Former Megadeth guitarist Jeff Young has expressed complete indifference toward a potential invitation to join Dave Mustaine’s ongoing farewell tour. He stated that his current work with Kings of Thrash is musically superior and that he has no desire to navigate the intense backstage politics and drama associated with his former band.
“I’m totally neutral about it. I have no opinion about it. I don’t even know if I’d wanna do it if it was offered to me,” Young said. “We’re already doing it with Kings Of Thrash, which performs Megadeth’s classic songs, and to my mind better. I don’t know why I need to go do that. The reason to do it would be for the fans, so they could see it. That’s the only reason to do it.”
Young’s reluctance stems from multiple concerns beyond musical preference. He cited the lack of genuine camaraderie within the original lineup and his unwillingness to engage with the organizational complexities that have historically plagued Megadeth. “We’re not all necessarily friends to begin with. I’m not down for the drama, to be honest. Marty’s already done the reunion thing with them at a few gigs. They’ve already been there, done that. There’s a lot of politics and drama to something like that,” he explained.
Young served as Megadeth’s lead guitarist from 1987 to 1989. During this period, he recorded the third studio album “So Far, So Good… So What!” released in January 1988. This album marked the only recording featuring both Young and drummer Chuck Behler. Both musicians were fired from the band in early 1989. Despite the short duration of his time with Megadeth, Young’s contributions to the band’s classic era have made him a notable figure in thrash metal history.
The guitarist’s current focus remains firmly on Kings of Thrash, the project he shares with founding Megadeth bassist David Ellefson. The band has been actively touring and performing the deepest cuts from Megadeth’s early catalog. Young expressed genuine pride in the endeavor. “I’m happy to just play the rest of the Kings Of Thrash gigs we got scheduled for this year. The next year I’m off doing my own album,” Young stated, indicating his commitment extends well into the future.
Kings of Thrash has announced a series of fall tour dates for 2026, including performances scheduled through the remainder of the year. Young’s involvement with the project represents a more fulfilling creative outlet than a potential Megadeth reunion could offer. The guitarist emphasized that any future Kings of Thrash performances would need to be special occasions. Festival appearances or high-profile opening slots for established acts like KK’s Priest or Accept would be preferable to routine touring commitments.
Young’s stance reflects a broader satisfaction with his current musical direction and a clear-eyed assessment of what a Megadeth reunion would entail. Megadeth continues its farewell activities with its current lineup featuring guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari, who joined in 2020. Young has chosen to celebrate the band’s legacy through Kings of Thrash rather than participate in the official farewell tour. His decision underscores the enduring tensions and complications that have characterized Megadeth’s internal dynamics throughout its history.
