Editing Dave Mustaine (section)

==Megadeth==
{{Main|Megadeth}}

===1980s===
Following unsuccessful vocalist auditions, Mustaine took on vocal duties himself at Megadeth's first rehearsal in addition to playing lead and rhythm guitar.<ref name=gibson/> In 1984, Megadeth produced a three-song demo with drummer [[Lee Rauch]], who replaced Carruthers after Mustaine and Ellefson decided they could not trust him. Carruthers had chosen to hide his black heritage from them by claiming he was Spanish, and they could not understand why he would deceive them.{{Sfn|Layden|2011|p=109}} [[Kerry King]] joined the band for a few shows; however, he opted to leave Megadeth after less than a week so he could continue working on his own band, [[Slayer]]. Jazz-influenced drummer [[Gar Samuelson]] replaced Rauch, who left after Mustaine convinced him to play with a broken foot.{{Sfn|Layden|2011}} Megadeth recorded a demo as a three-piece band, which captured the attention of guitarist [[Chris Poland]], also a jazz player and a friend of Samuelson, who subsequently joined the band.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/553544-Megadeth-Killing-Is-My-Business-And-Business-Is-Good/images|publisher=[[Loud Records]]|type=liner notes|id=9046-2|access-date=May 30, 2022|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095832/https://www.discogs.com/release/553544-Megadeth-Killing-Is-My-Business-And-Business-Is-Good/images|url-status=live}}</ref> In November, the band signed a deal with [[Combat Records]] and began touring.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/combat-records-relaunch-david-ellefson-emp-label-group/|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=May 30, 2022|date=November 29, 2017|title=Thrash Label Combat Records Revived By Megadeth's David Ellefson|first=Marc|last=Schneider|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095831/https://www.billboard.com/pro/combat-records-relaunch-david-ellefson-emp-label-group/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 1985, Megadeth released their first album, ''[[Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!]]'', via Combat Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newnoisemagazine.com/retro-review-megadeth-killing-is-my-business-and-business-is-good-1985/|title=Retro Review: Megadeth – 'Killing is My Business…and Business is Good!' (1985)|date=November 6, 2015|first=Tony|last=Shrum|work=New Noise Magazine|access-date=May 30, 2022|archive-date=June 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609231651/http://newnoisemagazine.com/retro-review-megadeth-killing-is-my-business-and-business-is-good-1985/|url-status=live}}</ref> That summer, the band toured the U.S. and Canada with [[Exciter (band)|Exciter]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metal-rules.com/2012/07/25/exciter-john-ricci/|work=metal-rules.com|first=Arto|last=Lehtinen|date=July 25, 2012|title=EXCITER – John Ricci|access-date=May 30, 2022|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061941/https://www.metal-rules.com/2012/07/25/exciter-john-ricci/|url-status=live}}</ref> Guitarist [[Mike Albert]] replaced Chris Poland when he was incarcerated for possession of heroin.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}} After Poland was released, he rejoined the band in October and the band then began recording their second studio album for Combat. On New Year's Eve of that year, Megadeth played in San Francisco with [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]] and [[Metal Church]]. Metallica was the headliner. This was the only time Megadeth and Metallica were on the same card, until 1991.

In 1986, a year after releasing their debut album, Mustaine approached [[Jackson Guitars]] for a custom-built guitar. Jackson modified their existing Jackson King V model for Mustaine by adding two more [[fret]]s to the standard 22 fret King V.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.groundguitar.com/dave-mustaine-guitars-and-gear/|work=groundguitar.com|title=Dave Mustaine's Guitars and Gear|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=July 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727110758/https://www.groundguitar.com/dave-mustaine-guitars-and-gear/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 1990s, the company began mass-producing a Dave Mustaine signature series Jackson King V, which continued into the early 2000s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mastermind - Tribute to Dave Mustaine|url=http://www.jacksonguitarpalace.com/davemustaine/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318225822/http://www.jacksonguitarpalace.com/davemustaine/|archive-date=March 18, 2018|website=jacksonguitarpalace.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://arrowlordsofmetal.nl/dave-mustaine-a-life-in-guitars/|first=Ramon|title=Dave Mustaine – a life in guitars|last=van Hengel|date=February 23, 2021|access-date=June 6, 2022|work=arrowlordsofmetal.nl|archive-date=May 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520050704/https://arrowlordsofmetal.nl/dave-mustaine-a-life-in-guitars/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The following year, major label [[Capitol Records]] signed Megadeth and obtained the rights to their second studio album, ''[[Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?]]'' Megadeth opened a U.S. tour with [[King Diamond (band)|King Diamond]] and [[Motörhead]]. ''Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?'', released on September 19, 1986, is often regarded as a thrash metal classic,<ref name="pswb">{{cite web|url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/megadeth-peace-sells-but-whos-buying-album/|date=September 19, 2021|first=Joel|last=McIver|title='Peace Sells… But Who's Buying?' How Megadeth Set The Thrash Standard|work=[[UDiscoverMusic]]|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=August 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813085816/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/megadeth-peace-sells-but-whos-buying-album/|url-status=live}}</ref> producing the notable title track (the opening bass lick of which was used by [[MTV News]] segments)<ref name=pswb/> as well as the thrash anthem "Wake Up Dead".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lamb-of-god-megadeth-wake-up-dead-1330839/|title=Lamb of God, Megadeth Pledge Allegiance to the Riff on Megajam 'Wake Up Dead'|date=April 1, 2022|first=Kory|last=Grow|access-date=June 6, 2022|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|archive-date=June 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609101837/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lamb-of-god-megadeth-wake-up-dead-1330839/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 1987, Megadeth opened for [[Alice Cooper]] on his ''Constrictor'' tour. The band also toured with [[King Diamond (band)|King Diamond]] whose previous band, [[Mercyful Fate]], were a huge influence on Megadeth. In March, Megadeth's first world tour began in the U.K. Mustaine and Ellefson guested on the band Malice's ''License to Kill'' album. Megadeth re-recorded "[[These Boots Are Made for Walkin'#Megadeth version|These Boots]]" for the soundtrack to the film "[[Dudes (film)|Dudes]]", and that summer went on tour with [[Overkill (band)|Overkill]] and [[Necros]]. Amid drug problems and suspicions of stealing the band's equipment and [[pawn shop|pawning]] it for drug money, Mustaine fired Poland and Samuelson after their last show in Hawaii.

[[Chuck Behler]], who had been Samuelson's drum tech, became Megadeth's new drummer with guitarist [[Jeff Young]] replacing Poland. Megadeth released their third studio album, ''[[So Far, So Good... So What!]]'', in January 1988. The album contains the song "[[In My Darkest Hour]]", which, according to the liner notes of ''So Far, So Good... So What!'', was composed after the death of Metallica's bass player [[Cliff Burton]]. "Hook in Mouth" attacked the [[Parents Music Resource Center]] with gusto, although their cover of the [[Sex Pistols]]' "[[Anarchy in the UK]]", despite a guest appearance from ex-Pistol [[Steve Jones (musician)|Steve Jones]], was ill-advised in the eyes of ''Allmusic's'' critic.

Later that year, Megadeth opened for [[Dio (band)|Dio]] and then [[Iron Maiden]] on tour before playing the [[Monsters of Rock]] festival at Castle Donington in the U.K. with [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]], [[Iron Maiden]], [[Guns N' Roses]], [[David Lee Roth]], and [[Helloween]]. Shortly after, Mustaine fired Behler and Young, accusing Young of having thoughts of a relationship with Mustaine's then-girlfriend. Around this period, Mustaine produced the debut album from Seattle thrash band [[Sanctuary (band)|Sanctuary]], called ''[[Refuge Denied]].''

