Dave Mustaine explains Megadeth’s end by a hand problem — Rolling Stone

Musician Dave Mustaine, at the presentation of his memoir In My Darkest Hour in New York, United States, explained that Megadeth is ending its activities because of a problem with his left hand. As Rolling Stone reports, during the meeting at Kaufman Music Center, he showed his hand to around 200 event attendees.

Hand problem

According to Mustaine, he has Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition in which tendons in the center of the palm fuse and pull a finger downward. The musician noted that he may eventually have surgery and, after touring and supporting the album, will assess the available treatment technologies.

Mustaine said he could continue performing only as a vocalist, but does not want to give up playing guitar. Playing this instrument, he said, is his greatest love.

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Final album and possible recordings

In August 2025, Mustaine announced that Megadeth would end its activities some time after the release of the album Megadeth, calling it the band’s final studio record. The release, which came out in January, reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

The musician called the final tour emotionally conflicting and suggested that concert recordings could form the basis of a future live album. He also reported several completed compositions recorded with bassist James LoMenzo, guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari, and drummer Dirk Verbeuren that were not included on the final album. According to Mustaine, these tracks may be released as bonus material.

Plans after touring

Mustaine does not plan to record a solo album, as he believes such work would effectively be another Megadeth record. At the same time, he wants to remain connected to music—listening to it or creating it. At the meeting, the musician also spoke about having survived tongue cancer and about his desire to live every day as if it were his last.