Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine recently opened up about his decision to end his career with the band’s farewell tour and final album due to ongoing health struggles. He shared his thoughts in an interview with Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk.
The legendary guitarist discussed how decades of performing have taken a physical toll on his body, particularly affecting his hands and musculoskeletal system.
“I think a lot of us were eaten alive by the intensity of the music and what it caused us to do with our skeletal systems and our nervous systems,” Mustaine said. “I know I exchanged my nervous system for fame and my skeletal system playing, you know, slinging that heavy guitar every night for years and years and years.”
He went on to explain how the physical demands of metal performance have affected not just him, but other musicians in the genre.
“And then headbanging on top of it, and then looking to the left constantly for, you know, what is it, 40 plus years? Looking to the left, so your body’s predisposed to look left and down. You know, it creates musculoskeletal issues, you know,” he continued. “And I believe that’s what happened to Malcolm and Angus [Young, of AC/DC]. I know that’s what was going on with the guys in Slayer and Metallica.”
Despite his reluctance to step away, Mustaine acknowledged that his physical limitations have made the decision for him.
“It’s not that I don’t want to stay. It’s that my hands are betraying me. You know, if there was another way around this, I would swallow my pride and say, ‘You know, I was able to find some miracle cure’, something like that, where I could play left-handed or something, you know,” he said. “But I’m cool with going out right now where we’re at. This is just wonderful.”
Mustaine’s announcement comes as Megadeth prepares for their final chapter. This marks the end of one of metal’s most influential bands.
AOL reported that the band is preparing to kick off their farewell tour of North America in Canada beginning on February 15 in Victoria, B.C. The tour includes stops in Calgary and Winnipeg. The tour, titled “This Was Our Life,” will feature support from metal veterans Anthrax and Exodus. This creates a powerful lineup for the band’s final live performances.
The farewell tour represents more than just a series of concerts. It’s the culmination of over four decades of groundbreaking metal music. Exclaim noted that fans can catch Megadeth performing live in Winnipeg at Canada Life Centre on February 25, 2026, as part of this historic final tour.
Adding to the significance of this farewell period, Megadeth Argentina confirmed that the band’s final album, simply titled “Megadeth,” is set for release on January 23, 2026. This self-titled album will serve as the band’s swan song, bringing their legendary discography full circle.
Mustaine has also made it clear that this farewell tour will not include reunions with former bandmates. Parade revealed that the frontman has ruled out any possibility of playing with ex-bandmates like Marty Friedman for the tour, stating, “There’s not a valid reason to do something like that, especially when we have limited time.”