[[Nick Menza]], who was Chuck Behler's drum tech, joined Megadeth in 1989, and the band recorded their only track ever as a three-piece: a cover of [[Alice Cooper (band)|Alice Cooper]]'s "No More Mr. Nice Guy" for the horror film ''[[Shocker (film)|Shocker]].'' Film director [[Penelope Spheeris]] would later recount in the Megadeth episode of ''[[Behind the Music]]'' that Mustaine showed up to the video shoot so fried on heroin and other drugs that he could not sing and play guitar at the same time; therefore, the singing and playing had to be recorded separately. Mustaine was arrested for "impaired driving" that March with seven or more drugs in his system and was forced by authorities to enter a rehabilitation program (the first of his 15 visits to rehabilitation centers).<ref name="listcouk" >{{cite news|url=https://www.list.co.uk/article/75858-interview-megadeths-dave-mustaine-ive-been-homeless-totally-fucked-up-an-addict-and-here-i-am-sober/|title=Interview: Megadeth's Dave Mustaine – 'I've been homeless, totally fucked up, an addict and here I am sober'|publisher=The List|access-date=April 18, 2016|first=Henry|last=Northmore|date=October 27, 2015|website=www.list.co.uk|quote=Now after 15 trips to rehab Mustaine has been clean and sober for years, with Ellefson back in the lineup alongside Lamb of God's Chris Adler on drums and Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro.|archive-date=April 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420211855/https://www.list.co.uk/article/75858-interview-megadeths-dave-mustaine-ive-been-homeless-totally-fucked-up-an-addict-and-here-i-am-sober/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===1990s===
<!-- blah blah blah {{BLP sources section|date=December 2021}} -->

Following [[Cacophony (band)|Cacophony's]] disbanding in 1989, [[Marty Friedman (guitarist)|Marty Friedman]] was auditioned the same year to fill in the vacant lead-guitar position, and joined the band in February 1990.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/watch-marty-friedman-audition-megadeth-1989/|work=[[Loudwire]]|title=Watch Marty Friedman Audition for Megadeth in 1989|first=Joe|last=DiVita|date=September 24, 2020|access-date=May 27, 2022|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094200/https://loudwire.com/watch-marty-friedman-audition-megadeth-1989/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="megahistory">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101193455/http://www.megadeth.com/history.php|url=http://www.megadeth.com/history.php|archive-date=January 1, 2011|work=[[Megadeth]]|title=History|access-date=May 27, 2022}}</ref> In September of that year, the band joined the [[Clash of the Titans tour|"Clash of the Titans"]] tour overseas with [[Slayer]], [[Suicidal Tendencies]], and [[Testament (band)|Testament]].<ref name=megahistory/> The tour began one month before Megadeth released ''[[Rust in Peace]]'' (1990), which was cited as one of the best thrash metal records of all time by publications such as ''[[Decibel (magazine)|Decibel]]'' and ''[[Kerrang!]]'' and continued their commercial success.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2012/03/30/megadeath-rust-in-peace/|work=[[Decibel (magazine)|Decibel]]|first=Chris|last=Dick|date=March 30, 2012|title=Megadeth – "Rust in Peace"|access-date=May 27, 2022|archive-date=September 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922044159/https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2012/03/30/megadeath-rust-in-peace/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501135923/http://www.kerrang.com/wheretostartwith/artists/megadeth|url=http://www.kerrang.com/wheretostartwith/artists/megadeth|work=[[Kerrang!]]|archive-date=May 1, 2009|title=Megadeth - Where to Start with|access-date=May 27, 2022}}</ref> They then went back on the road to promote the new album, this time as support for [[Judas Priest]].<ref name=megahistory/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sleazeroxx.com/reviews/megadeth-rust-in-peace/|title=Megadeth: 'Rust In Peace'|date=September 24, 2020|access-date=May 27, 2022|first=Ruben|last=Mosqueda|website=sleazeroxx.com|archive-date=September 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922082752/https://sleazeroxx.com/reviews/megadeth-rust-in-peace/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Megadeth started off 1991 by performing for an audience of 145,000 people at [[Rock in Rio]] before starting their own world tour with [[Alice in Chains]] as their special guest.<ref name="1991tour">{{cite web|url=https://megadeth.com/news/2018/megadeth-world-tours-1990-1991/|title=Megadeth World Tours 1990-1991|work=[[Megadeth]].com|date=September 22, 2018|access-date=May 27, 2022|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061940/https://megadeth.com/news/2018/megadeth-world-tours-1990-1991/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://whiplash.net/materias/biografias/254229-rockinrio.html|title=Rock In Rio 1991: 10 curiosidades sobre a 2ª edição do evento|first=Igor|last=Miranda|date=December 12, 2016|website=whiplash.net|access-date=May 27, 2022|language=pt|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061940/https://whiplash.net/materias/biografias/254229-rockinrio.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://aliceinchainsarchives.com/1991-3/|title=1991 – Alice in Chains Archives|access-date=May 27, 2022|website=aliceinchainsarchives.com|date=June 22, 2021}}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Mustaine was married in April, the same month the ''[[Rusted Pieces]]'' home video was released.<ref name=megahistory/><ref name=marriage/> That summer, the Clash of the Titans tour hit the U.S., featuring Megadeth, Slayer, and [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]], with Alice in Chains taking the opening slot.<ref name=1991tour/> Later that year, the Megadeth song "Go to Hell" was featured on the soundtrack to ''[[Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey]]''.<ref name=megahistory/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/black-dahlia-murder-megadeth-go-to-hell-cover/|title=Hear the Black Dahlia Murder Cover Megadeth's 'Bill & Ted' Song|date=August 31, 2020|first=Philip|last=Trapp|work=[[Loudwire]]|access-date=May 27, 2022|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://loudwire.com/black-dahlia-murder-megadeth-go-to-hell-cover/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Also in 1991, Mustaine collaborated with Sean Harris from [[Diamond Head (English band)|Diamond Head]] on the track "Crown of Worms".<ref name="cow">{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/dave-mustaine-brian-tatler-diamond-head-metallica-interview/|work=[[Loudwire]]|title=How Diamond Head Influenced Dave Mustaine + Metallica - Interview|date=May 24, 2018|first=Joe|last=DiVita|access-date=May 27, 2022|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094201/https://loudwire.com/dave-mustaine-brian-tatler-diamond-head-metallica-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref> Mustaine would later appear on Diamond Head's reformation album ''[[Death and Progress]]''.<ref name=cow/> Mustaine's wife, Pamela, gave birth to their son Justis in 1992. July of that year saw the release of Megadeth's most commercially successful record: ''[[Countdown to Extinction]]'',  which debuted at No. 2 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and boasted some of the band's most commercially successful songs, including "[[Symphony of Destruction]]", "[[Sweating Bullets (song)|Sweating Bullets]]" and "[[Skin o' My Teeth]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/artist-artist-lists-lists/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-megadeths-countdown-extinction/23505|work=[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]]|date=July 12, 2017|first=Richard|last=Bienstock|title=10 Facts About Megadeth's 'Countdown to Extinction' Album|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=July 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715063301/https://www.revolvermag.com/artist-artist-lists-lists/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-megadeths-countdown-extinction/23505|url-status=live}}</ref> The original version of the "Symphony of Destruction" video was edited due to its depiction of a political leader being assassinated;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rockandrollgarage.com/hear-dave-mustaine-marty-friedmans-isolated-guitar-symphony-destruction/|work=rockandrollgarage.com|first=Rafael|last=Polcaro|title=Hear Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman's isolated guitar on "Symphony Of Destruction"|date=January 17, 2018|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=November 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103001926/http://rockandrollgarage.com/hear-dave-mustaine-marty-friedmans-isolated-guitar-symphony-destruction/|url-status=live}}</ref> "Skin o' My Teeth" was aired on MTV with a disclaimer from Mustaine insisting that the song did not endorse suicide.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rockerteeshirts.com/blogs/rockers-blog/megadave-the-man-behind-megadeth|title=Megadave: The Man Behind Megadeth|date=November 5, 2018|first=Martin|last=Grossman|work=rockerteeshirts.com|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124055913/https://rockerteeshirts.com/blogs/rockers-blog/megadave-the-man-behind-megadeth|url-status=live}}</ref> Ellefson contributed lyrics to the family-farm ballad "[[Foreclosure of a Dream]]", and Menza wrote the lyrics about [[canned hunt]]ing for the title track.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/dave-ellefson-megadeth-metal-allegiance|work=[[Songfacts]]|title=Dave Ellefson (Megadeth, Metal Allegiance)|date=December 2, 2015|first=Greg|last=Prato|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/dave-ellefson-megadeth-metal-allegiance|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- I know there was a discussion about the reliability of songfacts, this is an official interview so please don't remove :) -->

