Photo Credit: Ryan Chang
Thrash metal titans Megadeth have announced that their forthcoming 2026 studio album will be their last. Frontman Dave Mustaine shared the news with fans via social media under his alter ego Vic Rattlehead, confirming that the record will mark the end of Megadeth’s more than 40-year career.
Alongside the album, the band will embark on a massive global farewell tour in 2026. Mustaine also revealed that a new memoir is on the way next year, with further details to come.
“Most musicians don’t get to go out on their own terms on top, and that’s where I’m at in my life right now,” Mustaine said. “We can’t wait for you to hear this album and see us on tour. If there was ever a perfect time for us to put out a new album, it’s now. If there was ever a perfect time to tour the world, it’s now… Don’t be mad, don’t be sad, be happy for us all, come celebrate with me these next few years.”
The as-yet-untitled album will be released via Mustaine’s Tradecraft imprint in partnership with Frontiers Label Group’s BLKIIBLK label, with the first single and global pre-orders launching this fall. Initial farewell tour dates are expected to be announced later this year. Fans can register for early access to album and tour news [HERE].
Fan Reactions
News of Megadeth’s final album and farewell tour sparked an outpouring of emotion from fans across social media and YouTube. On the band’s official channel, the announcement video “The End Is Near” drew thousands of comments within hours:
- “Hard to believe this day has come. Thank you Dave and Megadeth for being the soundtrack of my life.”
- “I grew up learning guitar with Megadeth riffs. You didn’t just influence music, you influenced who I became.”
- “Bittersweet… sad to see it end, but so glad they’re going out on top.”
- “End of an era. No band will ever capture this same energy.”
The overwhelming response shows just how deeply Megadeth’s music has resonated with generations of metal fans around the world.
Megadeth’s Legacy
Since forming in 1983, Megadeth has become one of the most influential forces in metal history, selling more than 50 million records worldwide, earning a GRAMMY® Award (with 12 additional nominations), and producing landmark albums including Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?, Rust in Peace, and Countdown to Extinction. Their most recent release, The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead! (2022), debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 and earned a GRAMMY® nomination for “We’ll Be Back.”
Beyond music, Mustaine has expanded the Megadeth name into the worlds of spirits and wine, with the success of Megadeth Beer and the House of Mustaine wine brand. His forthcoming memoir will add yet another chapter to his legacy.
As Megadeth prepare to close the book on their legendary career, Mustaine is inviting fans worldwide to join in one last celebration: “We started a revolution, we changed the guitar world and how it’s played, and we changed the world. Thank you for everything.”
I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.
