
Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Cites Hand Injury and Cancer Recovery as Reasons for Band's Retirement
Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine has confirmed the band is retiring, citing a hand injury and a desire to prioritize his health after battling cancer. At a New York book launch for his memoir, Mustaine revealed he suffers from Dupuytren's contracture, a condition that fuses tendons in his palm. He stated that while he could continue as a vocalist, he refuses to stop playing guitar, which he calls his greatest love. The band's final studio album, released in January 2026, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Mustaine indicated that the current tour is the last, though he hopes to release a live album and some unreleased bonus tracks. He also shared that he has no interest in a solo career, viewing it as merely another Megadeth project.