While the band is working on the follow up to their most recent return to form, Dystopia, legendary thrash metal band Megadeth have revealed some bad news – guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, who founded the band in the early 80’s after a fallout with Metallica, has announced he has been diagnosed with throat cancer. This has also resulted in the cancellation of most of their 2019 tour dates, with the notable exception of the band’s Megacruise, which will still go on.
Dave Mustaine issued a statement on the band’s official website, which you can read below. The outpouring of support from Mustaine’s colleagues and bandmates, including David Ellefson, has certainly been encouraging as Mustaine battles what is sure to be a tough challenge.
Mustaine had this to say about the diagnosis on Megadeth’s official website:
I’ve been diagnosed with throat cancer. It’s clearly something to be respected and faced head on – but I’ve faced obstacles before. I’m working closely with my doctors, and we’ve mapped out a treatment plan which they feel has a 90% success rate. Treatment has already begun.
Unfortunately, this requires that we cancel most shows this year. The 2019 Megacruise will happen, and the band will be a part of it in some form. All up to date information will be at megadeth.com as we get it. Megadeth will be back on the road ASAP.
Meanwhile, Kiko, David, Dirk and I are in the studio, working on the follow up to Dystopia – which I can’t wait for everyone to hear.
I’m so thankful for my whole team – family, doctors, band members, trainers, and more.
I’ll keep everyone posted.
See you soon,
Dave Mustaine
I’ve been diagnosed with throat cancer. It’s clearly something to be respected and faced head on – but I’ve faced obstacles before. I’m working closely with my doctors, and we’ve mapped out a treatment plan which they feel has a 90% success rate… https://t.co/8FBQUmloSf pic.twitter.com/CPuu2UFPv1
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) June 17, 2019
We send Mustaine and the Megadeth crew our best wishes.
