth’s farewell tour will feature Dave Mustaine on vocals and guitar, Teemu Mäntysaari on guitar, James LoMenzo on bass, and Dirk Verbeuren on drums. LoMenzo previously played with Megadeth from 2006 to 2010 and rejoined the band in 2021. His return brings continuity and experience to the final chapter.
The tour itself represents an ambitious farewell. Tour Setlist documented that the farewell tour will begin on April 23, 2026, in Lima, Peru. It will conclude on May 13, 2026, in Guadalajara, Mexico, with stops across North America, Europe, and Latin America. The band will perform classic Megadeth songs alongside material from their final album, giving fans a comprehensive celebration of the band’s legacy.
This farewell tour represents the end of an era for one of thrash metal’s most influential bands. Mustaine’s recent comments highlight the complexities of reuniting with all former members. The current lineup is poised to deliver a memorable final tour that honors Megadeth’s four decades of groundbreaking music and cultural impact on the metal community.
