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- Mustaine suggests a Megadeth-Metallica tour to heal old rifts
- How personal history colors the possibility
- Mustaine’s gentle dig: touring philosophies differ
- What prompted the latest outreach: a cover and a conversation
- Megadeth’s farewell project: album plus an extended global tour
- International 2026 dates: South America and Europe schedule
- North American trek with Iron Maiden and select guests
Dave Mustaine has floated a surprising idea that could rewrite modern metal history: a co-headlining run bringing Megadeth and Metallica together on the road. The proposal comes amid long-standing tensions between the bands, yet Mustaine framed it as a possible way to mend old wounds while promoting Megadeth’s final album and extended farewell tour plans.
Mustaine suggests a Megadeth-Metallica tour to heal old rifts
In a 2026 interview, Mustaine said he has not had recent contact with Metallica’s core members. He nevertheless hinted that a shared tour might smooth over past troubles.
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Mustaine believes a joint tour could bridge the gap, offering time for the musicians to reconnect and for fans to witness a historic pairing.
Why the idea matters to fans and the scene
- Such a tour would spotlight two of thrash metal’s founding bands.
- It could include additional acts and broaden ticket demand.
- For many, the pairing would be a symbolic reconciliation.
How personal history colors the possibility
Mustaine acknowledged that long memories and past hurts would complicate any reunion. He said he would welcome restored friendship, but that old stories would likely resurface during attempts to reconnect.
He framed the idea as hopeful, not guaranteed. The music and shared past might help, yet lingering disagreements may persist.
Mustaine’s gentle dig: touring philosophies differ
When discussing logistics, Mustaine contrasted Megadeth’s heavy touring schedule with Metallica’s approach. He noted Megadeth’s preference for playing numerous shows worldwide.
His point: Megadeth is built for long runs on the road. That dynamic could shape any joint itinerary or collaborative event.
What prompted the latest outreach: a cover and a conversation
Part of the renewed chatter ties to Megadeth recording a cover of Metallica’s “Ride the Lightning” for what Mustaine has called the band’s final album. He suggested Metallica will eventually express their opinion on the rendition.
The cover and the public comments have reignited fans’ hopes for at least a public rapprochement.
Megadeth’s farewell project: album plus an extended global tour
Last year, Mustaine confirmed plans for one last Megadeth album followed by a final world tour. He later told press the touring window could span multiple years as the band wraps its live career.
Mustaine estimated the tour could last three to five years, depending on demand and logistics.
International 2026 dates: South America and Europe schedule
- April 23 — Lima, Peru — Costa 21
- April 26 — Bogotá, Colombia — Movistar Arena
- April 30 — Buenos Aires, Argentina — venue to be announced
- May 2 — São Paulo, Brazil — Espaço Unimed
- May 5 — Santiago, Chile — Movistar Arena
- May 8 — Monterrey, Mexico — Arena Monterrey
- May 10 — Mexico City, Mexico — Arena Ciudad de México
- May 13 — Guadalajara, Mexico — Arena Guadalajara
- June 10 — Hradec Králové, Czech Republic — Rock For People Park 360
- June 26 — Helsinki, Finland — Suvilahti Tuska
North American trek with Iron Maiden and select guests
Megadeth will join Iron Maiden for a North American leg later in 2026. Several shows include Anthrax as a special guest, adding extra weight to an already stacked metal bill.
- Aug 29 — Toronto, ON — Scotiabank Arena
- Aug 30 — Toronto, ON — Scotiabank Arena
- Sep 3 — Montréal, QC — Parc Jean‑Drapeau (plus Anthrax)
- Sep 5 — Harrison, NJ — Sports Illustrated Stadium (plus Anthrax)
- Sep 9 — Boston, MA — TD Garden
- Sep 11 — Bristow, VA — Jiffy Lube Live
- Sep 12 — Charlotte, NC — PNC Music Pavilion
- Sep 15 — Hershey, PA — Hersheypark Stadium
- Sep 19 — Shakopee, MN — Mystic Lake Amphitheater
- Sep 22 — Tinley Park, IL — Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
- Sep 25 — Los Angeles, CA — BMO Stadium (plus Anthrax)
- Sep 26 — Los Angeles, CA — BMO Stadium (plus Anthrax)
- Sep 29 — San Antonio, TX — Alamodome (plus Anthrax)
