MEGADETH frontman Dave Mustaine has opened up about the band’s recently announced “farewell” tour, which is set to kick off in 2026. Dubbed the This Was Our Life tour, the trek will mark the end of more than 40 years of music from the 64-year-old metal legend.
In a recent interview with U.K.’s Kerrang! magazine, Mustaine revealed just how long fans can expect the band to be on the road. “We’re easily talking about touring for another three to five years,” he said. Mustaine also reflected on the passage of time, noting that he’ll be approaching his 70th birthday in 2031. “If we’re going to be doing it for that long then, s**t, I’ll be looking at the birthday I don’t even want to think about,” he added.
Having survived both addiction and a battle with throat cancer, Mustaine emphasized that his focus isn’t on sheer longevity. “I’m not caught up in longevity and stuff like that, and being one of those guys who can play until he’s in his 80s,” he explained. “I have to remember that people live and they die. And I need to take good care of myself.”
In addition to discussing the tour, Mustaine shared insights into MEGADETH’s upcoming self-titled album, due January 23, 2026. The record will include a special version of METALLICA’s classic “Ride The Lightning” as a bonus track. Mustaine, who originally co-wrote the song, described the recording as “closing the circle” and “a matter of showing respect to where this all started.”
When asked whether his rendition of the track should be considered a cover, Dave clarified: “No. Because I wrote the song too. I think other people will say that, but if you’re asking me, I don’t think it’s a cover song.” On whether his version surpasses the original, he added: “When it was done, we played it for a couple of people, and a lot of people we know are fans of that band and that song, so they knew what they were listening to, A vs. B, and the consensus has been pretty much the same — that we did a fitting homage. I think we did it at least as good — it’s a little faster.”
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