Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine says the band’s planned retirement is largely driven by Dupuytren’s contracture in his left hand, which is pulling one of his fingers down and could eventually require surgery. Although he intends to complete the current tour and promote Megadeth, he says he would not want to continue performing if he could only sing, as playing guitar remains central to his musical identity.

Megadeth’s latest album debuted at Number One on the Billboard 200, making the band’s farewell particularly significant, though Mustaine suggested unreleased songs, possible bonus tracks and a future live album could still emerge. He also discussed his past tongue-cancer diagnosis, hopes for medical advances, a lost book about the band’s songs, and his desire to remain involved in music after retirement.