Dave Mustaine, the founder of the influential heavy metal band Megadeth, has announced that the group he formed in 1983 will disband after a global farewell tour. Megadeth has sold over 50 million albums worldwide and reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 with their self-titled 17th and final studio album, released this year. The band's 2016 album Dystopia earned a Grammy for Best Metal Performance, marking a significant milestone in their long and successful career. Mustaine, who recently turned 65, has cited physical challenges as a key reason for the band's end. He suffers from Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition that causes the fingers to curl inward, and severe arthritis in his hands, making it difficult to play the intricate guitar parts that define Megadeth's sound. He also noted the lasting effects of a battle with throat cancer in recent years, which has impacted his ability to perform. In his new memoir, In My Darkest Hour, Mustaine reflects on his cancer journey, his life in the public eye, and the legacy of Megadeth, as well as the role of family in his life. Mustaine spoke to Metro via video call while supporting Iron Maiden on a North American tour. He shared that Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, who is also a throat cancer survivor, offered him advice during his treatment. Other musicians, including Paul Stanley of KISS, the late Ozzy Osbourne, and Metallica’s James Hetfield, reached out to support Mustaine after his cancer diagnosis. Mustaine described himself as a "different person" after his illness and discussed the emotional challenge of reliving those difficult times while writing his memoir. He mentioned experiencing "chemo brain," a common side effect of chemotherapy that can impair memory, but he remains determined to keep moving forward. In his memoir, Mustaine also explores themes of spirituality, addiction recovery, and the impact of the Twelve Steps program, which has been a cornerstone of his personal growth. He reflected on the creative process, noting that inspiration can come easily at times, while other periods feel creatively blocked. He mentioned his side project MD.45 and the possibility of revisiting a solo album if circumstances change. However, he indicated that any future Megadeth releases would depend on discovering unreleased music. Despite the physical challenges, Mustaine expressed gratitude for his bandmates' support and emphasized his determination not to give up. In My Darkest Hour is set to be released by Constable on September 24, and Megadeth will tour the UK from March 9.