[[Pantera]] and Suicidal Tendencies opened for Megadeth on the ''Countdown to Extinction'' tour, and [[MTV News]] also invited Mustaine to cover the [[Democratic National Convention]] for them that summer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/countdown-to-extinction-how-megadeth-kicked-booze-and-drugs-to-survive-the-90s|work=[[Metal Hammer]]|via=Loudersound|date=May 6, 2022|access-date=May 29, 2022|title="I'm lucky with my intake of drugs I didn't end up a glob of sh*t": how Megadeth made Countdown To Extinction|first=Rich|last=Hobson|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://www.loudersound.com/features/countdown-to-extinction-how-megadeth-kicked-booze-and-drugs-to-survive-the-90s|url-status=live}}</ref> In November, the "Exposure of a Dream" home video was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalstorm.net/bands/album.php?album_id=97550&band_id=163&bandname=Megadeth|title=''Megadeth - Exposure Of A Dream [DVD]''|work=[[Metal Storm (webzine)|Metal Storm]]|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://metalstorm.net/bands/album.php?album_id=97550&band_id=163&bandname=Megadeth|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1993, Mustaine guested on a new album by one of the bands who had influenced his own sound: Diamond Head, and also began a U.S. tour with [[Stone Temple Pilots]] as their opening act.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/stone-temple-pilots-dean-deleo-megadeth-dave-mustaine-real-gentleman-to-us/|title=Stone Temple Pilots' Dean DeLeo: Dave Mustaine 'Was a Real Gentleman to Us'|work=[[Loudwire]]|date=September 26, 2017|first=Chad|last=Childers|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094200/https://loudwire.com/stone-temple-pilots-dean-deleo-megadeth-dave-mustaine-real-gentleman-to-us/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/diamond-head-guitarist-on-being-managed-by-dave-mustaine-its-nice-to-be-working-with-professional-people-who-know-what-theyre-doing|work=Metal Nexus|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=June 4, 2018|access-date=May 29, 2022|title=DIAMOND HEAD Guitarist On Being Managed By DAVE MUSTAINE: 'It's Nice To Be Working With Professional People Who Know What They're Doing'|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://blabbermouth.net/news/diamond-head-guitarist-on-being-managed-by-dave-mustaine-its-nice-to-be-working-with-professional-people-who-know-what-theyre-doing|url-status=live}}</ref> The tour with Stone Temple Pilots which included a planned appearance at [[Nippon Budokan|Budokan]], was ultimately canceled due to Mustaine's continuing struggles with addiction.<ref name="gibson">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6URPndg9cg|title=Icons: Dave Mustaine of Megadeth|date=August 20, 2021|work=[[Gibson (guitar company)|Gibson]]|via=YouTube|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6URPndg9cg|url-status=live}}</ref> In June, Megadeth played Milton Keynes Bowl with Diamond Head and Metallica and later opened for Metallica on a handful of European Stadium dates.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metallica.com/events/event-12437.html|title=1993-06-05 Milton Keynes, England|work=[[Metallica]]|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=March 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315145951/https://www.metallica.com/events/event-12437.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Megadeth was kicked off [[Aerosmith]]'s U.S. tour after just seven dates because a comment made by Mustaine ("We don't have much time to play because Aerosmith don't have much time left to live") was deemed extraordinarily offensive to Aerosmith.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/20-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-megadeth/|work=[[Loudwire]]|first=Eduardo|last=Rivadavia|date=September 5, 2014|access-date=May 29, 2022|title=20 Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Megadeth|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://loudwire.com/20-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-megadeth/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.grunge.com/267136/what-you-didnt-know-about-megadeth/|title=What You Didn't Know About Megadeth|work=[[Static Media|Grunge]]|date=October 24, 2020|first=Nicholas|last=Vrchoticky|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://www.grunge.com/267136/what-you-didnt-know-about-megadeth/|url-status=live}}</ref> "Angry Again" was featured on the soundtrack to the 1993 [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] movie ''[[Last Action Hero]]'', while "99 Ways To Die" was featured on ''[[The Beavis and Butt-Head Experience]]'' compilation album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/last-action-hero-original-soundtrack--mw0000097397|title=Last Action Hero [Original Soundtrack] Review by Jason Birchmeier|first=Jason|last=Birchmeier|access-date=May 29, 2022|work=[[AllMusic]]|archive-date=March 2, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170302101344/http://www.allmusic.com/album/last-action-hero-original-soundtrack-mw0000097397|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-beavis-and-butt-head-experience-mw0000621825|first=Bradley|last=Torreano|title=The Beavis and Butt-Head Experience Review by Bradley Torreano|access-date=May 29, 2022|work=[[AllMusic]]|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-beavis-and-butt-head-experience-mw0000621825|url-status=live}}</ref>

Megadeth spent the majority of 1994 making ''[[Youthanasia]],'' a more commercial album that had high expectations due to the success of ''[[Countdown to Extinction]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/megadeth-youthanasia-album/|work=[[UDiscover Music]]|first=Caren|last=Gibson|date=November 1, 2021|title='Youthanasia': How Megadeth Traded Speed For Power In The Metal Stakes|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121072101/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/megadeth-youthanasia-album/|url-status=live}}</ref> The band covered [[Black Sabbath]]'s song "[[Paranoid (Black Sabbath song)|Paranoid]]" for ''[[Nativity in black#Nativity in Black|Nativity in Black: A Tribute to Black Sabbath]]'' and performed on MTV's "Night of the Living Megadeth" in celebration of the Halloween release of their new album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/gw-archive/megadeth-12-great-and-occasionally-obscure-covers-thrash-kings|work=[[Guitar World]]|title=Megadeth: 12 Great (and Occasionally Obscure) Covers from the Thrash Kings|first=Richard|last=Bienstock|date=September 29, 2015|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://www.guitarworld.com/gw-archive/megadeth-12-great-and-occasionally-obscure-covers-thrash-kings|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/tv/CHBQUTVAwzx/?hl=en|work=[[Megadeth]]|via=[[Instagram]]|title=Happy Halloween! MTV's 'Night of the Living Megadeth' Halloween Special 1994. 🎃 Happy Halloween everyone! Have a ghoul time today and stay safe!|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061941/https://www.instagram.com/tv/CHBQUTVAwzx/?hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> The release of Youthanasia was also followed by a brief South American tour to promote the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://guestpectacular.com/artists/megadeth/events/tour/youthanasia|work=guestpectacular.com|title=Megadeth on tour Youthanasia|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061945/https://guestpectacular.com/artists/megadeth/events/tour/youthanasia|url-status=live}}</ref>

Another soundtrack appearance, "Diadems" on ''[[Tales from the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight]]'', kicked off 1995.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/tales-from-the-crypt-demon-knight-original-soundtrack--mw0000627023|title=Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight [Original Soundtrack] Review by Alex Henderson|first=Alex|last=Henderson|access-date=May 29, 2022|work=[[AllMusic]]|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529094159/https://www.allmusic.com/album/tales-from-the-crypt-demon-knight-original-soundtrack--mw0000627023|url-status=live}}</ref> Megadeth spent the first two months of the year on the "Youthanasia" tour with [[Corrosion of Conformity]] in tow.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/megadeth?page=1&year=1995|title=Megadeth's 1995 Concert & Tour History|work=concertarchives.org|access-date=May 29, 2022|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061942/https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/megadeth?page=1&year=1995|url-status=live}}</ref> In March, the ''[[Hidden Treasures (EP)|Hidden Treasures]]'' compilation hit European stores.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://musicbrainz.org/release/d7e5e5de-c1a9-4864-9620-2645d8b275f5|work=[[MusicBrainz]]|access-date=May 29, 2022|title=Release "Youthanasia" by Megadeth|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824062012/https://musicbrainz.org/release/d7e5e5de-c1a9-4864-9620-2645d8b275f5|url-status=live}}</ref> The "Evolver: The Making of Youthanasia" home video followed in May, and ''Hidden Treasures'' made it to the U.S. and Japan in July, just in time for the start of the "Reckoning Day" tour with special guests [[Flotsam and Jetsam (band)|Flotsam and Jetsam]], [[Korn]] and [[Fear Factory]]. In September the band performed at the "[[Monsters of Rock]]" festival in South America, Peru.

