Megadeth is set to release a version of “Ride the Lightning” on their self-titled farewell album, which will drop on January 23, 2026. Dave Mustaine co-wrote this iconic track with James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Cliff Burton before he was let go from Metallica in 1983.
Mustaine shared his thoughts on including the song in the album, saying, “As I come full circle on the career of a lifetime, the decision to include ‘Ride the Lightning’ was to pay my respects to where my career first started. I thought it was just a great way to honor James and Lars and to close the circle.”
He also clarified why he doesn’t see it as a cover. “I don’t think it’s a cover version because I wrote the song too,” he explained. “When we played it for fans of that band and that song, the consensus has been that we did a fitting homage.”
The album will feature 10 tracks and will be released through Mustaine’s Tradecraft label in partnership with Frontiers Label Group’s BLKIIBLK. “Ride the Lightning” will be included as a bonus track.
Megadeth’s North American farewell tour kicks off on February 15 in Victoria, BC, and will wrap up in Quebec City on March 6. There’s a chance the tour could extend into 2026, giving fans more opportunities to see the band live.
Mustaine has confirmed that former members will not participate in the farewell tour. Current guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari will handle much of the solo work on the new version of “Ride the Lightning” alongside Mustaine.
