Musician Dave Mustaine cites hand problems as reason for ending Megadeth
Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine recently revealed that his battle with a hand condition will lead to the band’s retirement. The final studio album, self-titled Megadeth, was released last month and included a cover of Metallica’s Ride the Lightning, marking the debut of Teemu Mäntysaari. Mustaine’s announcement about his guitar-playing future comes as he faces Dupuytren’s contracture, commonly known as Viking’s Disease, causing him immense pain while playing.
In a conversation with Eddie Trunk on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation, Mustaine opened up about the impact of his deteriorating hand condition on his decision to end Megadeth’s five-decade-long career. He expressed his acceptance of the situation, stating, “It’s not that I don’t want to stay, it’s that my hands are betraying me.” Mustaine acknowledged the progressive nature of Dupuytren’s contracture, which causes permanent bending of the hand due to thickening connective tissue in the palm.
Despite the physical challenges, Mustaine is determined to gracefully end Megadeth’s journey, emphasizing that the farewell tour will not feature former band members as a mere gimmick. In a separate development, former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman shared his belief that leaving the band after a decade was the right choice he ever made. Additionally, Mustaine addressed the longstanding rift between him and Metallica’s James Hetfield, shedding light on the reasons behind their strained relationship.
In a detailed interview with Guitar World, Mustaine delved into the complexities of hiring and firing various guitarists during Megadeth’s history. The interview provided intriguing insights into the band’s inner workings and Mustaine’s thought process behind these pivotal decisions. Friedman’s departure from Megadeth contributed to Mustaine’s reflections on the band’s evolution and the challenges they faced along the way.
As Mustaine faces a new chapter in his musical career, marked by physical limitations, he remains grateful for the opportunities and experiences Megadeth has afforded him. Despite the bittersweet nature of this final chapter, Mustaine’s resilience shines through as he navigates this significant transition. The enduring legacy of Megadeth will continue to resonate with fans and fellow musicians, a testament to the band’s lasting impact on the metal genre.