Dave Mustaine Names the Only Ex-Megadeth Member Banned From the Farewell Tour

Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine recently addressed questions about the band’s upcoming farewell tour and whether all surviving former members would be invited to join. Speaking on Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, Mustaine explained why a full reunion was not possible.

“Well, I can’t really do that, because of the behavior of one of the band members in the past. I just can’t — I can’t. Because, first off, it would be unfair to the other band members if I didn’t play with them as well,” he said, emphasizing the need to maintain fairness and cohesion within the current lineup.

Mustaine highlighted his particularly close relationship with former guitarist Marty Friedman, noting their collaboration in Japan in early 2024 as an example of a natural and successful partnership. “But the thing about what we did with Marty in Japan, that was a no-brainer. That was brilliant. And I love Marty. We had our separation, and he went his way and we went our way. But it was a very, very intense relationship I had with Marty, because that was the first relationship I had with a guitar player,” Mustaine explained.

Reflecting on Former Band Members

While Mustaine expressed respect for other former members, he noted that circumstances and past events made a full reunion impractical. “My relationship with Chris [Poland] was really great, but it wasn’t as good as it was with Marty. My relationship with Jeff [Young] was good, but it wasn’t as good as it was with Marty. And I probably wouldn’t have a problem playing with any of the members of those two lineups, except the fact that Gar [Samuelson] is deceased, and I’m just not gonna do anything that is gonna, in any way, seem unfair to the other band members,” he said.

These comments shed light on the complex personal dynamics behind Megadeth’s storied history. Even as fans speculate about reunions, Mustaine has made it clear that the farewell tour will focus on the current lineup, balancing respect for the past with practicality and fairness.

Honoring a Legacy

The farewell tour is set to follow the release of Megadeth’s final studio album on January 23, 2026. The current lineup includes Mustaine on vocals and guitar, Teemu Mäntysaari on guitar, James LoMenzo on bass, and Dirk Verbeuren on drums. LoMenzo, who previously played with Megadeth from 2006 to 2010, returned in 2021, bringing both experience and continuity to the final chapter.

The tour will kick off on April 23, 2026, in Lima, Peru, and wrap on May 13, 2026, in Guadalajara, Mexico, with stops across North America, Europe, and Latin America. Fans can expect a mix of classic Megadeth hits alongside material from the band’s final album, offering a comprehensive celebration of their four-decade-long career.

Mustaine’s remarks highlight the challenges of reconciling personal relationships with professional obligations, but also underscore his commitment to delivering a farewell tour that honors the band’s legacy. In the end, this final chapter is about more than reunions—it’s about ensuring that Megadeth leaves the stage on its own terms, celebrating decades of groundbreaking music while solidifying the band’s enduring influence on the metal community.