Gary Holt recently addressed David Ellefson’s claims that Dave Mustaine announced his retirement merely to boost ticket sales for a farewell tour. Speaking on Robbs MetalWorks, Holt offered his own take on the situation.
He defended Mustaine’s decision, arguing that a retirement announcement is reasonable considering Mustaine’s age and the span of his career. Holt stressed that Mustaine has earned the ability to step back after so many decades in the music world. “I think his ticket sales are fine without it,” Holt said. “We’re not getting any younger. And [Mustaine] said himself the tour is gonna be two to three years. I think Dave’s one year older than me, so [he’s] 62 — that’s gonna put him to 65 years old.”
Holt went on to discuss his own thoughts about retirement and the personal sacrifices musicians make over the course of their careers. He recognized the appeal of slowing down but noted that he remains dedicated to touring for now.
“I have three grandkids. I’d love to spend more time at home with ’em. Next year, when the new [Exodus] album comes out, I’m gonna be on tour more than ever. So, I’m making the sacrifices now, so that maybe by the time I am 65 I can slow down, maybe do a festival here and there,” he continued.
He wrapped up his comments by reiterating his respect for Mustaine’s choice while admitting he’s uncertain about his own long-term future in music. “He’s earned it, and I’m sure it’s gonna be fucking awesome for him,” Holt said.
Mustaine’s retirement announcement is part of a broader farewell plan for Megadeth. According to Consequence, the tour may run far longer than initially suggested, potentially lasting three to five years instead of the two to three years Holt mentioned. The expanded schedule highlights the scale of Mustaine’s final run and reflects sustained global fan demand.
The farewell tour will coincide with the release of Megadeth’s final studio album, slated for January 23, 2026, per the band’s official website. Megadeth has already begun confirming dates across several continents. Consequence reported that the tour will start in Spring 2026 with shows in Latin America, followed by a European festival circuit in June and then a North American leg. This worldwide rollout ensures that fans in multiple regions will have the chance to see Megadeth one last time.
Given this extensive timeline and the depth of the touring plan, Holt’s defense of Mustaine carries additional weight. Rather than a quick attempt to generate profit, the farewell tour represents a deliberate, years-long effort to honor the band’s legacy and connect with fans around the globe. In this context, Ellefson’s “scam” accusation appears far less convincing, as Mustaine is clearly committing substantial time and energy to the farewell campaign rather than relying on a one-off publicity move.
