Dave Mustaine stated in an interview on the Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk Megadeth members for the farewell show announced for 2026. His reasoning, according to him, lies in the past behavior of one of the former band members.
“Well, I really can’t do that, because of the behavior of one of the band members in the past. I just can’t, I can’t. Because, first of all, it would be unfair to the other band members if I didn’t play with them too. But what we did with Marty [ Friedman , former guitarist 1990–2000, 2023] in Japan in early 2024 was an obvious decision. It was brilliant. And I love Marty,” Mustaine stated. [transcription via Blabbermouth ].
He continued: “We had our separation, he went his way and we went ours. But it was a very, very intense relationship that I had with Marty, because it was the first relationship I had with a guitarist. My relationship with Chris [ Poland , former guitarist, 1984–1987] was great, but it wasn't as good as with Marty. With Jeff [ Young , former guitarist 1987–1989] it was good, but… It wasn't as good as it was with Marty. And I probably wouldn't have a problem playing with either of the members of those two lineups, except for the fact that Gar [ Samuelson , former drummer 1984–1987] passed away, and I simply won't do anything that might seem unfair to the other members of the band.”
Dave Mustaine does not mention David Ellefson.
Although Mustaine didn't directly name the person he was referring to, many point to former bassist David Ellefson , who was fired in 2021 after the release of an intimate video considered scandalous. This episode strained his relationship with the band , which gives meaning to Mustaine's statement about "past behavior." Meanwhile, Ellefson has expressed in other interviews his desire to participate in Megadeth's final tour, if invited.
Megadeth has confirmed the release of a final, self-titled album for January 2026, and the farewell tour will begin in the same year. In Brazil, the band has confirmed a single performance on May 2, 2026, at Espaço Unimed in São Paulo. Tickets are already sold out.
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