Dave Mustaine Says When Megadeth Is Done, It’s Done, But A Final Live Album May Still Come

Dave Mustaine has doubled down on the idea that once Megadeth call it quits, there won’t be a comeback tour, reunion cycle, or late stage reversal.

Speaking with Metal Hammer, the Megadeth frontman confirmed that the band’s upcoming self titled album (available January 23rd), is being positioned as their final studio release.

The record follows Mustaine’s announcement back in May that Megadeth had entered the beginning of the end, with a farewell tour expected to run anywhere between three and five years.

Asked directly whether the band might reunite after retirement, Mustaine didn’t mince words:

“I don’t think so. You see the scuttlebutt that is associated with bands like that. You know they never follow through with it and stick to their word.”

For Mustaine, the distinction lies in how the band has framed its exit, studio albums are done, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the Megadeth vault is closing entirely.

“Look, it all depends on how the statements are crafted. So, we’re doing no more studio albums. Does that mean there might be a live album at the end of all of this? Yeah, it certainly looks that way.”

Live album

If it happens, the live record would likely document Megadeth’s farewell tour, capturing the band in their final years on the road rather than attempting one last studio statement. Mustaine also reflected on how rare it is for bands to control their own ending, especially in heavy music:

“There’s so many musicians that have come to the end of their career, whether accidental or intentional. Most of them don’t get to go out on their own terms on top, and that’s where I’m at in my life right now.”

For a band whose history has been defined by conflict, resilience, and constant reinvention, the idea of a controlled exit feels fitting, just one last studio record, a long goodbye on the road and possibly a live document to close the book properly.

If Mustaine sticks to his word, Megadeth’s final chapter is already being written and he’s making sure it ends exactly where he wants it to.