Gary Holt recently commented on David Ellefson’s claims that Dave Mustaine announced retirement to boost ticket sales for a farewell tour. He shared his perspective on Robbs MetalWorks.
Holt defended Mustaine’s decision, suggesting that the retirement announcement is justified given the musician’s age and career longevity. He emphasized that Mustaine has earned the right to step back after decades in the industry.
“I think his ticket sales are fine without it,” Holt said. “We’re not getting any younger. And [Mustaine] said himself the tour is gonna be two to three years. I think Dave’s one year older than me, so [he’s] 62 — that’s gonna put him to 65 years old.”
Holt reflected on his own perspective regarding retirement and the sacrifices musicians make throughout their careers. He acknowledged the appeal of slowing down while maintaining his commitment to touring.
“I have three grandkids. I’d love to spend more time at home with ’em. Next year, when the new [Exodus] album comes out, I’m gonna be on tour more than ever. So, I’m making the sacrifices now, so that maybe by the time I am 65 I can slow down, maybe do a festival here and there,” he continued.
Holt concluded by reaffirming his respect for Mustaine’s decision. He also expressed his own uncertainty about his future in music. “He’s earned it, and I’m sure it’s gonna be fucking awesome for him,” Holt said.
Mustaine’s retirement announcement comes as part of a comprehensive farewell plan for Megadeth. Consequence reported that the farewell tour could extend significantly longer than initially stated. It may potentially last three to five years rather than the two to three years mentioned by Holt. This extended timeline reflects the scale of Mustaine’s final tour and the demand from fans worldwide.
The tour will support Megadeth’s final studio album. Megadeth’s official website indicates the album is scheduled for release on January 23, 2026. The band has already begun announcing dates across multiple continents, signaling the magnitude of this farewell campaign.
Consequence revealed that the farewell run will kick off in Spring 2026 with Latin American dates. It will be followed by a European festival run in June and a North American stint. This global approach ensures that fans across different regions will have the opportunity to witness Megadeth’s final performances.
The extended timeline and comprehensive tour schedule underscore why Holt’s defense of Mustaine’s decision carries weight. Rather than a quick cash grab, the farewell tour represents a deliberate, multi-year commitment to give fans worldwide a chance to celebrate the band’s legacy. This context makes Ellefson’s “scam” accusation appear less credible, as Mustaine is clearly investing significant time and effort into the farewell campaign rather than simply capitalizing on a one-off announcement.
