In a direct message to fans worldwide, Dave Mustaine has confirmed that the upcoming Megadeth album, slated for early 2026, will be the band’s final studio release. The news was delivered through his alter ego Vic Rattlehead, alongside the announcement of a global farewell tour kicking off the same year.
Mustaine reflected on the decision, saying that few musicians get to leave at the top, and that this is the perfect moment to do so: “I’ve traveled the world, made millions of fans, and the hardest part is saying goodbye. Don’t be sad—celebrate with me over the next few years.”
He described the album as a fitting conclusion to a career that, in his words, helped start a musical style, a revolution, and changed the way the guitar is played. Mustaine also highlighted the global influence of the bands he has been a part of.
The album will be released via Tradecraft in partnership with BLKIIBLK of Frontiers Label Group, with its first single and pre-orders launching this fall. The initial run of farewell tour dates will be announced later this year, and Mustaine will also publish a new memoir in 2025.
With this announcement, Megadeth prepares to close a historic chapter in metal, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped entire generations and will continue to influence the genre for decades to come.
