Former Megadeth guitarist Kiko Loureiro recently opened up about his decision to leave the legendary metal band after nearly nine years. He shared his perspective in an interview with Sixty Scales And The Truth.
Loureiro discussed the multiple factors that contributed to his departure from Megadeth at the end of 2023. Family responsibilities were the primary driving force behind his decision.
“During Megadeth, it was great, so nothing to complain. But it was eight years, almost nine years, and then I was touring maybe — I don’t know — five months, maybe sometimes six months [in a year], so that’s a lot. It’s very different than doing 25 days [as I have done on my solo tour],” Loureiro said.
The guitarist explained that his decision wasn’t based on a single factor. Rather, it was a combination of circumstances that evolved over time.
“[There were] many reasons [that contributed to it]; there’s never one reason when you take a big decision in life. So one of the reasons was the family. That was the more intensive reason. After doing the tour, there was another three-month tour, and then it was, like, ‘Oh, maybe this is too much.’ But I was fighting with these thoughts since I joined Megadeth, basically,” he continued.
Loureiro revealed how his family situation significantly impacted his perspective on touring. This was particularly true after becoming a father to twins.
“My daughter was around five [when I joined Megadeth], and then one year later [in 2016], after joining Megadeth, the year that we released the ‘Dystopia’ album, the Grammy winner and all that, I had twins,” he explained. “So all those years in Megadeth was difficult to be traveling and having newborn twins at home, and then traveling. So it makes you think a lot, because that’s what I always wanted, to be touring, etc., and playing guitar. And then also have the kids, and then your mentality, your mindset changes a lot. And then have the pandemic, and then do another album, etc.”
The guitarist ultimately concluded that his children needed him more as they grew older. This led to his final decision to step away from the band.
“And then, at some point, I said, like, ‘I think eight, nine years is enough.’ And then I felt, like, okay. And then also I felt that the kids needed me more, more than before. [There were] some other issues happening. And there was a three-month tour [coming up], so [I said], like, ‘Look, I can help to find a substitute. If you can wait, great. If you don’t wanna wait, it’s fine as well,'” Loureiro concluded.
Loureiro’s departure from Megadeth followed a gradual process that began in September 2023. He first announced he would step away from touring commitments to prioritize his family life in Finland.
Blabbermouth reported that Loureiro initially revealed in September 2023 that he would sit out the next leg of Megadeth’s “Crush The World” tour in order to stay home with his children back in Finland. The guitarist later extended his absence in November 2023. He made it clear he didn’t want to hinder the band’s touring plans with his ongoing family commitments.
The band quickly found a replacement through Loureiro’s own recommendation. Megadeth’s official website confirms that Finnish virtuoso Teemu Mäntysaari from Wintersun joined as touring guitarist in September 2023. Kiko himself personally recommended him. Mäntysaari quickly learned the band’s extensive repertoire and made his debut on the North American tour. He impressed both fans and band members with his technical precision.
By November 2023, Dave Mustaine officially announced Mäntysaari as the new permanent lead guitarist following Loureiro’s departure. The transition proved seamless. Mäntysaari demonstrated his skills on complex solos including those in classic Megadeth tracks like “Holy Wars” and “Sweating Bullets.”
Loureiro’s exit marks the end of a significant chapter in Megadeth’s history. Guitar World noted that Dave Mustaine has ruled out reunions with former members like Loureiro for Megadeth’s planned 2026 farewell tour and final album. This decision suggests the band is committed to moving forward with their current lineup rather than revisiting past collaborations.
