Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine has revealed plans to tour with Anthrax, Kerry King, Black Label Society and Testament while discussing the band’s future, his ongoing physical challenges and the support he received from Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson during his cancer battle.
Speaking with Eddie Trunk on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation, Mustaine confirmed that Megadeth have an extensive touring schedule ahead, with plans to perform across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
“There’s a lot of really great touring opportunities for us,” Mustaine said. “We’re going to be doing the States. We’re going to be going back to Europe. We’re going to be going down into the Asian territories.”
He also revealed plans to bring several familiar acts on the road.
“The touring is heavy, and we’ve decided to take out a lot of our friends,” he explained. “Anthrax and Kerry King are going out with us in the next run. After that, we’re going to bring Black Label Society and Testament, which is going to be great. I love both those bands and many more.”
Mustaine also mentioned upcoming performances in New Zealand and Australia, a return to South Korea after nearly two decades, and the possibility of visiting India and South Africa. Specific dates for the newly discussed tours have not yet been announced.
Elsewhere in the interview, Mustaine addressed questions about how much longer Megadeth will continue performing, explaining that physical problems affecting his hand could eventually force him to make a decision.
“So we’re going to try and play as much as we can, do as much as we can until I can’t do it anymore,” he said. “And at that point, I’m going to be forced to make a decision because I want to be able to hold my wife. I want to be able to squeeze my kids and pick up my grandchildren.”
Mustaine explained that he may eventually require surgery but does not have a specific final concert or retirement date in mind.
“I would rather that we just keep going and doing until, you know, once the shows start to suffer, I’m going to know,” he said. “And right now, they’re not. And actually, they’re getting better.”
He added that he has been working with vocal instructors to improve his singing and remains open to taking an extended break if surgery becomes necessary.
“If the shows are going to be affected, that’s when I’m going to say, ‘Okay, it’s time to either stop or to do the surgery or whatever,'” he explained.
Mustaine also spoke about other projects under consideration, including bringing back the band’s boot camp experience, potentially organizing another music cruise and reviving an opportunity for fan club members to watch performances from the side of the stage while listening to his personal headphone mix.
In another portion of the conversation, Mustaine reflected on his cancer diagnosis and the encouragement he received from Bruce Dickinson, who previously underwent treatment for cancer himself.
Mustaine recalled speaking with Dickinson during his recovery and credited the Iron Maiden vocalist with offering valuable advice about navigating treatment.
“He gave me really good advice on staying plugged into the process, paying attention to everything that was happening, and not trying to get out ahead of my skis,” Mustaine said.
He also described how much Dickinson’s support meant to him during a difficult period.
“I really thought that Bruce was an amazing friend at a time when I really needed one,” he said.
Mustaine added that he received encouragement from Ozzy Osbourne and other figures in the music industry during his illness.
The full interview aired on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation, hosted by Eddie Trunk, which broadcasts weekdays at 3 p.m. ET on Faction Talk (channel 103).
Watch clips from Mustaine’s interview on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation below.
Dave Mustaine on When Megadeth Will End:
Dave Mustaine Shares Future Plans:
Dave Mustaine on His Cancer Battle:
Concert photo by Johnny Perilla
