Megadeth Retirement and Farewell Tour
Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine announced the band's retirement after over four decades on February 23, 2026, due to his battle with Dupuytren's contracture, arthritis, and a fused spine, making it "really painful" to play guitar. As of April 22, 2026, the band is continuing its multi-year global farewell tour, with additional dates announced for July 2026 in Reno and Corning, and a November 2026 tour with Iron Maiden in Australia/New Zealand. Mustaine's memoir, 'In My Darkest Hour,' detailing his personal battles and the creation of Megadeth's final album, was released on September 8, 2026, coinciding with the ongoing tour. The band's self-titled final album debuted at No. 1 in the U.S. charts with 73,000 equivalent album units and also topped the ARIA Charts in Australia, marking their first-ever chart-topping records in both countries.
Timeline
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April 2026 — 2 developments
Dave Mustaine has released his new memoir, 'In My Darkest Hour,' detailing his personal battles and the creation of Megadeth's final album.
Dave Mustaine has released his new memoir, 'In My Darkest Hour,' detailing his personal battles and the creation of Megadeth's final album. The book's release on September 8, 2026, coincides with the band's ongoing global farewell tour.
Megadeth has announced additional tour dates in Reno and Corning for July 2026, and will join Iron M…
Megadeth has announced additional tour dates in Reno and Corning for July 2026, and will join Iron Maiden for their Australia/New Zealand tour in November 2026 as part of their ongoing global farewell tour.
March 2026 — 1 developments
Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren expressed his belief that the band will likely release a live album to document their ongoing farewell tour.
Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren expressed his belief that the band will likely release a live album to document their ongoing farewell tour. A cinematic event, 'Megadeth: Behind the Mask,' was held on January 22, 2026, featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the band's history and a premiere of their final album with Dave Mustaine's commentary. Mustaine also mentioned plans for surgery after the farewell tour concludes.
February 2026 — 4 developments
Megadeth has announced their retirement after over four decades, with frontman Dave Mustaine confirming the release of a 17th studio album and a multi-year global farewell tour.
Megadeth has announced their retirement after over four decades, with frontman Dave Mustaine confirming the release of a 17th studio album and a multi-year global farewell tour. The band is slated to headline the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky, from September 17–20, 2026.
Megadeth's farewell tour officially commenced on February 15, 2026, in Victoria, British Columbia, featuring a 17-song setlist with a heavy emphasis on their back catalog.
Megadeth's farewell tour officially commenced on February 15, 2026, in Victoria, British Columbia, featuring a 17-song setlist with a heavy emphasis on their back catalog. The tour, expected to last three to five years, will span North America, Europe, and Latin America, with the band also announcing a first-time performance in Kazakhstan.
Dave Mustaine has revealed that his ongoing battle with Dupuytren's contracture, along with arthritis and a fused spine, is a significant factor forcing Megadeth's retirement.
Dave Mustaine has revealed that his ongoing battle with Dupuytren's contracture, along with arthritis and a fused spine, is a significant factor forcing Megadeth's retirement. He described the condition as making it 'really painful' to play guitar, leading to the decision to end the band's touring and recording career.
Megadeth's self-titled final album debuted at No.
Megadeth's self-titled final album debuted at No. 1 in the U.S. charts, achieving 73,000 equivalent album units in its first week, marking the band's first time topping the U.S. charts.
January 2026 — 6 developments
Megadeth's self-titled final album debuted at No.
Megadeth's self-titled final album debuted at No. 1 on the ARIA Charts in Australia, marking the band's first-ever chart-topping record in the country. This achievement is their 11th top 50 appearance on the ARIA Albums chart.
Dave Mustaine explained that some former Megadeth members are excluded from the farewell tour due to…
Dave Mustaine explained that some former Megadeth members are excluded from the farewell tour due to being deceased or unable to play, while others made negative comments in interviews.
The Canadian leg of Megadeth's farewell tour is set to begin in mid-February 2026, with Anthrax and Exodus confirmed as support bands.
The Canadian leg of Megadeth's farewell tour is set to begin in mid-February 2026, with Anthrax and Exodus confirmed as support bands.
Megadeth's final album was produced by Dave Mustaine and Chris Rakestraw, and features guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari and bassist James LoMenzo.
Megadeth's final album was produced by Dave Mustaine and Chris Rakestraw, and features guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari and bassist James LoMenzo.
Megadeth's self-titled final album was released on January 23, 2026, and quickly reached No.
Megadeth's self-titled final album was released on January 23, 2026, and quickly reached No. 1 on iTunes. The band has also added new tour legs for Canada, Latin America, and Europe, and Dave Mustaine is considering a solo album after the farewell tour.
Megadeth partnered with Trafalgar Releasing for 'Megadeth: Behind The Mask,' a cinematic documentary…
Megadeth partnered with Trafalgar Releasing for 'Megadeth: Behind The Mask,' a cinematic documentary event and global listening party for their final album, held on January 22, 2026, in over 1,000 cinemas. Additionally, the band's North American farewell tour will commence with a 12-date Canadian headline tour.
December 2025 — 1 developments
Megadeth released "Let There Be Shred!
Megadeth released "Let There Be Shred!" as the third single from their final album and announced a film, "Megadeth: Behind the Mask," which screened on January 22nd.
November 2025 — 1 developments
Dave Mustaine indicated that Megadeth's global farewell tour, set to begin in 2026, could potentially extend for 'three to five years.
Dave Mustaine indicated that Megadeth's global farewell tour, set to begin in 2026, could potentially extend for 'three to five years.' This extended period would allow the band to reach fans worldwide one last time.
October 2025 — 1 developments
Megadeth announces the first headlining dates for their farewell tour in 2026, specifically eight shows in South America, kicking off on April 23rd in Lima, Peru.
Megadeth announces the first headlining dates for their farewell tour in 2026, specifically eight shows in South America, kicking off on April 23rd in Lima, Peru. The band also reveals the album's track listing, including a cover of Metallica's 'Ride the Lightning.'
September 2025 — 1 developments
Pre-orders for Megadeth's final album begin, with a first single expected to be released in the fall.
Pre-orders for Megadeth's final album begin, with a first single expected to be released in the fall.
August 2025 — 2 developments
Dave Mustaine plans to release a new memoir and will undergo surgery for Dupuytren's contracture after Megadeth's farewell tour concludes.
Dave Mustaine plans to release a new memoir and will undergo surgery for Dupuytren's contracture after Megadeth's farewell tour concludes.
Megadeth posts a cryptic message, 'The end is nigh,' on social media, hinting at a major announcement.
Megadeth posts a cryptic message, 'The end is nigh,' on social media, hinting at a major announcement.