A [[Grammy]] nomination for "Paranoid" began 1996 for Megadeth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/Music/9601/grammy_noms/grammy_list.html|work=[[CNN]]|title=List of Grammy nominees|date=January 4, 1996|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014085609/http://edition.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/Music/9601/grammy_noms/grammy_list.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Enlisting [[Fear (band)|Fear]] singer [[Lee Ving]], Mustaine released the album ''[[The Craving (album)|The Craving]]'' under the moniker "[[MD.45]]" with Suicidal Tendencies drummer [[Jimmy DeGrasso]] and [[Goldfinger (band)|Goldfinger]] bassist [[Kelly LeMieux]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.angrymetalguy.com/90s-metal-weirdness-md-45-the-craving/|work=angrymetalguy.com|first=Dr.|last=Fisting|date=April 29, 2012|title=90s Metal Weirdness: MD.45 – The Craving|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=July 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728211058/https://www.angrymetalguy.com/90s-metal-weirdness-md-45-the-craving/|url-status=live}}</ref> In September, Megadeth returned to the studio, this time in [[Nashville, Tennessee]], to record ''[[Cryptic Writings]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/steve-wariner-records-with-thrash-metal-pioneers-megadeth-45401/|title=Steve Wariner Records With Thrash-Metal Pioneers Megadeth|first=Joseph|last=Hudak|access-date=June 6, 2022|date=June 24, 2015|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024010903/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/steve-wariner-records-with-thrash-metal-pioneers-megadeth-45401/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/revisiting_cryptic_writings_by_megadeth-68865|title=Revisiting 'Cryptic Writings' by Megadeth|first=Maria|last=Pro|date=November 8, 2017|access-date=June 6, 2022|work=[[Ultimate Guitar]]|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025212756/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/revisiting_cryptic_writings_by_megadeth-68865|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Cryptic Writings'' (1997) included thrashing songs like "Vortex" and "FFF", which were reminiscent of Megadeth's older material,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/album-review-megadeth-cryptic-writings/|work=[[Metal Forces]]|first=Neil|last=Arnold|access-date=June 6, 2022|title=MEGADETH – Cryptic Writings (1997)|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121200849/http://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/album-review-megadeth-cryptic-writings/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sleazeroxx.com/reviews/megadeth-cryptic-writings/|work=sleazeroxx.com|title=Megadeth: 'Cryptic Writings'|first=Ruben|last=Mosqueda|date=June 17, 2017|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=September 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920145534/https://sleazeroxx.com/reviews/megadeth-cryptic-writings/|url-status=live}}</ref> alongside radio-friendly fare like "[[Trust (Megadeth song)|Trust]]", which reached the 5th spot on the U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock charts.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/best-megadeth-songs-top-15-8210738/|title=The 15 Best Megadeth Songs: Critic's Picks|first=Christa|last=Titus|date=March 15, 2018|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407214111/https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/best-megadeth-songs-top-15-8210738/|url-status=live}}</ref> In June, [[Misfits (band)|Misfits]] opened for the band on tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/megadeth?page=4&year=1997#concert-table|title=Megadeth's 1997 Concert & Tour History|access-date=June 6, 2022|work=concertarchives.org|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061942/https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/megadeth?page=4&year=1997#concert-table|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chaos Comics]] released "The Cryptic Writings of Megadeth" comic books in August,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.comics.org/issue/799665/|work=[[Grand Comics Database]]|access-date=June 6, 2022|title=Cryptic Writings of Megadeth #1|archive-date=December 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227235147/http://www.comics.org/issue/799665/|url-status=live}}</ref> and a remix of "Almost Honest" showed up on the "[[Mortal Kombat Annihilation]]" soundtrack.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/song/almost-honest-mt0006197328|title=Almost Honest by Megadeth - Track Info|access-date=June 6, 2022|work=[[Allmusic]]|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061941/https://www.allmusic.com/song/almost-honest-mt0006197328|url-status=live}}</ref>

Mustaine's daughter, Electra Mustaine, was born on January 28, 1998, the same month that "Trust" was nominated for a Grammy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://megadeth.com/news/2022/happy-birthday-electra-mustaine-3/|work=[[Megadeth]]|date=January 28, 2022|access-date=June 1, 2022|title=Happy Birthday Elecra Mustaine!|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095831/https://megadeth.com/news/2022/happy-birthday-electra-mustaine-3/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/megadeth-into-glory-ride|work=[[MetalHammer]]|via=Loudersound|first=Dave|last=Ling|date=June 7, 2007|access-date=June 1, 2022|title=Megadeth: Into Glory Ride|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095832/https://www.loudersound.com/features/megadeth-into-glory-ride|url-status=live}}</ref> Megadeth played on the [[Howard Stern Show]] and that summer took part in [[Ozzfest]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-news/flashback-david-bowie-plays-howard-sterns-44th-birthday-bash-in-1998-53731/|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|first=Andy|last=Greene|date=February 4, 2014|title=Flashback: David Bowie Plays Howard Stern's 44th Birthday Bash in 1998|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616122933/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-news/flashback-david-bowie-plays-howard-sterns-44th-birthday-bash-in-1998-53731/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ozzy.com/archives/tour/ozzfest-1998|work=ozzy.com|access-date=June 6, 2022|title=Ozzfest 1998|archive-date=June 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624033232/https://www.ozzy.com/archives/tour/ozzfest-1998|url-status=live}}</ref> Two days after Nick Menza had undergone surgery for a benign knee tumor, he received a call from Mustaine informing him that his services would no longer be needed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/nick-menza-i-was-fired-from-megadeth-two-days-after-surgery|work=RockRage|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=February 19, 2002|access-date=June 6, 2022|title=NICK MENZA: "I Was Fired From MEGADETH Two Days After Surgery"|archive-date=July 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713193330/https://blabbermouth.net/news/nick-menza-i-was-fired-from-megadeth-two-days-after-surgery|url-status=live}}</ref> Jimmy DeGrasso, who Mustaine had played with previously in MD.45, fulfilled Menza's duties.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/nick-menza-obituary|work=[[Metal Hammer]]|via=[[Loudersound]]|first=Dom|last=Lawson|date=May 24, 2016|title=Nick Menza: Obituary|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=September 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920091244/https://www.loudersound.com/features/nick-menza-obituary|url-status=live}}</ref> On New Year's Eve, Megadeth opened for Black Sabbath at [[Chase Field]] alongside [[Soulfly]], Slayer, and Pantera.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/megadeth-black-sabbath-db2d1c7a-ac85-409d-a2cf-117452f6a195|work=concertarchives.org|access-date=June 6, 2022|title=Dec 31, 1998: Megadeth / Black Sabbath at Chase Field Phoenix, Arizona, United States|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061942/https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/megadeth-black-sabbath-db2d1c7a-ac85-409d-a2cf-117452f6a195|url-status=live}}</ref>

While touring after ''Cryptic Writings,'' Mustaine told interviewers that songs like "She-Wolf" and "Vortex" had reinvigorated his love for classic music by bands like [[Iron Maiden]] and [[Motörhead]], and that he intended to write an album that was "1/2 Peace Sells, 1/2 Cryptic Writings"; however, after hearing about a comment that [[Lars Ulrich]] had made in the press in which he said he wished Mustaine would take more "risks", intentions changed. Managers and producers had more input. The song "[[Crush 'Em]]" was written with the express purpose of being played in wrestling arenas. In later years, Mustaine would blame much of this period on Friedman's desire to go in a more "[[pop music|pop]]" direction. Recorded with producer [[Dann Huff]], again in Nashville, ''[[Risk (Megadeth album)|Risk]]'' was released on August 31, 1999. "Crush 'Em" made it onto the ''Universal Soldier: The Return'' soundtrack and into WCW wrestling events (notably played live on Monday Nitro). In July, the band covered "Never Say Die" for a second Black Sabbath tribute. They closed the [[Woodstock '99]] music festival and again opened for Iron Maiden in Europe. The year ended with Marty Friedman announcing his departure from the band.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/marty-friedman-explains-decision-to-leave-megadeth-i-just-couldnt-go-on-anymore|title=MARTY FRIEDMAN Explains Decision To Leave MEGADETH: 'I Just Couldn't Go On Anymore'|date=August 11, 2014|work=[[Wondering Sound]]|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=June 1, 2022|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601095834/https://blabbermouth.net/news/marty-friedman-explains-decision-to-leave-megadeth-i-just-couldnt-go-on-anymore|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2000s ===

