Dave Mustaine Reflects on the State of Metal: When Was the Last Time You Heard an Album Like Nevermind, Appetite For Destruction, Rust In Peace, or Master Of Puppets?

As Megadeth gear up for their farewell run, frontman Dave Mustaine has shared his thoughts on the band’s final chapter — and the current state of heavy music. In a new interview with Kerrang!, Mustaine confirmed that the band’s upcoming self-titled album, due out January 23rd, will be their last, with an extensive world tour set to follow before they officially call it quits.

Mustaine revealed that the farewell tour could stretch on for “three to five years”, joking that he might be approaching his 70th birthday by the time it wraps up.

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During the interview, Mustaine also discussed his decision to revisit Metallica’s “Ride The Lightning” on the new record — a song he co-wrote during his brief time in the band before being dismissed in 1983. He clarified that he doesn’t see it as a “cover,” stating:

“I wrote the song too. I think other people will [call it a cover], but if you’re asking me, I don’t think it’s a cover song.”

He added that Megadeth’s rendition serves as “a fitting homage” and that the consensus among those who’ve heard it is that it’s “at least as good — it’s a little faster.”

When asked if he feels metal is in good hands as Megadeth near the end, Mustaine expressed concern about the genre’s creative vitality:

“How long has it been since you heard an album like Nevermind or Appetite For Destruction or Rust In Peace or Master Of Puppets? You just don’t hear records like that anymore. You get maybe one good song on a record now, and people are so used to skipping tracks. That saddens me.”

Mustaine’s view echoes sentiments previously voiced by Gene Simmons and even former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, who have both lamented the decline of rock’s cultural dominance.

Despite his concerns for the genre’s future, Mustaine remains confident that Megadeth’s legacy will endure, concluding:

“The body will disappear, but the legend will remain. And the music will go on forever.”

Megadeth’s farewell tour will kick off in April 2025, with international dates already confirmed and North American shows alongside Iron Maiden later in the year.

Tour Dates:

04/23 Lima, PER – Costa 21
04/25 Bogota, COL – Movistar Arena
04/27 Bogota, COL – Movistar Arena
04/30 Buenos Aires, ARG – TBA
05/02 Sao Paulo, BRA – Espaco Unimed
05/05 Santiago, CHL – Movistar Arena
05/06 Santiago, CHL – Movistar Arena
05/08 Monterrey, MEX – Arena Monterrey
05/10 Mexico City, MEX – Arena Ciudad de Mexico
05/13 Guadalajara, MEX – Arena Guadalajara

06/10 Hradec Kralove, CZE – Rock For People
06/14 Ferrara, ITA – Ferrara Summer Festival
06/26 Helsinki, FIN – Tuska Open Air Metal Festival

With Iron Maiden:
08/29 Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
08/30 Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
09/03 Montréal, QC – Parc Jean-Drapeau (feat. Anthrax)
09/05 Harrison, NJ – Sports Illustrated Stadium (feat. Anthrax)
09/09 Boston, MA – TD Garden
09/11 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
09/12 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
09/15 Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
09/19 Shakopee, MN – Mystic Lake Amphitheater
09/22 Chicago, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
09/25 Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium (feat. Anthrax)
09/26 Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium (feat. Anthrax)
09/29 San Antonio, TX – Alamodome (feat. Anthrax)

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