Dave Mustaine says he's open to touring with Metallica after Megadeth's final album

Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine told Revolver he’s open to a joint Megadeth–Metallica tour, comments that followed the band’s release of their self-titled final album on January 23, 2026.

The 10-track album includes a bonus newly recorded take on Metallica’s “Ride the Lightning,” a song on which Mustaine holds songwriting credit. Speaking with Revolver, Mustaine said the recording was not about revenge but a gesture of respect toward James Hetfield.

Mustaine said a restart of friendship with Metallica “wouldn’t bother me. I would accept,” adding that a joint tour “would, I’m sure, make everything right. We could hang out. Spend time together.” He also acknowledged past pain, saying it would be difficult to keep bringing up the past.

Mustaine’s split from Metallica dates to 1983, when he was dismissed as lead guitarist. According to Guitar magazine, tensions — including reports of heavy drinking and an alleged incident with Hetfield — contributed to his firing; Metallica subsequently flew Kirk Hammett in as his replacement. Mustaine has official songwriting credits on six early Metallica tracks.

Mustaine suggested a joint tour could resolve lingering issues, but the report does not indicate whether Metallica has responded or would agree to such a run.

dave mustaine, megadeth, metallica, megadeth final album, self-titled final album, january 23 2026, ride the lightning cover, ride the lightning songwriting, mustaine songwriting credits, six early metallica tracks, joint megadeth metallica tour, megadeth metallica tour, 1983 dismissal from metallica, kirk hammett replacement, alleged hetfield incident, heavy drinking tensions, revolver interview, guitar magazine report, no life till leather dispute, deluxe reissue dispute, james hetfield, cliff burton, lars ulrich, robert trujillo, megadeth bonus track