[[File:Megadeth live in Bucharest, June 15th, 2005-2.jpg|thumb|Mustaine performing in [[Bucharest]], [[Romania]] in 2005]]

As the tour behind ''[[Risk (Megadeth album)|Risk]]'' soldiered on, [[Al Pitrelli]] replaced Friedman on the road. In April, the new lineup entered the studio to begin work on a new album a couple of months before they officially parted ways with Capitol Records. The summer was spent on the road with [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]] and [[Mötley Crüe]]. Capitol released a compilation album in the fall, ''[[Capitol Punishment: The Megadeth Years]]'', featuring two brand new (and more metal-leaning) songs, "[[Dread and the Fugitive Mind]]" was one of the brand new songs and appeared on the next studio album the following year. With a new deal in place with [[Sanctuary Records]], Megadeth returned to the studio toward the end of the year to finish their album and on New Year's Eve, played a show in Anchorage, Alaska.

An acoustic tour sponsored by radio stations, a press tour, and a video shoot for the song "Moto Psycho" all preceded the May 2001 release of ''[[The World Needs A Hero]].'' The summer was filled with festival appearances supporting [[AC/DC]]. In September, Megadeth set out across North America with Endo and [[Iced Earth]]. VH1's "Behind the Music" special on Megadeth aired that year and was later released on DVD. At the end of the year, the band filmed two shows in Arizona, which were released as the 2CD and DVD ''[[Rude Awakening (Megadeth album)|Rude Awakening]].'' The early part of 2002 saw the release of a remixed and re-mastered ''Killing Is My Business...'' with bonus tracks and expanded packaging, followed by ''Rude Awakening''.

In January 2002, Mustaine was admitted to the hospital to have a [[kidney stone]] removed. While undergoing treatment, he was administered pain medication that triggered a relapse. Following his hospital stay, he immediately checked himself into a treatment center in Texas.<ref name="GW2003" /> While at rehab, Mustaine suffered an injury causing severe nerve damage to his left arm. The injury, induced by falling asleep with his left arm over the back of a chair caused compression of the [[radial nerve]].<ref>Mustaine, Dave. Megadeth, Behind the Music. VH1. 2011</ref> He was diagnosed with [[radial neuropathy]],<ref name="Billboard-04-03-02" /> also known as Saturday Night Palsy, which left him unable to grasp or even make a fist with his left hand.<ref name="Megadeth Disbands Press Release" />

On April 3, 2002, Mustaine announced in a press release that he was disbanding Megadeth, officially due to his arm injury.<ref name="Billboard-04-03-02">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/76247/injury-forces-mustaine-to-disband-megadeth |title=Injury Forces Mustaine To Disband Megadeth |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=April 3, 2002 |access-date=May 1, 2015 |archive-date=July 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150727073056/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/76247/injury-forces-mustaine-to-disband-megadeth |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Megadeth Disbands Press Release">{{cite web |publisher=Megadeth's Official website |title=Megadeth Disbands Press Release |year=2006 |url=http://www.megadeth.com/news/pr/disband.html |access-date=November 15, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061021225745/http://www.megadeth.com/news/pr/disband.html |archive-date=October 21, 2006}}</ref> For the next four months, Mustaine underwent intense physical therapy five days a week.<ref name="GW2003">{{cite journal |last=Epstein |first=Dan |title=Die Another Day |date=August 2003 |journal=Guitar World |url=http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_guitarworld2003.html |access-date=November 21, 2006 |archive-date=July 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729174243/http://megadeth.rockmetal.art.pl/interviews_guitarworld2003.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Slowly, Mustaine began to play again, but was forced to "re-teach" his left hand.

Mustaine himself gave what he called "the [[Reader's Digest]] version" of the whole matter during an interview for [[SuicideGirls]]: "I went into retirement because my arm got hurt really bad. I broke up the band which at the time was [[Al Pitrelli]], [[Dave Ellefson]], [[Jimmy DeGrasso]], and myself. I was having problems with Al because he liked to drink, and we didn't want to show up at places with him drunk. Al also got married to a nice woman, but he wanted to spend time with her. After a few years, most married men are willing to die, so I figured if we got a couple years into the marriage that might have changed. But the fact was, Al wasn't fitting. DeGrasso was really hard to be around because he was so negative all the time with his complaining about money and wanting things. Ellefson was all about 'play my songs, play my songs.' I hated being around these guys so when the arm injury happened, it was a welcome relief and an indication that I had to stop."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://suicidegirls.com/interviews/Megadeth+-+Dave+Mustaine/ |title=Megadeth – Dave Mustaine |access-date=May 16, 2008 |author=Daniel Robert Epstein |date=September 14, 2004 |work=SuicideGirls.com |archive-date=June 4, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080604192354/http://suicidegirls.com/interviews/Megadeth+-+Dave+Mustaine/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[File:Dave Mustaine at Priest Fest.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Mustaine in 2009]]Mustaine went through physical therapy for his arm injury. During his recovery, he explored other areas of the music industry, including production. Contrary to what doctors had predicted, within a short time he fully recovered. However, all was mostly quiet on the Megadeth front for the better part of 2003. Mustaine left Jackson guitars, did a solo acoustic performance at a benefit show, unveiled his new ESP model at the NAMM convention, and oversaw the release of ''Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?'' as an audio DVD presented in Dolby 5.1 surround sound.

At the same time, Mustaine's personal life once again underwent changes. It was during this period that Mustaine became a Christian. He expressed his intent to withdraw from a show in Greece that had [[Rotting Christ]] and [[Dissection (band)|Dissection]] opening for Megadeth.<ref name="autogenerated3" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tartareandesire.com/interviews/rottingchrist2.html |title=Rotting Christ interview at |publisher=Tartareandesire.com |date=September 22, 2005 |access-date=November 8, 2011 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110080610/http://www.tartareandesire.com/interviews/rottingchrist2.html |archive-date=November 10, 2016 }}</ref> Mustaine told ''[[The Daily Times (Blount County, Tennessee)|The Daily Times]]'' during a recent interview, his own world was already shattered, and becoming a Christian was the one way he's found to put the pieces back together. "I went back to being a Jehovah's Witness, but I wasn't happy with that." He later said in an interview, "Looking up at the cross, I said six simple words, 'What have I got to lose?' Afterwards my whole life has changed. It's been hard, but I wouldn't change it for anything. Rather go my whole life believing that there is a God and find out there isn't than live my whole life thinking there isn't a God and then find out, when I die, that there is."<ref name="thedailytimes.com">{{cite web |url=http://rockgod.co.nz/id192.htm |title=ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIER: Megadeth's Dave Mustaine talks of his spiritual reinvention |author=Wildsmith, Steve |date=November 19, 2009 |access-date=May 13, 2013 |archive-date=February 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206091045/http://rockgod.co.nz/id192.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Mustaine also considers his talent a gift from God. "To be the No. 1 rated guitar player in the world is a gift from God and I'm stoked about it, but I think Chris is better than I am, anyway," he said. "Either way, I don't put too much earthly merit on it."<ref name="thedailytimes.com" />

In 2004 Mustaine oversaw the remixing and re-mastering of Megadeth's entire [[Capitol Records]] catalog. All albums were re-released with bonus tracks and full liner notes. With one album remaining in his contract to [[Sanctuary Records]], Mustaine began recording what he intended to be his first solo album with drummer [[Vinnie Colaiuta]] and bassist [[Jimmy Sloas]]. Complete with guest solos from old friend Chris Poland, this project became a new Megadeth album, ''[[The System Has Failed]],'' released on September 14, 2004. One month before, Mustaine announced a new touring lineup for Megadeth: [[Glen Drover]] ([[King Diamond]]/[[Eidolon (band)|Eidolon]]) and [[James MacDonough]] ([[Iced Earth]]). Nick Menza had briefly been a part of the new band before differences once again caused his departure. One week before a new US tour with [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]] supporting, new drummer (and Glen's brother) [[Shawn Drover]] ([[Eidolon (band)|Eidolon]]) joined Megadeth.

