Since the announcement of Megadeth’s farewell in August, fans of the legendary thrash metal band have been holding their breath, eager to soak in every detail about the band’s last hurrah.

With a final album scheduled for January 2026 and a global farewell tour expected to last between three to five years, the band is gearing up to say goodbye on a massive scale.

But amid the excitement, a burning question lingers: will former members of Megadeth join the party for one last epic reunion? The answer, as revealed by frontman Dave Mustaine, is complicated—and it’s stirring up plenty of speculation and debate.

Megadeth’s farewell tour is set to be a sprawling global event, with multiple legs planned throughout 2026 and beyond.

Dave Mustaine has confirmed that the tour could last anywhere from three to five years, giving fans ample opportunity to witness the band live one last time.

Alongside the tour, the band is releasing what is said to be their final album—an album that will feature some surprises, including a version of Metallica’s classic “Ride the Lightning,” a nod to their thrash metal roots and long-standing rivalry.

This farewell is not just a typical “last tour” but a carefully curated celebration of the band’s legacy, their impact on heavy metal, and the enduring connection with their fanbase.

Yet, as the curtain begins to close, the question of which members will join the stage remains a hot topic.

Megadeth has had a revolving door of talented musicians over the decades.

From guitarists like Marty Friedman, Chris Poland, and Jeff Young to drummers like Gar Samuelson and Nick Menza, the band’s history is rich with influential players who helped shape its sound.

Naturally, fans have been dreaming of a reunion featuring these former members for the final shows.

When asked about this possibility during an interview on Eddie Trunk’s SiriusXM radio show, Dave Mustaine gave a candid response that both excited and frustrated fans.

Mustaine acknowledged his positive past experiences with Marty Friedman, highlighting the successful reunion shows they shared in Japan recently.

He expressed affection for Marty and confirmed he would have no problem playing with most former members from the classic lineups—except for one notable exception.

Mustaine revealed that the behavior of one former band member in the past prevents him from considering a full reunion with all surviving ex-members.

While Mustaine did not name names explicitly, the metal community widely speculates that he was referring to bassist David Ellefson, who was dismissed from the band in 2021 following a controversial scandal.

Ellefson, a founding member and one of the most recognizable faces of Megadeth, has expressed interest in participating in the farewell tour.

However, the circumstances surrounding his departure—stemming from serious allegations and personal controversies—have left a lasting rift.

Mustaine’s reluctance to involve Ellefson seems rooted in a desire to maintain fairness and respect for other band members, underscoring the complex dynamics at play.

The mention of Marty Friedman brings a nostalgic glow to fans.

Friedman’s tenure with Megadeth in the 1990s is often regarded as one of the band’s most creative and commercially successful periods.

His virtuosic guitar work helped define albums like *Rust in Peace* and *Countdown to Extinction*.

Mustaine’s praise for Marty and their recent collaborations prove that some bridges remain intact.

Other former members like Chris Poland and Jeff Young also receive positive mentions.

Mustaine indicated no personal issues with them and even noted their involvement with side projects like Kings of Thrash, where Poland and Young still perform Megadeth classics.

Sadly, Gar Samuelson, one of the band’s original drummers, passed away years ago, making any reunion impossible.

Interestingly, Mustaine did not mention Nick Menza, the drummer who played on some of Megadeth’s most iconic albums and tours.

Menza’s absence from the reunion conversation has puzzled fans, especially since he was a significant part of the Friedman era.

Whether this omission is due to lingering tensions, respect for Menza’s passing in 2016, or other reasons remains unclear.

As of now, the farewell tour will feature the current Megadeth lineup: Dave Mustaine on vocals and guitar, Kiko Loureiro on guitar, James LoMenzo on bass, and Dirk Verbeuren on drums.

This lineup has received praise for its tight performances and fresh energy, ensuring that the band’s final shows will be memorable.

Given the length of the farewell tour—potentially stretching over several years—there is room for Mustaine’s stance to evolve.

Fans remain hopeful that reconciliation or surprise guest appearances might happen down the line.

After all, the world of rock and metal is no stranger to dramatic reunions and second chances.

Megadeth’s impact on heavy metal is undeniable.

Formed in 1983 by Dave Mustaine after his departure from Metallica, the band quickly rose to prominence with a distinctive blend of speed, technical skill, and aggressive songwriting.

Albums like *Peace Sells…but Who’s Buying?*, *Rust in Peace*, and *Countdown to Extinction* are considered classics that helped define the thrash metal genre.

The band’s history has been marked by lineup changes, personal conflicts, and controversies, but also by resilience and musical innovation.

The farewell tour and final album represent a closing chapter on a remarkable journey that has inspired countless musicians and fans worldwide.

Megadeth’s farewell tour promises to be a monumental event in the world of heavy metal, celebrating decades of music and legacy.

While the possibility of a full reunion with all former members remains clouded by past conflicts—particularly surrounding David Ellefson—there is still much to look forward to.

Whether it’s the current lineup delivering powerful performances, surprise guest spots, or a change of heart from Mustaine, fans will have many opportunities to say goodbye to one of metal’s greatest bands.

As the band embarks on this final journey, the world watches with anticipation, ready to honor the legacy and witness the end of an era.