Dave Mustaine of Megadeth has been diagnosed with throat cancer.
The metal community unites in support of one of its most iconic figures as Megadeth is compelled to cancel all of their 2024 performances.
On August 13, Dave Mustaine, co-founder and lead vocalist of Megadeth, revealed his diagnosis of throat cancer.
“It’s definitely a challenge that must be confronted with respect and determination,” Mustaine stated on the band’s website. “I’ve overcome difficulties before, and I’m collaborating closely with my doctors. We’ve developed a treatment plan with a 90% success rate, and treatment has already started.
The metal and hard rock community has shown a tremendous wave of support for Mustaine, with numerous artists such as Slash, Anthrax, Body Count, and Judas Priest expressing their well wishes for his swift recovery on Twitter.
Slash posted, “I have 100% faith that you will overcome this challenge just like you do with everything else. Get well soon, my friend.
In a statement on their website, Mustaine announced that all Megadeth shows for this year have been canceled to allow him to focus on his recovery. However, the 2019 Megacruise scheduled for October will still proceed, and the band will participate in some capacity. Mustaine also assured fans that Megadeth will return to touring as soon as they can, adding, “In the meantime, Kiko, David, Dirk, and I are in the studio working on the follow-up to *Dystopia*—which I’m excited for everyone to hear.
Dystopia earned Megadeth their first GRAMMY win for Best Metal Performance at the 59th GRAMMY Awards, marking a significant achievement after 12 career nominations.
“Dave’s a warrior and a fighter, and he knows exactly when to push forward and when to take a step back,” said David Ellefson, Megadeth’s bassist and co-founder, during a call-in to the Classic Metal Show. “So, this is exactly what it needs to be at this moment.
