Heavy metal legends Megadeth announce final album and farewell tour

NBC News

2 days ago

Megadeth has announced the band's final album and world tour after entertaining fans for more than 40 years. But as the group says, 'Don't be mad, don't be sad, be happy for us all,' and get ready to rock out with them during their epic sendoff.
On Aug. 14, the thrash metal band, founded in 1983 by vocalist and guitarist Dave Mustaine, uploaded a video to its website along with the message 'The End Is Near. It's Crystal Clear. Part of The Master Plan,' confirming that a final album and farewell tour are on the way. Above the video was a preorder countdown clock that will expire in 42 days.
The words are lyrics from the 1990 song 'Holy Wars... The Punishment Due.'
A quote from Mustaine, the group's only remaining founding member, was also included in the announcement on the website. 'It's our last studio album. We've made a lot of friends over the years and I hope to see all of you on our global farewell tour,' he said.
The clip begins with multiple news anchors reporting that the 'end of times' is near. There are then shots of a massive flood, an erupting volcano and the world ablaze as people are seen fleeing cities in ruins.
Vic Rattlehead, the band's mascot, appears seated behind a desk with an hourglass and a stack of papers that reads 'Confidential 2026.'
'For over four decades, I've been chained in silence,' the skeletal figure says. 'But the end demands my voice. It is confirmed the next Megadeth studio album will be the last.'
He continues, '40 years of metal, forged in steel, ending in fire. And when the new year rises, the global farewell tour. You've heard the warning, now prepare yourselves, Cyber Army. Stay loud, stay tuned and meet me on the front lines.'
The clip ends with an illustration of Vic Rattelead, with half his body lit on fire.
The group, which currently consists of Mustaine, Teemu Mäntysaari, James Lomenzo and Dirk Verbeuren, did not share more details about the exact release date of the final album or when the tour kicks off.
Megadeth fans expressed their mixed feelings in the comments beneath the message, which was also shared on YouTube.
'Megadeth you will always live on in our hearts. Thank you for everything Dave Mustaine,' one said.
Another wrote, 'Make it a blast! One of the only bands i own all the albums to.'
A third commented, 'It hurts my heart to see THE metal band that has got me into metal leave.'
In a lengthier statement from Mustaine posted on the band's website, the 63-year-old frontman explained why now is the right time for the band to say goodbye, even though it will be difficult.
'There's so many musicians that have come to the end of their career, whether accidental or intentional. Most of them don't get to go out on their own terms on top, and that's where I'm at in my life right now,' he said. 'I have traveled the world and have made millions upon millions of fans and the hardest part of all of this is saying goodbye to them.'
Mustaine added, 'Don't be mad, don't be sad, be happy for us all, come celebrate with me these next few years.'
He celebrated Megadeth's achievements over the last 40 years, praising the band for accomplishing something that had never been done before.
'We started a musical style, we started a revolution, we changed the guitar world and how it's played, and we changed the world,' Mustaine said. 'The bands I played in have influenced the world. I love you all for it. Thank you for everything.'