Megadeth Announce Final Album & Global Farewell Tour for 2026

August 15, 2025 rocknews

Dave Mustaine Says Goodbye on His Own Terms, Promises New Memoir

Metal’s thrash titans MEGADETH have officially confirmed that their upcoming 2026 release will be the final studio album of their career. The announcement came straight from founder and frontman Dave Mustaine, who delivered the news via his alter ego Vic Rattlehead to fans and the band’s Cyber Army.

The as-yet-untitled album — set for early 2026 via Mustaine’s Tradecraft imprint in partnership with Frontiers Label Group’s BLKIIBLK label — will mark the end of an era spanning more than four decades, 50 million albums sold, a GRAMMY® win, and countless sold-out shows across the globe.

Mustaine also revealed that MEGADETH will embark on a massive worldwide farewell tour next year, with dates to be announced later in 2025. As if that wasn’t enough, he confirmed plans for a new memoir in 2026, promising more details in the months ahead.

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Mustaine: “We’re Going Out on Top”

“Most musicians don’t get to go out on their own terms,” Mustaine said. “I have traveled the world, made millions of fans, and the hardest part is saying goodbye. 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.”

He added: “Don’t be mad, don’t be sad — be happy for us. Come celebrate with me these next few years. We started a revolution, we changed the guitar world, and we changed the world. Thank you for everything.”

A Legacy That Shaped Metal Forever

Since their debut in 1983, MEGADETH have become a cornerstone of heavy metal, influencing generations of musicians and fans. Their catalog includes genre-defining classics such as Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?, Rust in Peace, and Countdown to Extinction.

Beyond music, the band has made its mark in pop culture — from The Simpsons to Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey — and even the beverage industry with À Tout Le Monde and Saison 13 beers, plus Mustaine’s House of Mustaine wine brand.

Megadeth’s return also reignites talk of the legendary Big 4 — the thrash titans Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax. With Slayer retired and the metal landscape shifting, could this be the end of the Big 4 as we know it?

What’s Next for Fans

Fans can click HERE to register for early access to exclusive information and offers surrounding the forthcoming final album and all MEGADETH news. In addition, look for the initial run of farewell tour dates to be announced later this year.