ONE LAST TIME RIDER: Megadeth Officially Unveil Set List for Their Highly Anticipated 2026 Farewell Tour – Dates and Cities Revealed!
The world of heavy metal is bracing for a historic moment as Megadeth, one of the genre’s most influential and enduring bands, has officially revealed the set list and tour dates for their highly anticipated 2026 Farewell Tour. Dubbed by fans as a “once-in-a-lifetime final ride,” the announcement signals the end of a monumental era in thrash metal history, as Dave Mustaine and company prepare to take their music across the globe one last time.
A Final Bow After Four Decades
Formed in 1983, Megadeth rose from the ashes of Dave Mustaine’s turbulent departure from Metallica to become a thrash powerhouse in their own right. Alongside Slayer, Anthrax, and Metallica, they earned a place in the “Big Four” of thrash metal, releasing some of the most ferocious and technically masterful records the genre has ever seen. Over the course of 40 years, Megadeth sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, earned a Grammy, and built a loyal fan base that spans continents.
Now, after decades of relentless touring, countless lineup changes, and Mustaine’s personal battle with cancer, the band is ready to say goodbye with a farewell tour that promises to be as uncompromising as their music has always been.
The Set List Revealed
The band’s official farewell set list reads like a greatest-hits package, blending timeless classics with fan-favorite deep cuts. Among the confirmed tracks are:
- “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” – the furious opener from Rust in Peace, still regarded as one of thrash’s defining songs.
- “Wake Up Dead” – a staple from Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying? that showcases Mustaine’s signature snarling vocals and galloping riffs.
- “In My Darkest Hour” – a haunting mid-tempo anthem, written in memory of Metallica’s Cliff Burton.
- “Peace Sells” – the track that cemented Megadeth as socially conscious and unapologetically political.
- “Symphony of Destruction” – perhaps the band’s most famous song, a stadium-shaking rallying cry against corrupt leadership.
- “Hangar 18” – beloved for its dueling guitar solos and technical ferocity.
- “Tornado of Souls” – a showcase of pure guitar mastery, with one of Marty Friedman’s most celebrated solos.
- “À Tout le Monde” – the emotional ballad that continues to resonate across generations.
- “She-Wolf,” “Trust,” and a dramatic “Dueling Guitars” sequence to close out the night.
The set list reflects every era of the band, from their raw 1980s thrash beginnings to their more melodic and progressive explorations of the 1990s and 2000s. It’s a musical journey through Megadeth’s legacy, carefully curated to give fans the full weight of their history “one last time.”
Tour Dates and Cities Announced
The Farewell Tour kicks off in New York City on June 1, 2026, before moving through major U.S. markets:
- June 1 – New York, NY
- June 3 – Chicago, IL
- June 6 – Los Angeles, CA
- June 9 – Atlanta, GA
- June 12 – Houston, TX
- June 15 – Miami, FL
- June 18 – Denver, CO
- June 21 – Seattle, WA
- June 24 – Boston, MA
International dates in Europe, South America, and Asia are expected to follow, with the band teasing that they want to reach “as many fans as possible” before the final curtain call.
A Celebration, Not Just a Goodbye
Dave Mustaine, in a heartfelt statement, emphasized that this tour is about gratitude rather than mourning.
“We don’t see this as just the end,” Mustaine said. “It’s a celebration of everything Megadeth has stood for. We want every fan to walk away knowing they were part of the final chapter. The music, the memories, the connection—we owe it all to them.”
Longtime bassist James LoMenzo, guitarist Kiko Loureiro, and drummer Dirk Verbeuren will join Mustaine onstage, ensuring the lineup is both battle-tested and dynamic enough to deliver Megadeth’s complex catalog with precision. Rumors are already swirling about possible guest appearances from former members, including Marty Friedman, who famously reunited with the band for a one-off show in Tokyo in 2023.
Fans React: “This Is History”
News of the farewell set list and dates has electrified the metal community. Social media exploded within minutes of the announcement, with fans vowing to travel across states—or even continents—to witness the historic performances. “This isn’t just another tour,” one fan tweeted. “It’s history. It’s the last time we’ll see Megadeth destroy a stage, and I refuse to miss it.”
Metal publications have echoed the sentiment, with Kerrang! calling the tour “a defining cultural moment for metal in the 21st century” and Metal Hammer labeling it “the final ride of one of thrash’s most uncompromising champions.”
A Legacy That Endures
Regardless of when the last note is played, Megadeth’s legacy is secure. Their combination of technical proficiency, politically charged lyrics, and uncompromising stage presence reshaped heavy metal and influenced countless bands across the spectrum. Albums like Rust in Peace and Countdown to Extinction remain benchmarks for metal musicianship, studied by guitarists and drummers decades after their release.
Mustaine’s ability to overcome adversity—from his ousting from Metallica to substance abuse battles and health scares—has only solidified his image as a survivor who never abandoned his art. For many fans, Megadeth’s music has been more than entertainment; it has been a soundtrack to resilience, rebellion, and catharsis.
One Last Ride
As 2026 approaches, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. For the first time in years, Megadeth is no longer just touring another album—they are writing the final chapter of their story.
“It’s not about the end,” Mustaine said. “It’s about going out the way we came in: loud, fast, and unapologetically Megadeth.”
For fans around the world, the message is clear: this is the final chance to witness one of the greatest metal bands of all time unleash their fury onstage. The One Last Time Rider tour isn’t just a farewell—it’s a celebration of four decades of thrash mastery.
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