Dave Mustaine has spoken candidly about the impact of losing close friends and fellow legends within the metal world. In a new feature in Metal Hammer, the Megadeth leader reflected on how the genre is experiencing what he describes as “a changing of the guard.”
“All of our elder statesmen have satisfied their role as models,” he said. “Some of the people we lost have really affected me. Lemmy, Dio, Ozzy… you hear about them going and you think, ‘No!’ That’s the way of the world now, though.”
In another portion of the conversation, Mustaine acknowledged uncertainty about his own future, admitting that he hasn’t yet figured out what life might look like once Megadeth eventually step away.
“Well, there’s so much still going on now that I don’t really want to think about that too much,” Mustaine said. “I can’t really conceive of an end right now.”
Pressed further on the subject, Mustaine expanded on his thoughts, offering additional insight into his perspective.
“I don’t think there is going to be a morning after,” Dave admitted. “I think for all of us, we’re always going to be in Megadeth. We’re always going to be brothers now and best friends, and we’re always going to be responsible for making some of the most fun music that bassists and guitarists and drummers will ever want to play.”
Megadeth‘s final studio effort, the self-titled album Megadeth is scheduled to arrive on January 23, 2026. The record will be released via Mustaine’s own Tradecraft imprint under the Frontiers Label Group’s BLKIIBLK label.
Megadeth track listing:
- “Tipping Point”
- “I Don’t Care”
- “Hey, God?!”
- “Let There Be Shred”
- “Puppet Parade”
- “Another Bad Day”
- “Made To Kill”
- “Obey The Call”
- “I Am War”
- “The Last Note”
- “Ride The Lightning” (bonus track)
Megadeth fans have gotten an unexpected early listen to the band’s rendition of Metallica’s iconic “Ride The Lightning,” which reportedly leaked ahead of the group’s final studio album.