The "Blackmail The Universe" tour started in February 2005 with Diamond Head and Dungeon supporting. Capitol released a new greatest hits, ''[[Greatest Hits: Back to the Start|Back to the Start]],'' in June, a month before Mustaine created "Gigantour" with [[Dream Theater]], [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]], [[Fear Factory]], [[Symphony X]], [[The Dillinger Escape Plan]], [[Life of Agony]], and more. During 2005 Gigantour Mustaine brought a "spiritual counselor" to help him avoid the problems that almost cost him his life due to his prior drug addictions. The Dillinger Escape Plan frontman [[Greg Puciato]] stated: "He had a pastor walking around with him on tour and riding on his bus, I think to help keep him on the straight and narrow path."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=43063 |title=Dave Mustaine takes a Pastor on tour |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |access-date=October 21, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001010227/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=43063 |archive-date=October 1, 2007 }}</ref>

''[[Arsenal of Megadeth]]'', a two-disc anthology DVD, was released on March 21, 2006. Bass player James LoMenzo ([[Black Label Society]], [[White Lion]]) replaced James MacDonough in February shortly before the band headed to the Dubai Desert Rock Festival in the United Arab Emirates. On April 19, the band began recording a new album, ''[[United Abominations]],'' at SARM studios in the UK ([[David Gilmour]]'s house), they announced a worldwide deal with [[Roadrunner Records]] in May 2006. ''United Abominations'' was released worldwide on May 15, 2007. However, the album had already been leaked before its release. On January 13, 2008, Dave Mustaine confirmed that guitarist Glen Drover had quit Megadeth to focus on his family and that he had been replaced by [[Chris Broderick]] of [[Jag Panzer]]. The new lineup made its live debut in Finland on February 4 and returned to the US for Gigantour 2008 in the spring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://megadeth.com/announcement.php |title=Press Release |date=January 14, 2008 |publisher=Megadeth.com |access-date=November 8, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108011144/http://www.megadeth.com/announcement.php |archive-date=November 8, 2011 }}</ref> The band's twelfth studio album, ''[[Endgame (Megadeth album)|Endgame]]'', was released on September 15, 2009.

Mustaine planned to open Megadeth's California recording studio to under-privileged children to teach them about rock 'n' roll. The band owns a building in [[San Diego]], California, which has housed their recording equipment over the years. In an interview with ''[[Kerrang!]]'', Mustaine wanted to make better use of the studio by turning the space into a learning center for children who come from under-privileged backgrounds. He also said he vowed to teach them how to play instruments.<ref name="music">{{cite web |url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/dave_mustaine_to_open_school_of_rock.html |title=Dave Mustaine to Open School of Rock |work=ultimate-guitar.com |access-date=August 14, 2009 |archive-date=August 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090817101625/http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/dave_mustaine_to_open_school_of_rock.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2010s===
[[File:Megadeth @ Arena Joondalup (12 12 2010) (5272639121).jpg|thumb|Mustaine performing with Megadeth at the [[No Sleep Til Festival]] in [[Perth]] (2010)]]
In 2010, longtime bassist [[David Ellefson]] rejoined Megadeth eight years after its disbanding in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2010/02/09/david-ellefson-rejoins-megadeth/|title=David Ellefson rejoins Megadeth|first=Kevin|last=Johnson|date=February 9, 2010|work=No Treble|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=May 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506231256/http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2010/02/09/david-ellefson-rejoins-megadeth/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ellefson and Mustaine agreed to keep any unresolved issues in the past and to work on building and maintaining their friendship again. Ellefson has since said that he feels that "having that time away created a realization for both of us that while we are both productive individually, Megadeth is definitely stronger with both of us in it together."<ref>{{cite web |title=CasinoReviews Interviews – Dave Ellefson – Founding member of Megadeth |url=https://casinoreviews.com/blog/casinoreviews-interviews-dave-ellefson-founding-member-of-megadeth |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129150826/https://casinoreviews.com/blog/casinoreviews-interviews-dave-ellefson-founding-member-of-megadeth |url-status=usurped |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |access-date=January 29, 2023}}</ref> Megadeth embarked on a ''Rust in Peace'' 20th-anniversary tour, playing the album in its entirety, along with fan favorites such as "Wake Up Dead", "In My Darkest Hour" and "Skin O' My Teeth".

On June 16, "The Big Four" thrash metal bands (Megadeth, Metallica, Anthrax, and Slayer) shared the stage in [[Warsaw]], Poland.<ref name="tbf">{{cite web|url=http://www.krakowpost.com/1769/2009/12|title=The "Big Four" of Heavy Metal Play Poland in 2010|first=Daniël|last=van Hoven|date=December 17, 2009|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=April 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426030635/http://www.krakowpost.com/1769/2009/12|url-status=live}}</ref> The event happened in various other countries like Switzerland,<ref name=tbf/> the Czech Republic,<ref name=tbf/> the United Kingdom,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jul/22/big-four-tour-metallica-slayer|work=[[The Guardian]]|title=Thrash is back on the menu with the Big Four|first=Jamie|last=Thomson|date=July 22, 2010|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=August 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807210948/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jul/22/big-four-tour-metallica-slayer|url-status=live}}</ref> the United States, Greece, Turkey,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://megadeth.com/news/2010/the-big-four-confirmed-for-turkey-s-sonisphere/ |title=The 'BIG FOUR' confirmed for Turkey's Sonisphere |access-date=August 30, 2023 |archive-date=March 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323213242/http://www.megadeth.com/news.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Germany, Sweden<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-s-kerry-king-why-i-decided-to-sit-out-big-four-jam-in-sweden|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|work=[[Aftonbladet]]|date=July 4, 2011|access-date=June 6, 2022|title=SLAYER's KERRY KING: Why I Decided To Sit Out 'Big Four' Jam In Sweden|archive-date=April 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416004659/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-s-kerry-king-why-i-decided-to-sit-out-big-four-jam-in-sweden/|url-status=live}}</ref> and ended at the [[Yankee Stadium]] of New York City on September 14, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wearethepit.com/2020/08/watch-metallicas-entire-yankee-stadium-set-from-the-2011-big-four-show/|work=We Are the Pit|title=Watch Metallica's Entire Yankee Stadium Set From The 2011 Big Four Show|date=August 18, 2020|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=September 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921111836/https://www.wearethepit.com/2020/08/watch-metallicas-entire-yankee-stadium-set-from-the-2011-big-four-show/|url-status=dead}}</ref> "The Big Four" show in [[Sofia]], Bulgaria was recorded and released on Blu-ray and DVD. In 2016, Mustaine expressed interest in doing more Big 4 shows, although this is unlikely due to the breakup of Slayer.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mustaine |first1=Dave |title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine reviews Metallica's Hardwired… To Self-Destruct |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/dave-mustaine-reviews-metallicas-hardwired-to-self-destruct |website=Louder Sound |date=December 6, 2016 |publisher=Metal Hammer |access-date=August 1, 2023}}</ref>

