After more than four decades of shaping the landscape of thrash metal, legendary band Megadeth has announced their retirement. The groundbreaking group, founded by Dave Mustaine in 1983, will bid farewell to fans with a global tour in 2026 and the release of their 17th and final studio album, The End Is Near.
The End of an Era
The announcement came through a dramatic video featuring the band’s iconic mascot, Vic Rattlehead, speaking for the first time in Megadeth’s history. The apocalyptic imagery and emotional message confirmed what fans had feared: after 40 years of revolutionary metal music, Megadeth will hang up their instruments following one last worldwide tour.
Frontman Dave Mustaine made the official announcement in August 2025, emphasizing the band’s desire to end their storied career on their own terms. The decision marks the conclusion of one of metal’s most influential acts, a band that has sold over 50 million records worldwide, earned one Grammy Award (with 12 nominations), and scored seven Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200.
Final Album: The End Is Near
Megadeth will release their 17th and final studio album on January 23, 2026, through Dave Mustaine’s Tradecraft label and Frontiers Label Group’s BLKIIBLK division. The album features 10 original tracks plus a special bonus cover of Metallica’s “Ride the Lightning”—a poignant full-circle moment given Mustaine’s history with the band that fired him before he founded Megadeth.
Album Tracklist:
- “Tipping Point”
- “I Don’t Care”
- “Hey God?!”
- “Let There Be Shred”
- “Puppet Parade”
- “Another Bad Day”
- “Made to Kill”
- “Obey the Call”
- “I Am War”
- “The Last Note” Bonus Track: “Ride the Lightning” (Metallica cover)
Farewell Tour 2026 – Confirmed South American Dates
The first leg of Megadeth’s farewell tour has been announced, featuring eight shows across South America. The tour kicks off in Lima, Peru, and concludes in Guadalajara, Mexico, with additional dates expected to be announced for North America, Europe, and other regions worldwide.
Confirmed Tour Dates:
- April 23, 2026 – Costa 21, Lima, Peru
- April 26, 2026 – Movistar Arena, Bogotá, Colombia
- April 30, 2026 – Buenos Aires, Argentina (venue TBA)
- May 2, 2026 – Espaco Unimed, São Paulo, Brazil
- May 5, 2026 – Movistar Arena, Santiago, Chile
- May 8, 2026 – Arena Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
- May 10, 2026 – Arena Ciudad de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- May 13, 2026 – Arena Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
Expected Setlist
Based on recent performances, including their appearance at Tons of Rock in Oslo, Norway, the farewell tour setlist is expected to include:
Main Set:
- Hangar 18
- Dread and the Fugitive Mind
- Angry Again
- Sweating Bullets
- She-Wolf
- Skin o’ My Teeth
- Trust
- Countdown to Extinction
- Tornado of Souls
- We’ll Be Back
- Peace Sells
- Symphony of Destruction
Encore:
- Holy Wars… The Punishment Due
The setlist draws from multiple eras of Megadeth’s catalog, with the heaviest representation from their classic albums Countdown to Extinction (4 songs) and Rust in Peace (3 songs), alongside tracks from Cryptic Writings, Hidden Treasures, Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?, The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!, and The World Needs a Hero.
Ticket Information
South American Dates – Presale Schedule:
Lima, Peru
- Cyber Army Presale: November 2-3, 10 AM local time
- General On-Sale: November 6, 10 AM local time
Bogotá, Colombia
- Cyber Army Presale: November 3-4, 10 AM local time
- General On-Sale: November 7, 10 AM local time
Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Presale details: Coming soon
São Paulo, Brazil
- Cyber Army Presale: November 3-4, 10 AM local time
- General On-Sale: November 5, 10 AM local time
Santiago, Chile
- Cyber Army Presale: November 2-3, 10 AM local time
- General On-Sale: November 4, 10 AM local time
Mexico (all 3 shows)
- Cyber Army Presale: November 8-9, 10 AM local time
- General On-Sale: November 12, 10 AM local time
Tickets are also available through StubHub with 100% Fan Protection Guarantee. All tour dates, tickets, and VIP/Meet & Greet options can be found on the official Megadeth website.
Current Lineup
The farewell tour will feature Megadeth’s current lineup:
- Dave Mustaine – Vocals and Lead Guitar (founding member)
- James LoMenzo – Bass
- Teemu Mäntysaari – Lead Guitar
- Dirk Verbeuren – Drums
A Legendary Legacy
Since Dave Mustaine formed Megadeth in 1983 after his dismissal from Metallica, the band has been a cornerstone of thrash metal. As one of the “Big Four” of thrash (alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax), Megadeth helped define the genre and influenced countless bands across multiple generations.
Their cultural impact extends beyond music—from Post Malone’s album art tattoo to appearances in The Simpsons and Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey, to references in shows like Billions. Through five decades, Megadeth has consistently delivered powerful, timeless metal records, proving their place as one of the biggest metal bands in history.
The farewell tour represents the last opportunity for fans worldwide to witness Dave Mustaine and Megadeth perform live. With over 40 years of groundbreaking music, countless sold-out shows, and an indelible influence on heavy metal, Megadeth’s final tour promises to be an emotional and unforgettable celebration of one of metal’s most important bands.
Before the farewell tour begins, Megadeth will also join Iron Maiden as a supporting act, giving fans additional chances to see them perform in 2026. As the band prepares to close this monumental chapter in metal history, their legacy as pioneers and innovators of thrash metal remains secure for generations to come.