"Don't be mad, don't be sad, be happy for us all, come celebrate with me these next few years," said Dave Mustaine in a statement

Megadeth founder and frontman Dave Mustaine has announced that the long-running metal band's forthcoming album and 2026 tour will be their last. The announcement, in a social post directly shared with his fans and "Cyber Army," features the band's mascot and Mustaine's "alter ego" Vic Rattlehead speaking for the first time.

The group has maintained a devout following of millions of fans for over 40 years, and their most recent album, The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead! debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s 200 Albums chart back in 2022. Mustaine will also release a memoir next year, the group confirmed, with more details expected in the coming months.