Megadeth mastermind Dave Mustaine is bringing the story behind his most difficult chapter to New York City, with the thrash metal icon set to appear at Kaufman Music Center on September 8th for an event celebrating his upcoming memoir, In My Darkest Hour.
The book, co-written with Joe Layden, explores Mustaine’s battle with squamous cell carcinoma, his treatment, his family and the determination that saw him continue working on Megadeth’s The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead! while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.
Reflecting on that period during a recent TalkShopLive Q&A, Mustaine explained why he refused to step away from the studio (per Sonic Perspectives).
“Great bandmates. A really professional co-producer. We had a really great thing working.”
The 64 year old musician has previously described the experience as one of the most confronting periods of his life. His diagnosis came in 2019, with Mustaine ultimately undergoing 51 radiation treatments and nine rounds of chemotherapy before being declared cancer-free.
He says the experience also changed how he viewed the possibility of creating music, admitting he was determined to keep recording because he wasn’t sure what the future held.
“I didn’t want to stop recording in case it was my last record.”
A deeper look
In My Darkest Hour promises to go deeper than the medical side of Mustaine’s cancer battle, examining its impact on his family, faith, creativity and outlook on life.
The memoir arrives as Megadeth continues its farewell era. Following the chart topping success of the band’s self-titled final studio album, the group is expected to continue its farewell journey into 2028, with further European dates announced alongside Black Label Society and Testament.
Before then, Australian fans will get their opportunity to see Mustaine and Megadeth live this November when they join Iron Maiden for a major run of stadium and arena dates.
The Australian schedule includes Adelaide on November 11th, Melbourne on November 13th, Sydney on November 15thy and Brisbane on November 18th and 19th.
Catch Megadeth live in Australia with Iron Maiden this November:
- Wednesday, November 11th – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
- Friday, November 13th – AAMI Park, Melbourne
- Sunday, November 15th – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
- Wednesday, November 18th – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
- Thursday, November 19th – Brisbane – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Find out more and grab your tickets here.
With Mustaine preparing to tell his story on the page while Megadeth enters its final chapter on the road, 2026 is shaping up to be a significant year for one of metal’s most enduring figures.
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