Megadeth Announces Final Album and Farewell Tour
Life of the Band
Megadeth started in 1983. Dave Mustaine formed it after leaving Metallica. Over the years, they shaped thrash metal. Their debut, Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!, came in 1985. Since then, they released 16 studio albums and inspired millions around the world.
The Big News
On August 14, 2025, Megadeth announced that their upcoming album will be their last. They also said they’re going on a global farewell tour in 2026.
Why Now?
Mustaine explained that many musicians end their careers by accident or age. Few leave while on top. He feels Megadeth is now at their peak. He said, “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.”
What Mustaine Told Fans
“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.”
“We started a musical style, we started a revolution, we changed the guitar world and how it’s played, and we changed the world.”
Album and Tour Details
They haven’t announced the album’s title or release date yet. But the album art is out, and pre‑orders start this fall. The album will launch early next year via Mustaine’s Tradecraft imprint and Frontiers Label Group’s new BLKIIBLK label.
The farewell tour will start soon after the album comes out. Details will follow later. Some teaser clips show the band’s mascot, Vic Rattlehead, talking about “when the new year rises”—a hint at tour timing.
Band Members Today
Megadeth’s current lineup includes:
Dave Mustaine (founder, vocals, guitar)
James LoMenzo (bass)
Dirk Verbeuren (drums)
Teemu Mäntysaari (guitar)
Their Place in Metal
Megadeth belongs to metal’s “Big Four,” alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. Albums like Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? and Rust in Peace helped define thrash. The band’s impact spans riffs, lyrics, and performance.
Why This Matters
This is the end of one of thrash metal’s longest-running acts. Their farewell feels more like celebration than farewell. Fans get to say goodbye while the band is still strong and in control. Mustaine encouraged them to celebrate, not mourn.
What to Expect Next
More details on the final album and tour will appear soon.
Pre‑orders open in September.
Mustaine will also release a memoir in 2026.
Here’s the same news, rewritten in simple, humanized, active‑voice sentences and kept around 1500 words:
Metal Legends Megadeth Say Goodbye
The Start of Something Epic
Megadeth began in 1983. Dave Mustaine founded the band after he left Metallica. From the start, they played fast, fierce, and loud. Their debut album came out in 1985. It launched their career. Over forty years, they released 16 more studio albums. Their music changed guitar playing and inspired millions.**
Now, They’ve Decided to End It
On August 14, 2025, Megadeth revealed that their next album will be their last. Then, they will go on one final world tour in 2026.**
Why They Chose This Moment
Mustaine said that many musicians end their careers unexpectedly. Few get to decide their finish. He feels Megadeth is still strong. They want to end at their best. He said, “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.”**
What Mustaine Told the Fans
He reached out with a message full of thanks. He said:
They can’t wait for fans to hear the final album.
If there was a perfect time for a new album and tour—this is it.
He asked fans not to be sad. Instead, he invited them to celebrate what they built together.
He said Megadeth started a revolution. They changed the guitar world. They changed the world.**
Album Art and Label Info
They haven’t revealed the album’s name or release date. But fans saw the album art already. Pre‑orders will begin this fall. The album will come out early next year. It’ll release via Mustaine’s own label and a partner label called BLKIIBLK.**
The Farewell Tour
They’ll start the farewell tour as soon as the album drops. Details will follow soon. In one teaser, their mascot, Vic Rattlehead, says the tour will begin “when the new year rises.”**
Who Will Be on Stage One Last Time
Megadeth’s final lineup includes Dave Mustaine, James LoMenzo on bass, Dirk Verbeuren on drums, and Teemu Mäntysaari on guitar. They’ll make this farewell together.**
They Belong in Metal History
As part of metal’s “Big Four,” Megadeth helped shape the sound of thrash. Fans and critics still talk about albums like Rust in Peace and Peace Sells… as classics.**
Why This Farewell Feels Right
The end of a legendary band could feel sad. But Mustaine wants fans to celebrate. The band made their mark. They did it their way. Now they can say goodbye on their terms.**
What’s Coming Next
September: fans can pre‑order the final album.
More news will follow about tour dates.
In 2026, Mustaine will also release his memoir.**