I always wanted to go out on top...

MEGADETH FRONTMAN DAVE MUSTAINE TELLS CASEY COOPER-FISKE WHY THE BAND'S FINAL RECORD IS ONE OF THEIR BEST EVER

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SPENDING more than 40 years as one of heavy metal’s Big Four alongside Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax, Megadeth are one of the genre’s best-loved bands, nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, winning one, and achieving four UK top 10 albums.

At the helm is Dave Mustaine, singer and guitarist, who started the band after his departure from Metallica and has guided them through multiple highs and lows.

But sadly for fans, Megadeth’s self-titled album, which has just been released, is going to be their last after Dave made a tough decision.

“I've got some physical things going on with me, he says. “We made, I believe, one of our best records ever, and I’ve always said I wanted to go out on top.

“I think this is a good time because I've got some things going on with my body.”

Dave, 64, announced in 2019 he was being treated for throat cancer, and he’s been hit by more health issues that make playing the guitar a struggle.

“I got cancer and beat it, but I have the damage that’s been left behind with my hearing and with my body. I had to have my neck fused, my arm got injured, I have arthritis.”

He also has Dupuytren’s contracture in his left hand, a condition that thickens tissue under the skin, causing the fingers to bend.