Dave Mustaine: Cancer, Cliff Burton & Why Megadeth Is Saying Goodbye

Conversation Overview

Dave Mustaine joins Chris Jericho for a wide-ranging conversation about Megadeth’s final tour, his memoir In My Darkest Hour, cancer, songwriting, and the people and experiences that shaped his music.

Megadeth and a New Generation of Fans

Mustaine is pleased to see younger fans embracing Megadeth and other classic metal bands, often discovering them at shows by groups like Iron Maiden. He argues that the metal of his generation had a particular authenticity.

He also shares a playful gripe about chart rules. When rock and country charts were combined, he says, Billy Ray Cyrus took the top spot while Megadeth landed at No. 2. Mustaine grudgingly concedes that if Cyrus was No. 1, the album must have been good.

Songwriting and Riffs

Mustaine says a songwriting credit doesn’t necessarily show who contributed most; the finished song matters more than the paperwork. He finds it hard to define what makes a great Megadeth riff: sometimes a song simply jumps out and makes you want to hear it again.

He also describes how listening to different kinds of music—from Kraftwerk to ’90s rock—fed ideas into his writing.

Cancer and In My Darkest Hour

Mustaine wanted his family, doctors, producer, and bandmates included in his cancer memoir because, as he puts it, the story isn’t just about him—it’s meant to offer hope.

He recounts learning he had tongue cancer after a dental problem led him to an oral surgeon, who bluntly told him, “It’s cancer.” Radiation treatment left lasting effects, including damaged teeth, reduced saliva, and difficulty tasting and breathing. The tightly fitted radiation mask was especially frightening: at first, he couldn’t tolerate it and had to try again with sedation.

Mustaine says he has been fully recovered since 2019. Surviving a serious illness has made him more grateful and more eager to love the people around him.

Memories of Cliff Burton

Mustaine recalls Cliff Burton as shy, kind, and a close friend. He jokes that Cliff listened to Lynyrd Skynyrd so often that the influence seeped into “The Four Horsemen.” After Cliff played “Sweet Home Alabama” in the car, Mustaine came up with the song’s slower section and only afterward realized what it reminded him of.

The “Holy Wars” Solo

Mustaine explains that the “Holy Wars” solo came together while he was playing through a Marshall amp with the volume turned up. He shaped its rising climax through long, climbing movements.

The solo has become a live-show centerpiece: fans wait for it, and sometimes Mustaine plays it twice.

Why Megadeth Is Calling It a Final Tour

Mustaine points to a painful, worsening problem with his hand. He can still play, but he is consulting a specialist and wants to delay surgery until touring is over, since a complication could threaten his ability to play.

“Aguante Megadeth”

Mustaine shares the story behind the chant “Aguante Megadeth,” a phrase meaning to keep going or never give up. After a Chilean crowd spat at the band, Mustaine asked the promoter what to do. Later, he heard fans in Argentina chanting the phrase and learned it was a sign of their support. The chant has since followed the band around the world.

People Featured and Discussed

• Personalities featured: Dave Mustaine, Chris Jericho
• People discussed: Cliff Burton, Kiko Loureiro, Bruce Dickinson, Billy Ray Cyrus, and other musicians