Megadeth are set to split sometime in the next couple of years following the release of a new album and the completion of a farewell tour.
Full details of the album and tour have not yet been revealed, though the band did share the record’s artwork, which you can see below. You can also find a video trailer for the band’s finale plans below.
In a statement, the band’s frontman, Dave Mustaine, said: “There’s so many musicians that have come to the end of their career, whether accidental or intentional. 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. I have traveled the world and have made millions upon millions of fans and the hardest part of all of this is saying goodbye to them.
“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. This is also a perfect time for us to tell you that it’s our last studio album. We’ve made a lot of friends over the years, and I hope to see all of you on our global farewell tour.
“Don’t be mad; don’t be sad; be happy for us all; come celebrate with me these next few years. We have done something together that’s truly wonderful and will probably never happen again. We started a musical style; we started a revolution; we changed the guitar world and how it’s played; and we changed the world. The bands I played in have influenced the world. I love you all for it. Thank you for everything.”
Mustaine founded Megadeth in 1983 after being fired from Metallica. They released their debut album, Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good!, in 1985. Eight further studio albums followed before the band went on hiatus between 2002 and 2004. They have released seven studio albums since returning, with the most recent, The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!, coming out in 2022.
The band’s final lineup consists of Mustaine, bassist James LoMenzo, drummer Dirk Verbeuren and guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari.
