Megadeth Announces Farewell Tour and Final Album in 2026! Here are the Details

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Iconic thrash metal band Megadeth has made a major announcement that has rocked the music world.

On August 14, 2025, the group officially announced their plans to release their final studio album and embark on a global Megadeth farewell tour in 2026.

This news marks the end of an era for one of the "Big Four" of American thrash metal.

The announcement was made directly by band founder Dave Mustaine, who expressed his desire to end his musical career on his own terms and at the peak of his success.

Megadeth announce Farewell Tour and Final albumAugust 14, 2025“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. I… pic.twitter.com/RD0aAKP8ZE

— Mitch Lafon (@mitchlafon) August 14, 2025

Megadeth has confirmed that their 17th studio album will be the band's final work.

The album is scheduled for release in 2026, with the first single expected in late 2025.

The global farewell tour, dubbed the Megadeth Farewell Tour, will begin in 2026.

As of the announcement on August 14, 2025, no exact dates or city list have been released.

This means fans will have to stay tuned for updates from the band to find out when and where they can catch Megadeth's final performance.

Before the Megadeth Farewell Tour begins, Megadeth is currently touring Europe.

Their European tour runs from September 22 to October 28, 2025.

The decision to hold a Megadeth farewell tour and release a final album came from Dave Mustaine himself.

The legendary vocalist and guitarist stated that he wanted to end his career "on his own terms, on top" after more than 40 years in the metal industry.

Mustaine felt that many musicians don't have the opportunity to retire that way, and he wanted to ensure Megadeth ended its journey with a bang.

Mustaine also expressed how difficult it was to say goodbye to the millions of fans who have supported Megadeth over the years.

Megadeth was formed in Los Angeles in 1983 by vocalist and guitarist Dave Mustaine, shortly after he was fired from Metallica.

From the beginning, the band was recognized as one of the pioneers of the thrash metal genre and was part of the "Big Four" of American thrash metal, along with Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.

Their music is characterized by technically complex guitar work, intricate arrangements, a fast rhythm section, and lyrics that frequently address themes of war, politics, religion, death, and personal relationships.

Five of their sixteen studio albums have been certified platinum in the United States.

The band has also received twelve Grammy nominations and won their first Grammy Award in 2017 for the song "Dystopia" in the Best Metal Performance category.

As of 2023, Megadeth has sold over 50 million albums worldwide.Some of their most notable albums include Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! (1985), Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? (1986), Rust in Peace (1990), and Countdown to Extinction (1992).

Despite numerous lineup changes throughout their 42-year career, with Dave Mustaine as the only consistent member, Megadeth has maintained their core musicality and identity.

Current Megadeth members (as of August 2025) include Dave Mustaine (vocals, guitar), James LoMenzo (bassist, since 2021), Teemu Mäntysaari (guitarist, since 2023), and Dirk Verbeuren (drummer, since 2016).