Dave Mustaine health and Megadeth farewell tour

Reference TimelineLast updated APR 1
SUMMARY

Dave Mustaine, frontman of Megadeth, announced on January 21, 2026, that he has a contracture on his left hand, arthritis in his fingers, and Saturday night palsy, leading to the band's decision to embark on a farewell tour titled 'This Was Our Life'. As of April 1, 2026, the farewell tour is expected to last three to five years, with a final album due in January 2026, and Mustaine plans to undergo hand surgery only after the tour concludes to avoid jeopardizing it. Mustaine's memoir, "In My Darkest Hour," is set for release in September 2027, and he also cited hearing damage, bulging discs, and the progression of Dupuytren's contracture as contributing factors to the band's retirement. Megadeth's final studio album is intended for release on January 23, 2026, and they released their third and final single, 'Let There Be Shred,' on December 19, 2025. Mustaine stated his preference to retire Megadeth rather than hire a replacement guitarist.

Timeline

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April 2026 — 1 developments

  1. Dave Mustaine's memoir, "In My Darkest Hour," is set for release in September 2027.

    Dave Mustaine's memoir, "In My Darkest Hour," is set for release in September 2027. He plans to undergo surgery for his hand condition after Megadeth's farewell tour, which is expected to last three to five years and will be accompanied by a final album in January 2026.

January 2026 — 4 developments

  1. Dave Mustaine revealed that he has sustained damage to his hearing and body after beating cancer, contributing to Megadeth's decision to release a final album.

    Dave Mustaine revealed that he has sustained damage to his hearing and body after beating cancer, contributing to Megadeth's decision to release a final album.

  2. Dave Mustaine revealed the name of Megadeth's upcoming farewell tour as 'This Was Our Life'.

    Dave Mustaine revealed the name of Megadeth's upcoming farewell tour as 'This Was Our Life'.

  3. Dave Mustaine revealed that he has a contracture on his left hand and arthritis in his fingers.

    Dave Mustaine revealed that he has a contracture on his left hand and arthritis in his fingers. He also mentioned he had Saturday night palsy on his left side and that his pinky and ring finger are numb.

  4. Dave Mustaine revealed that his Dupuytren's contracture is progressing and stated his preference to retire Megadeth rather than hire a replacement guitarist.

    Dave Mustaine revealed that his Dupuytren's contracture is progressing and stated his preference to retire Megadeth rather than hire a replacement guitarist.

December 2025 — 4 developments

  1. Dave Mustaine revealed that the decision to wind down Megadeth was not premeditated but arose during the recording of their final album due to his physical difficulties.

    Dave Mustaine revealed that the decision to wind down Megadeth was not premeditated but arose during the recording of their final album due to his physical difficulties.

  2. Dave Mustaine revealed the final Megadeth studio album is intended for release on January 23rd.

    Dave Mustaine revealed the final Megadeth studio album is intended for release on January 23rd. He also stated he plans to undergo surgery for his hand conditions only after the farewell tour concludes to avoid jeopardizing the tour.

  3. Megadeth released 'Let There Be Shred,' the third and final single ahead of their new album.

    Megadeth released 'Let There Be Shred,' the third and final single ahead of their new album.

  4. Dave Mustaine also cited bulging discs as a physical limitation contributing to the decision to end Megadeth, in addition to his previously disclosed hand conditions.

    Dave Mustaine also cited bulging discs as a physical limitation contributing to the decision to end Megadeth, in addition to his previously disclosed hand conditions.

November 2025 — 2 developments

  1. Megadeth announced a Canadian headline tour with Anthrax & Exodus, scheduled for February and March 2026, as part of their farewell tour.

    Megadeth announced a Canadian headline tour with Anthrax & Exodus, scheduled for February and March 2026, as part of their farewell tour.

October 2025 — 2 developments

  1. Megadeth announced the first leg of their 'This Was Our Life Tour,' featuring Latin American dates starting in April 2026.

    Megadeth announced the first leg of their 'This Was Our Life Tour,' featuring Latin American dates starting in April 2026.

June 2025 — 1 developments

  1. The upcoming Megadeth album was nearing completion, with Dave Mustaine sharing a social media post of him recording vocals.

    The upcoming Megadeth album was nearing completion, with Dave Mustaine sharing a social media post of him recording vocals.

December 2024 — 1 developments

  1. Dave Mustaine announced on Twitter that production for Megadeth's 17th studio album was underway, with him and Teemu Mäntysaari working remotely on new music.

    Dave Mustaine announced on Twitter that production for Megadeth's 17th studio album was underway, with him and Teemu Mäntysaari working remotely on new music.