On August 3, 2010, Mustaine released his autobiography in the United States, titled ''Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir''. The book covers Mustaine's life from childhood until the release of the 2009 Megadeth album ''Endgame''. The book was released in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand under the title ''Mustaine: A Life in Metal''. In December 2011, Mustaine appeared at Metallica's 30th-anniversary celebration at the Fillmore Theater and performed five songs from Metallica's debut album. On October 4, 2014, Mustaine's Alzheimer's-afflicted mother-in-law went missing from a campground. Her remains were discovered on November 26.<ref>{{cite web |title=Body of Missing Woman Found in Julian |url=http://www.cbs8.com/story/27495570/body-found-near-campsite-where-woman-went-missing |website=[[KFMB-TV|cbs8.com]] |access-date=November 28, 2014 |date=November 27, 2014 |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129183134/http://www.cbs8.com/story/27495570/body-found-near-campsite-where-woman-went-missing |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Dave Mustaine at the Electric Ballroom in London.jpg|thumb|left|Mustaine at the [[Electric Ballroom]], London, 2012]]
Following the release of Megadeth's 14th studio album, ''[[Super Collider (album)|Super Collider]]'' in 2013, Megadeth began working on their next album, ''[[Dystopia (Megadeth album)|Dystopia]]'' in 2015. David Ellefson commented that work would commence "after the first [day] of the year".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/david-ellefson-megadeth-to-start-work-on-new-album-in-early-2015-spend-much-of-next-year-off-the-road/|work=The Classic Metal Show|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=December 7, 2014|access-date=June 8, 2022|title=DAVID ELLEFSON: MEGADETH To Start Work On New Album In Early 2015, Spend Much Of Next Year 'Off The Road'|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050131/https://blabbermouth.net/news/david-ellefson-megadeth-to-start-work-on-new-album-in-early-2015-spend-much-of-next-year-off-the-road/|url-status=live}}</ref> Lineup changes included the departure of lead guitarist [[Chris Broderick]] and drummer [[Shawn Drover]], both of whom departed the band in late November 2014, both citing creative differences.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/nov/27/megadeth-shawn-drover-chris-broderick-leave-creative-differences|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=November 27, 2014|first=Sean|last=Michaels|title=One half of Megadeth leave group citing creative differences|access-date=June 8, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/nov/27/megadeth-shawn-drover-chris-broderick-leave-creative-differences|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite interview|title=CHRIS BRODERICK On His Decision To Leave MEGADETH: 'It Was Simply Time'|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/chris-broderick-on-his-decision-to-leave-megadeth-it-was-simply-time|interviewer=Jose Mangin|work=[[Liquid Metal (Sirius XM)|Liquid Metal]]|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=December 18, 2014|access-date=June 8, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050132/https://blabbermouth.net/news/chris-broderick-on-his-decision-to-leave-megadeth-it-was-simply-time|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chris Adler]] of [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]] was announced in March 2015 to replace Drover, and [[Kiko Loureiro]] of [[Angra (band)|Angra]] replaced Broderick on lead guitar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/megadeth-kiko-loureiro-well-wishes-angra-bandmates/|first=Chad|last=Childers|date=April 3, 2015|access-date=June 8, 2022|title=Angra Members Proud Guitarist Kiko Loureiro Joining Megadeth|work=[[Loudwire]]|archive-date=September 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920140152/https://loudwire.com/megadeth-kiko-loureiro-well-wishes-angra-bandmates/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/new-megadeth-drummer-chris-adler-goal-to-make-very-best-thrash-album-we-can/|title=Chris Adler on Megadeth: 'Goal Is to Make the Very Best Thrash Album'|access-date=June 8, 2022|date=March 29, 2015|first=Chad|last=Childers|work=[[Loudwire]]|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050131/https://loudwire.com/new-megadeth-drummer-chris-adler-goal-to-make-very-best-thrash-album-we-can/|url-status=live}}</ref>

