Megadeth's Dave Mustaine embraces 'regular life' after cancer battle
Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine discusses his recovery from throat cancer and his new memoir, 'In My Darkest Hour.' He reflects on his life, his health journey, and his continued passion for music and new hobbies like fencing.
Why it matters
The story provides a personal look at a high-profile musician's battle with a life-threatening illness and his subsequent outlook on life.
Hear this story Dave Mustaine already spent a lifetime overcoming an abusive and alcoholic father and his own addiction demons.
But when he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma at the base of his tongue in February 2019, the cofounder, frontman and guitarist for Megadeth was forced to face his most formidable foe.
“In My Darkest Hour” (out now from Hachette) ‒ named for a song from Megadeth's 1988 album "So Far, So Good... So What!" ‒ details Mustaine’s cancer journey with unflinching candor, plainspokenness and wry humor. The pain he thought was tooth-related. The discovery of an inch-wide tumor at the back of his tongue. The foiled plans for Megadeth to record the follow-up to its Grammy-winning “Dystopia” album . Frustrations with the health care system, even for someone with “wealth and access.” How his faith was tested and his concerns elevated considering his 17 previous trips to rehab.
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