Jeff Scott Soto recently made a public appeal to Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine regarding the band’s farewell plans. He specifically called for the inclusion of former bassist David Ellefson. His comments were shared on The Rock ‘n’ Blues Experience.
Soto emphasized the importance of reuniting key members for what could be the band’s final performances.
“It would be a lovely way for it to end or go out is to have the surviving members of this legendary band all together at least for one more hurrah,” Soto said. “But as far as I’m concerned, Megadeth, you guys are the Joe Perry and Steven Tyler of this band. And to end this whole legacy without one or the other to me is wrong. And I’ll put it right here. Dave Mustaine, you need to call David Ellefson. And you need to put him as part of the end.”
Soto continued to stress the significance of including Ellefson in any farewell proceedings.
“If this is truly the end and you’re calling it a rap, you need to include David at some point,” he continued. “Even if it’s one show, one song, something like that. To me, that’s the true closure. That’s the real way to actually close the book on Megadeth.”
The musician also suggested including other former members in the farewell.
“They have to at least include David, to include Chris Poland and all the others, Jeff Young, all the others that have been involved,” he said. “That to me would be the ultimate farewells. That needs to happen as far as I’m concerned. You need to get the Lennon and McCartney, the Joe Perry and the Steven Tyler of this band together for one final har. That’s how I see it.”
Soto’s comments come at a significant time for Megadeth. The band has officially announced their farewell plans for 2026.
Megadeth’s official website confirmed that the band’s farewell tour and final studio album are scheduled for 2026. This marks the official end of an era for the thrash metal legends. The album will be released through Dave Mustaine’s Tradecraft imprint in partnership with Frontiers Label Group’s BLKIIBLK label. Global pre-orders and a first single are expected this fall.
Mustaine has been reflective about the band’s decision to end on their own terms. “Most of them don’t get to go out on their own terms on top, and that’s where I’m at in my life right now,” he stated, as Loudwire reported. He expressed gratitude for the journey and fans, saying, “We started a musical style, we started a revolution, we changed the guitar world and how it’s played, and we changed the world.”
The farewell tour will be a global affair. Dates have already been announced across Europe for late 2025 and continuing into 2026. Fans worldwide can anticipate this final opportunity to see the thrash metal pioneers perform their catalog of influential songs.
The timing of Soto’s appeal adds weight to ongoing discussions about Megadeth’s legacy and the importance of including founding members in the band’s final chapter. Whether Mustaine will heed Soto’s call to reunite with Ellefson remains to be seen as the band prepares for their ultimate farewell.
