Megadeth have officially announced that their upcoming studio album, set for release in 2026, will be their final record, followed by a global farewell tour. The news was revealed on 14 August 2025 in a dramatic countdown and video presentation featuring the band’s mascot, Vic Rattlehead, delivering the announcement in a mock news broadcast. Frontman Dave Mustaine, joined by bassist James LoMenzo, drummer Dirk Verbeuren, and guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari, confirmed that the tour will begin in 2026, with the first shows taking place in Europe from September to October.
Mustaine urged fans to view the upcoming tour as a celebration rather than a farewell, saying: ‘Don’t be mad, don’t be sad, be happy for us all, come celebrate with me these next few years.’
Details of the Official Announcement
The farewell tour news was accompanied by the confirmation that the final album will be released through Mustaine’s Tradecraft imprint in partnership with Frontiers Label Group’s new BLKIIBLK label, as reported by Billboard. The first single from the album is scheduled for release this fall, with global pre-orders opening on 27 September 2025.
The video reveal built anticipation through a countdown clock on Megadeth’s official website, culminating in a theatrical presentation. This approach mirrored the band’s long-standing tradition of combining music with dramatic visual storytelling, ensuring the farewell campaign started with an impact.
Confirmed Farewell Tour Dates and Locations
At present, the only officially confirmed segment of the Megadeth Farewell Tour is the European leg, running from September to October 2026. While the band has yet to release a complete list of cities, fans can expect appearances at major European venues and possibly metal festivals known for hosting the group in the past.
Although unconfirmed, industry insiders suggest that the tour will expand to North America, South America, Asia, and Australia, following Megadeth’s established global touring patterns.
Where Are the Cities?
The announcement has sparked speculation among fans and music media about which cities will make the final cut for Megadeth’s farewell shows. Several factors are likely to influence the itinerary, including the band’s historical performance hubs, cities with the strongest thrash metal communities, and locations significant to the group’s legacy.
In Europe, cities such as London, Paris, Berlin, and Madrid are among the likely candidates due to their history of hosting sold-out Megadeth concerts. Metal festival hotspots like Wacken in Germany and Download Festival in the UK could also be on the radar for the band’s final run.
However, these predictions are based on historical touring patterns and fan speculation, and Megadeth have yet to officially confirm the full list of farewell tour dates or locations.
The Symbolism Behind the Stops
Farewell tours often carry symbolic meaning, and Megadeth’s choices may reflect important moments in their four-decade career. Returning to cities tied to the release of landmark albums or pivotal concerts could serve as a tribute to long-time fans.
Locations where the band first played during formative tours, or cities with personal significance to Mustaine and his bandmates, could also feature prominently in the schedule.
Megadeth’s Legacy and Journey
Formed in 1983 after Mustaine’s departure from Metallica, Megadeth became one of the ‘Big Four’ of American thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. The band rose to prominence with critically acclaimed albums such as Rust in Peace (1990) and Countdown to Extinction (1992).
In recent years, Megadeth has overcome significant challenges, including Mustaine’s throat cancer diagnosis in 2019. After Mustaine recovered in 2020, the band released their sixteenth album, The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!, in 2022. The upcoming 2026 album will mark the final chapter in their storied career, to be accompanied by a memoir from Mustaine.