At the end of March, Mustaine announced via [[Twitter]] that he was "almost done with the writing", and that recording would begin next week.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-megadeth-is-almost-done-writing-new-album-tracking-to-begin-next-week|title=DAVE MUSTAINE: MEGADETH Is 'Almost Done' Writing New Album; Tracking To Begin Next Week|date=March 31, 2015|access-date=June 8, 2022|work=[[Twitter]]|via=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-megadeth-is-almost-done-writing-new-album-tracking-to-begin-next-week|url-status=live}}</ref> Megadeth finished recording the album in July of that year, with the track listing was also revealed in a meeting between Mustaine and Megadeth's official fan club, the Cyber Army.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-new-album-track-listing-revealed-2|title=MEGADETH: New Album Track Listing Revealed|date=July 28, 2015|access-date=June 8, 2022|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050132/https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-new-album-track-listing-revealed-2|url-status=live}}</ref> Mustaine commented in an interview in June that fans are "gonna be happy", because the album is "really aggressive again", and that nothing in the record was too out of the ordinary, apart from small changes in Mustaine's playing due to his brief tenure with the [[San Diego Symphony]].<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617205338/https://www.guitarworld.com/megadeths-dave-mustaine-discusses-new-megadeth-album-working-new-guitarist-kiko-loureiro|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/megadeths-dave-mustaine-discusses-new-megadeth-album-working-new-guitarist-kiko-loureiro|archive-date=June 17, 2015|date=June 16, 2015|access-date=June 9, 2022|title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Discusses New Megadeth Album and Working with Guitarist Kiko Loureiro|first=Richard|last=Bienstock|work=[[Guitar World]]}}</ref> The first single from the new album, ''Fatal Illusion'', was released on October the 1st,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-pre-order-new-album-and-get-access-to-exclusive-behind-the-scenes-content|title=MEGADETH To Release 'Dystopia' Album In January; Hear Brand New Song 'Fatal Illusion' Right Now|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=June 8, 2022|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050133/https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-pre-order-new-album-and-get-access-to-exclusive-behind-the-scenes-content|url-status=live}}</ref> which was followed by the release of the title of the album and its release date via Twitter on October the 2nd.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/megadeth-5-1218564|via=[[NME]]|title=Megadeth announce 15th studio album 'Dystopia'|work=[[Twitter]]|access-date=June 8, 2022|first=James|last=Hendicott|date=October 3, 2015|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://www.nme.com/news/music/megadeth-5-1218564|url-status=live}}</ref> The Dystopia World Tour was announced in support of the album, with [[Children of Bodom]], [[Suicidal Tendencies]], and [[Havok (band)|Havok]] as supporting acts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/music/2015/12/07/megadeth-dystopia-tour-phoenix-concert/76934460/|title=Megadeth bringing Dystopia world tour to Phoenix|work=[[The Arizona Republic]]|first=Ed|last=Masley|date=December 7, 2015|access-date=June 9, 2022|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824062010/https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/music/2015/12/07/megadeth-dystopia-tour-phoenix-concert/76934460/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/megadeth-announce-2015-australian-tour/|work=[[Music Feeds]]|access-date=June 9, 2022|first=Tom|last=Williams|title=Megadeth Announce 2015 Australian Tour|date=August 20, 2015|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928210541/https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/megadeth-announce-2015-australian-tour/|url-status=live}}</ref> The next two singles, ''The Threat Is Real'' and ''[[Dystopia (song)|Dystopia]]'', were released on November 25 and January 7, 2016, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/megadeth-release-new-song-the-threat-is-real/|work=[[Loudwire]]|date=November 25, 2015|access-date=June 10, 2022|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|title=Megadeth Release New Song 'The Threat Is Real'|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050131/https://loudwire.com/megadeth-release-new-song-the-threat-is-real/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=January 7, 2016|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/hear-megadeth-shred-guitar-on-dystopia-title-track-59158/|title=Hear Megadeth Shred Guitar on 'Dystopia' Title Track|first=Kory|last=Grow|access-date=June 10, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/hear-megadeth-shred-guitar-on-dystopia-title-track-59158/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The album was released on January 22, 2016, and debuted at number 3 on the [[Billboard 200]], Megadeth's second-highest-charting album since 1992's ''[[Countdown to Extinction]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/news-megadeth-release-15th-studio-album-dystopia/|title=MEGADETH Release 15th Studio Album 'Dystopia'|work=[[Metal Forces]]|date=January 22, 2016|access-date=June 9, 2022|archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029122605/http://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/news-megadeth-release-15th-studio-album-dystopia/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/megadeth-dystopia-no-3-billboard-chart/|title=Megadeth's 'Dystopia' Reaches No. 3 on Billboard 200 Chart|work=[[Loudwire]]|first=Joe|last=DiVita|date=February 1, 2016|access-date=June 9, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050131/https://loudwire.com/megadeth-dystopia-no-3-billboard-chart/|url-status=live}}</ref> The album was met with generally positive acclaim, with Chad Bowar of [[Loudwire]], calling ''Dystopia'' a "first-rate Megadeth album,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/megadeth-dystopia-album-review/|title=Megadeth, 'Dystopia' - Album Review|work=[[Loudwire]]|first=Chad|last=Bowar|date=January 22, 2016|access-date=June 9, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://loudwire.com/megadeth-dystopia-album-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> however [[Slant Magazine]]'s Benjamin Aspray criticizing the lackluster solos, saying that they "rarely leave much of a mark", and commenting that Mustaine's voice has "never sounded so guttural or monotone".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/megadeth-dystopia/|title=Review: Megadeth, Dystopia|first=Benjamin|last=Aspray|date=January 22, 2016|access-date=June 9, 2022|work=[[Slant Magazine]]|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/megadeth-dystopia/|url-status=live}}</ref> Other critics noted the album's recurrent political themes and commentary on current affairs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/megadeth-dystopia-album/|work=[[UDiscoverMusic]]|date=January 22, 2022|access-date=June 9, 2022|first=Caren|last=Gibson|title='Dystopia': How Megadeth Readied Themselves For The Apocalypse|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/megadeth-dystopia-album/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.redandblack.com/culture/megadeth-returns-to-thrash-metal-with-dystopia/article_c9b576f2-c44d-11e5-9f2d-375f9180a4fc.html|work=[[The Red & Black (University of Georgia)|The Red & Black]]|date=January 26, 2016|title=Megadeth returns to thrash metal with 'Dystopia'|first=Emma|last=Korstanje|access-date=June 9, 2022|archive-date=January 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128055755/http://www.redandblack.com/culture/megadeth-returns-to-thrash-metal-with-dystopia/article_c9b576f2-c44d-11e5-9f2d-375f9180a4fc.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/dystopia-200881/|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=January 20, 2016|first=Kory|last=Grow|title=Megadeth 'Dystopia' Album Review|access-date=June 9, 2022}}</ref>
[[File:Dave Mustaine Show em Curitiba.jpg|Mustaine performing at [[Curitiba]], Brazil in 2016, on the Dystopia world tour|thumb|right]]
The title track of ''Dystopia'' winning the [[Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance]] at the [[59th Grammy Awards]] in February 2017 would start Megadeth's year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/megadeth-win-best-metal-performance-at-59th-annual-grammy-awards/|work=[[Loudwire]]|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|date=February 12, 2017|access-date=June 9, 2022|title=Megadeth Win Best Metal Performance at 59th Grammy Awards|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050132/https://loudwire.com/megadeth-win-best-metal-performance-at-59th-annual-grammy-awards/|url-status=live}}</ref> The band would begin touring again, with Megadeth closing that year's edition of Jakarta's [[Hammersonic Festival]] in May.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2017/05/09/megadeth-rocks-jakartas-hammersonic-festival-2017.html|title=Megadeth rocks Jakarta's Hammersonic Festival 201|work=[[The Jakarta Post]]|access-date=June 10, 2022|date=May 9, 2017|archive-date=February 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228154532/https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2017/05/09/megadeth-rocks-jakartas-hammersonic-festival-2017.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to touring, Mustaine also held a "Megadeth Boot Camp" in March, where fans would be invited to his home in [[Fallbrook, California]]. The bootcamp included lessons on guitar, bass and drums, alongside wine-tasting and a jam session to their 1992 hit ''[[Symphony of Destruction]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/dave-mustaine-on-megadeths-intimate-fan-boot-camp-bands-church-service-194236/|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|title=Dave Mustaine on Megadeth's 'Intimate' Fan Boot Camp, Band's Church Service|first=Kory|last=Grow|access-date=June 10, 2022|date=March 1, 2017|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050133/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/dave-mustaine-on-megadeths-intimate-fan-boot-camp-bands-church-service-194236/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June in an interview with [[WRIF]]'s Mark "Meltdown" Milligan, Mustaine commented that work on the followup to ''Dystopia'' would begin soon, with recording to start around "November, December of this year".<ref>{{cite interview|interviewer=Mark Milligan|via=[[WRAT]]|work=[[WRIF]]|date=June 28, 2017|access-date=June 9, 2022|url=https://wrat.com/2017/06/28/megadeth-aiming-start-working-new-album-end-2017/|title=Megadeth Aiming To Start Working on New Album By End of 2017|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061944/https://wrat.com/2017/06/28/megadeth-aiming-start-working-new-album-end-2017/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The band would embark on several European shows in August, with Megadeth headlining the [[Wacken Open Air]] festival in Germany alongside [[Volbeat]], [[Accept (band)|Accept]], and [[Alice Cooper (band)|Alice Cooper]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://techrush.de/wacken-2017-die-wiese-rockt-seit-28-jahren/|title=Wacken 2017: Die Wiese rockt seit 28 Jahren|date=August 3, 2017|first=Merlin|last=Hess|access-date=June 10, 2022|work=techrush.de|language=de|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061944/https://techrush.de/wacken-2017-die-wiese-rockt-seit-28-jahren/|url-status=live}}</ref> They would also headline that years [[Lokerse Feesten]] in Belgium, alongside [[Marilyn Manson]] and Alice Cooper.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalfans.be/metalfestivals/lokerse-feesten-metaldag-2017|date=August 6, 2017|access-date=June 10, 2022|title=Lokerse Feesten: Metaldag 2017|language=nl|work=metalfans.be|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824061944/https://metalfans.be/metalfestivals/lokerse-feesten-metaldag-2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Megadeth also performed at that year's [[Summer Breeze Open Air]] festival, where [[Nuclear Blast]] celebrated their label's 30th anniversary, with the band co-headlining with [[Korn]], [[Amon Amarth]], [[Kreator]] and [[Heaven Shall Burn]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.summer-breeze.de/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/14/SB17-onlineflyer-07-inclSecrets-UK.jpg|title=Summer Breeze 2017 Online Flyer|work=[[Summer Breeze Open Air]]|access-date=June 10, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://www.summer-breeze.de/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/14/SB17-onlineflyer-07-inclSecrets-UK.jpg|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/10-things-we-learned-at-summer-breeze-2017|work=[[Metal Hammer]]|first=Dave|last=Everly|date=August 26, 2017|title=10 things we learned at Summer Breeze 2017|access-date=June 10, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://www.loudersound.com/features/10-things-we-learned-at-summer-breeze-2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Next was an appearance at the [[Bloodstock Open Air]] in [[Walton-on-Trent]], co-headlining with [[Ghost (Swedish band)|Ghost]] and Amon Amarth.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/aug/14/bloodstock-festival-review-metal-amon-amarth-megadeth|work=[[The Guardian]]|title=Bloodstock festival review – metal's big friendly giants head for Valhalla|first=Dom|last=Lawson|date=August 14, 2017|access-date=June 10, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050130/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/aug/14/bloodstock-festival-review-metal-amon-amarth-megadeth|url-status=live}}</ref> They would finish August with an appearance headlining the [[Elbriot]] festival in [[Hamburg]], alongside [[Trivium (band)|Trivium]] and [[Hatebreed]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wacken.com/de/news-details/elbriot-2017-bestaetigt-die-ersten-bands/|title=Elbriot 2017 bestätigt die ersten Bands|work=[[Wacken Open Air]]|date=December 20, 2016|access-date=June 10, 2022|language=de|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025212034/https://www.wacken.com/de/news-details/elbriot-2017-bestaetigt-die-ersten-bands/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following this, Megadeth would tour North America in September alongside [[Scorpions (band)|Scorpions]] on their "Crazy World Tour", named after the latter band's [[Crazy World (Scorpions album)|1990 LP]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/megadeth-joining-scorpions-for-north-american-fall-tour-111899/|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=March 24, 2017|title=Megadeth Joining Scorpions for North American Fall Tour|first=Ryan|last=Reed|access-date=June 10, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610050131/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/megadeth-joining-scorpions-for-north-american-fall-tour-111899/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November, Mustaine joined the DJ roster for [[Gimme Radio]], promoting his involvement with Megadeth as well as his favorite music and playlists on ''The Dave Mustaine Show''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metalnexus.net/megadeth-frontman-dave-mustaines-radio-show-to-premiere-today/|title=MEGADETH Frontman Dave Mustaine's Radio Show To Premiere Today|date=November 9, 2017|access-date=August 6, 2018|archive-date=August 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806210831/http://metalnexus.net/megadeth-frontman-dave-mustaines-radio-show-to-premiere-today/|url-status=live}}</ref>