Megadeth leader Dave Mustaine has once again shut down the idea of re-uniting with former bandmates for the group’s upcoming farewell tour, saying there’s simply “no valid reason to do something like that.” Mustaine addressed the topic in a new interview with NME, offering a clear and candid explanation for why past members won’t be invited back as part of the final chapter in the band’s storied career.
Mustaine was asked whether veterans of Megadeth’s many lineups might join the farewell tour. His response was straightforward: there’s no meaningful reason to bring them back.
“If we were to look at doing that, then you’ve got some members that are deceased. You’ve got some members that I’m friends with, but they can’t play anymore like Chuck [Behler, drummer from 1987–1989]. And then you’ve got a couple guys that are saying very bad things about me in the press. So why would I want to play with those guys?” Mustaine explained.
He acknowledged that Megadeth once brought back Marty Friedman (guitarist from 1990–2000) for a special appearance — and said he’d be open to similar opportunities if the timing and circumstances were right. But overall, Mustaine said he sees little reason to feature alumni on a farewell tour that already has so much to accomplish onstage in limited time.
“If it was something that didn’t end very well, why would I? There’s not a valid reason to do something like that, especially when we have limited time on stage anyway.”
Mustaine pointed to his previous experience with former members to illustrate his thinking. The reunion with Friedman was well received — but not something he necessarily wants to repeat without a compelling reason.
He also noted that some ex-members are no longer able to perform, such as Chuck Behler, while others have publicly criticized him, making collaboration complicated. Although Mustaine expressed respect for some past members, he said unresolved dynamics and the emotional weight of old splits factor into his decisions.
Rather than turn the farewell tour into a rotating reunion roster, Mustaine said he prefers to spotlight the current band and the music itself. At its core, that message reflects his belief that Megadeth’s legacy shouldn’t be reduced to nostalgia or a “puppet show” of former identities pulling strings onstage.
He’s made similar statements in interviews earlier this year, reinforcing that the band won’t treat the final tour like a flashback variety show, but as a forward-facing celebration of the music and the journey.
The comments come as Megadeth prepares for what has been framed as a farewell cycle supporting their final studio album. The band’s announcement of the record and tour has stirred conversation among fans about how the end will be handled — especially given the band’s long history and numerous lineup changes.
While Mustaine says former members won’t be part of the farewell lineup, he has earlier suggested that Megadeth’s final run could extend for several years, giving fans plenty of opportunities to see the band before they conclude their career.
For many fans, the absence of a full-on alumni reunion may be disappointing — but Mustaine’s stance underscores his commitment to the band’s current identity and legacy. As he puts it, the farewell tour is about celebrating Megadeth’s impact with the lineup that’s active now, onstage and in the studio.
Whether that decision will change down the road remains uncertain, but for now, Mustaine is clear: no extravagant reunion roster — just Megadeth, focused on closing their chapter the way they choose.
