Megadeth fans have reason to brace themselves: the band’s so-called “farewell” tour, set to launch in 2026, could run for several years. Frontman Dave Mustaine recently spoke to Kerrang! magazine about what fans can expect from the “This Was Our Life” trek, which will cap off more than four decades of his legendary career.
“We’re easily talking about touring for another three to five years,” Mustaine revealed. Reflecting on the personal side of such a long run, the 64-year-old added with a chuckle, “If we’re going to be doing it for that long then, s**t, I’ll be looking at the birthday I don’t even want to think about,” referring to turning 70 in 2031.
Having faced both substance addiction and a battle with throat cancer, Mustaine stressed that staying healthy is more important than just pushing longevity. “I’m not caught up in longevity and stuff like that, and being one of those guys who can play until he’s in his 80s. I have to remember that people live and they die. And I need to take good care of myself.”
Mustaine also spoke about Megadeth’s upcoming self-titled album, arriving January 23, 2026. The record will feature a special version of Metallica’s classic “Ride The Lightning” as a bonus track. “It was about closing the circle and showing respect to where this all started,” he said.
On whether his rendition counts as a cover, Dave explained: “No. Because I wrote the song too. I think other people will say that, but if you’re asking me, I don’t think it’s a cover song.” Regarding how it compares to the original, he noted: “When it was done, we played it for a couple of people, and a lot of people we know are fans of that band and that song, so they knew what they were listening to, A vs. B, and the consensus has been pretty much the same — that we did a fitting homage. I think we did it at least as good — it’s a little faster.”
The upcoming album follows 2022’s The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead! and will be released through Mustaine‘s Tradecraft imprint on Frontiers Label Group’s new BLKIIBLK label.
Writer and extreme metal devotee, Ialdagorth has spent over a decade covering the darkest corners of heavy music. A black metal lifer, he spends his free time wandering the Carpathian Mountains, likely humming blast beats to the trees.
