In an interview with Clash Music, Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine explained that he never hires friends as band members, preferring to establish professional relationships first. He believes that working with friends can complicate matters if someone needs to be dismissed, potentially damaging personal ties.
Mustaine highlighted the importance of being smart and practical, advising new musicians to stay in school and learn life skills like managing finances. He compared band dynamics to a business relationship that may evolve into friendship over time but warned against mixing friendship and work from the start.
Regarding Megadeth's frequent lineup changes through the years, Mustaine acknowledged the challenges but noted that his band has had fewer member shifts compared to others. He described the current lineup as having a special cohesion and credited that chemistry as a key element of the band's ongoing success.
Drummer Dirk Verbeuren also reflected on recent personnel changes, sharing that former guitarist Kiko Loureiro left for family reasons while Teemu Mäntysaari was brought in smoothly with Loureiro's recommendation. Verbeuren remarked that bassist James LoMenzo’s return was natural due to his history with the band and praised both newcomers' musicianship and character.
Megadeth's seventeenth and final studio album, released in January 2026 under Mustaine’s Tradecraft imprint, is set to become their highest-charting record in the UK. The album continues the band's collaboration with producer Chris Rakestraw, who worked on their previous two releases.