As the metal world processes the recent news that Megadeth will embark on a final farewell tour following one last studio album, fellow thrash pioneer Gary Holt has offered his full support to his longtime friend. In a new interview with Robb Chavez of “Robbs MetalWorks,” the Exodus leader discussed Dave Mustaine’s decision to hang up his guitar, dismissing cynicism regarding the announcement.
Speaking at the San Antonio Fear Fest on November 16, Holt reflected on his decades-long relationship with Mustaine, dating back to the early Bay Area scene.
“Yeah. We’ve done lots of tours with Megadeth. And Dave‘s been one of my closest friends, musical friends, since the beginning. We hung out when he was in Metallica. And I saw him when the last Megadeth tour went [through]. I hadn’t seen him in years. It’s always like old friends,” Holt said (as transcribed by Blabbermouth).
When asked about Mustaine’s plan to conclude Megadeth‘s career after a final album and a multi-year touring cycle, Holt expressed admiration rather than surprise.
“He’s earned it. I still love doing what I do, but I’d be lying if I said, man, the idea of retirement, after two or three more years…’ ‘Cause I’m 61 now. Do I wanna go till I’m 70? I don’t know. But I can’t retire. I need to keep working. So I’m gonna keep going as long as I can. But he’s earned it, and I’m sure it’s gonna be f**king awesome for him.”
Holt also addressed recent comments made by former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, who speculated that the farewell announcement might be a marketing strategy to boost ticket sales. Holt rejected that notion, pointing to the physical reality of aging in the heavy metal genre.
“I think his ticket sales are fine without it. 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. 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. I don’t know. We’ll see.”
The interview also touched on the revelation that Megadeth‘s self-titled final album will feature Mustaine‘s own recording of the track “Ride The Lightning.” The song served as the title track for Metallica‘s 1984 sophomore LP, featuring songwriting credits from Mustaine prior to his dismissal from the group.
“I haven’t heard it yet. [Mustaine] wrote, I guess, probably half the [original] song, so why not? I can’t wait to hear it, actually… Let’s wait and hear it. I bet he plays it faster,” Holt speculated. “When [Exodus] did Tempo Of The Damned and stuff and we went out on tour with Megadeth, [Mustaine] put ‘Mechanix‘ back in the set, ’cause I asked him to. And he played it at the old tempo — super fast.”
Exodus is currently preparing to release their own new studio album in March 2026.
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