A Celebration of Shred and a Farewell Announcement

The “Let There Be Shred” event, held on January 17th, was more than just a concert; it was an immersive experience for devoted Megadeth fans. Attendees were granted an early listen to the forthcoming album, witnessed an intimate acoustic set, participated in a masterclass led by the band, and engaged in a Q&A session with Megadeth’s founder, Dave Mustaine, alongside Gibson CEO César Gueikian. This unprecedented access underscored the band’s deep appreciation for their loyal fanbase.

According to Setlist.fm, the event’s setlist showcased a dynamic range of Megadeth classics alongside the debut of “I Don’t Care.” The acoustic portion featured stripped-down versions of “Angry Again” and “She-Wolf,” while the electric setlist roared through staples like “Tipping Point,” “Sweating Bullets,” “Tornado Of Souls,” “Symphony Of Destruction,” “Peace Sells,” and the epic “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due.”

‘I Don’t Care’: A New Anthem and a Reflection on Attitude

“I Don’t Care,” the second single from the self-titled album, slated for release on January 23, 2026, embodies a defiant spirit that resonates with Mustaine’s lyrical themes. The track, released via Mustaine’s Tradecraft imprint on Frontiers Label Group’s BLKIIBLK label, explores the liberating power of indifference. As Mustaine himself stated, “How many times have you wanted to say this to someone? I know you want to! Deep down inside, if we had the balls, we would tell more people ‘I don’t care’ more often.”

Musically, the song is a complex tapestry of guitar work. Mustaine elaborated on the intricacies of the track, highlighting the interplay between rhythm, down-picking, octave chords, and the dynamic soloing with guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari. He described the guitar work as “magnificent!!”

Did You Know? Dave Mustaine revealed that the core riff of “I Don’t Care” originated during the recording sessions for 2022’s critically acclaimed album, “The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!”

A Final Bow: Megadeth Announces Farewell Album and Tour

In a surprising announcement made on August 14, 2025, Megadeth revealed that their upcoming album would be their last. This decision prompted a wave of emotion from fans worldwide, but Mustaine emphasized the desire to conclude the band’s journey on their own terms, “on top.” The band will follow the album release with a global farewell tour in 2026, offering fans one last opportunity to experience Megadeth’s legendary live performances.

Mustaine expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of their fans, acknowledging the profound impact Megadeth has had on the music world. He stated, “We can’t wait for you to hear this album and see us on tour. If there was ever a perfect time for us to put out a new album, it’s now.”

The final album will once again benefit from the expertise of producer Chris Rakestraw, who previously collaborated with Megadeth on “The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!” and 2016’s “Dystopia.” The current Megadeth lineup features Mustaine and Mäntysaari, alongside drummer Dirk Verbeuren and bassist James LoMenzo.

What does the future hold for Dave Mustaine after Megadeth? And how will the band’s legacy continue to influence the metal landscape for generations to come?

Megadeth previously debuted their single “Tipping Point” live on October 14, 2025, at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, Netherlands, while supporting Disturbed on their European tour.

Frequently Asked Questions About Megadeth’s Final Chapter