Dave Mustaine recently spoke about Megadeth’s upcoming farewell tour and the possibility of reuniting with all surviving former members. During an appearance on Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, he clarified why the lineup for the tour will remain limited.
When asked whether he planned to invite every past member to join the farewell run, Mustaine explained his reasoning. “Well, I can’t really do that, because of the behavior of one of the band members in the past. I just can’t — I can’t. Because, first off, it would be unfair to the other band members if I didn’t play with them as well,” Mustaine said.
He went on to emphasize his unique connection with former guitarist Marty Friedman, noting that their performance together in Japan in early 2024 felt completely natural. Mustaine compared that bond to his relationships with other past bandmates.
“But the thing about what we did with [former Megadeth guitarist] Marty [Friedman] in Japan [in early 2024], that was a no-brainer. That was brilliant. And I love Marty. We had our separation, and he went his way and we went our way. But it was a very, very intense relationship I had with Marty, because that was the first relationship I had with a guitar player,” he explained.
Mustaine also reflected on his experiences with other former guitarists, acknowledging positive relationships while outlining the obstacles to a full reunion.
“My relationship with [former Megadeth guitarist] Chris [Poland] was really great, but it wasn’t as good as it was with Marty. My relationship with [former Megadeth guitarist] Jeff [Young] was good, but it wasn’t as good as it was with Marty. And I probably wouldn’t have a problem playing with any of the members of those two lineups, except the fact that [former Megadeth drummer] Gar’s [Samuelson] deceased, and [I’m] just not gonna do anything that is gonna, in any way, seem unfair to the other band members,” Mustaine concluded.
These remarks add context to Megadeth’s decision to proceed with the farewell tour using the current roster. According to the band’s official site, the tour will begin in North America following the January 23, 2026 release of their final studio album. This marks a historic moment, as Mustaine has chosen to retire the influential group after decades of shaping the metal genre.
The present lineup includes both longtime and returning members. No Treble reports that the farewell tour will feature Dave Mustaine on vocals and guitar, Teemu Mäntysaari on guitar, James LoMenzo on bass, and Dirk Verbeuren on drums. LoMenzo, who previously performed with Megadeth from 2006 to 2010 before rejoining in 2021, brings welcome continuity to the band’s concluding chapter.
The tour itself is set to be a sweeping farewell. Tour Setlist notes that it will open on April 23, 2026, in Lima, Peru, and conclude on May 13, 2026, in Guadalajara, Mexico, with dates across North America, Europe, and Latin America. Fans can expect a blend of classic Megadeth material and songs from the final album, offering a comprehensive tribute to the band’s legacy.
Ultimately, this farewell tour marks the close of an era for one of thrash metal’s defining bands. Mustaine’s recent comments underscore the challenges involved in reuniting every former member, while the current lineup stands ready to deliver a powerful final run celebrating more than forty years of musical innovation and cultural influence.
