NEW YORK (AP) — You might call it a symphony for disbandment. The acclaimed American thrash metal band Megadeth has revealed that their upcoming album will be their final one. In addition, they plan to launch a farewell tour in 2026.
“There are countless musicians who conclude their careers, whether by choice or otherwise,” stated Dave Mustaine, Megadeth’s founder and lead vocalist, in a statement on Thursday. “Few of them get to bow out on their own terms while at their peak, and that’s where I find myself now. I’ve journeyed through numerous countries and amassed millions of fans, and bidding farewell to them is the hardest part of this journey.”
Mustaine and the band have yet to reveal the final album’s title, release date or the band’s remaining tour dates.
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Dave Mustaine of Megadeth performs during the Louder Than Life Music Festival on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File) -
From left: David Ellefson, Dirk Verbeuren, Dave Mustaine and Kiko Loureiro of the musical group Megadeth arrive at the 59th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 12, 2017, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)
His statement continued, with the frontman writing that now is the perfect time for the band to release a final album and embark on their final tour.
“Don’t be upset, don’t be sorrowful, be joyful for all of us, and join me in celebrating over these next few years. We have created something extraordinary that is unlikely to be replicated,” he expressed. “We initiated a musical genre, sparked a revolution, transformed the guitar playing style, and impacted the world. The bands I’ve been part of have left a global mark. I am grateful to all of you for that. Thank you for everything.”
The statement arrived after the band shared a teaser post on Wednesday that read “The end is near…”
Megadeth was established in 1983 after Mustaine was dismissed from Metallica, a group he helped to form. Their first album, “Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!”, was released in 1985.
