Megadeth's Dave Mustaine diagnosed with throat cancer

The singer and guitarist announced the news in a post on Megadeth’s official website this evening and explained that the majority of the band’s 2019 shows have been cancelled while he receives treatment.

His full statement reads:

“I’ve been diagnosed with throat cancer. It’s clearly something to be respected and faced head on – but I’ve faced obstacles before. I’m working closely with my doctors, and we’ve mapped out a treatment plan which they feel has a 90% success rate. Treatment has already begun.

“Unfortunately, this requires that we cancel most shows this year. The 2019 Megacruise will happen, and the band will be a part of it in some form. All up to date information will be at megadeth.com as we get it. Megadeth will be back on the road ASAP.

“Meanwhile, Kiko, David, Dirk and I are in the studio, working on the follow up to Dystopia – which I can’t wait for everyone to hear.

“I’m so thankful for my whole team – family, doctors, band members, trainers, and more.

“I’ll keep everyone posted.

“See you soon,
Dave Mustaine”

> I’ve been diagnosed with throat cancer. It’s clearly something to be respected and faced head on - but I’ve faced obstacles before. I’m working closely with my doctors, and we’ve mapped out a treatment plan which they feel has a 90% success rate... https://t.co/8FBQUmloSf pic.twitter.com/CPuu2UFPv1 > > — Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) June 17, 2019

Everyone at Planet Rock wishes Dave a speedy recovery.

Members of Megadeth, Anthrax, Toto, Black Star Riders, Overkill, Stryper, Lacuna Coil, Fozzy and many other stars from across the rock world have reacted to the news on social media. You can read some of the posts below: 

> Prayers and positive vibes out to my friend @DaveMustaine Cancer doesn’t stand a chance fighting this guy! You got this bro... 👊 #fuckcancer pic.twitter.com/NFyiKnTHYT > > — Mike Portnoy 🤘 (@MikePortnoy) June 17, 2019

> Please keep the legend Dave Mustaine in your thoughts and prayers as he kicks this throat cancer's ass! 🤘 > > — Papa Roach (@paparoach) June 17, 2019

> @DaveMustaine ...Get well Dave.
> If anyone can beat this its you! > > — Steve Lukather (@stevelukather) June 17, 2019

> Praying for my friend @DaveMustaine for a full and speedy recovery! https://t.co/0vq6hqcnzV > > — David Ellefson (@ellefsondavid) June 17, 2019

> Believing in faith that God can and will heal and restore you my friend..... Many are with you in thoughts & prayers🙏🙏🙏 https://t.co/e7kmrxs9fl > > — MichaelSweet Stryper (@michaelhsweet) June 17, 2019

> To our brother Dave, We are with you. Stay strong and all the best for your speedy recovery. Much love from all of us at Anthrax https://t.co/80H17DJagn > > — Anthrax (@Anthrax) June 17, 2019

> Sending positive vibes to @DaveMustaine who has just been diagnosed with throat cancer. Stay strong brother! @Megadeth @TheMEGACruise > > — OVERKILL (@OverkillBand) June 17, 2019

> To my old mate Dave, sending love, positivity, strength and a wee bit of the ol’ ☘️☘️☘️. You got this bro !! #davemustaine #megadeth #fuckcancer @ Beverly Hills, California https://t.co/xe7OScKVmK > > — rickywarwick (@rickywarwick) June 17, 2019

> Much love and light to @DaveMustaine.
> We’re by your side.
> Fuck cancer. > > — Mark Morton (@MarkDuaneMorton) June 17, 2019

> I have 100% faith you will conquer this as you do everything else. Get better soon my friend. iiii]; )' > > — Slash (@Slash) June 18, 2019

> > > View this post on Instagram > > Sending healing vibes to my bloodbrother and friend for what’s almost my entire musical life @davemustaine . If anyone can battle this and kick the ass of this, it’s you brother. Your Exodus family is with you, as is the entire metal community 🤘🏻#fuckcancer > > A post shared by Gary Holt (@garyholt_official) on Jun 17, 2019 at 9:26am PDT

> > > View this post on Instagram > > Tout le monde is with you, Dave. We all love you and are with you 🖤💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 @davemustaine > > A post shared by 𝕮𝖗𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖓𝖆 𝕾𝖈𝖆𝖇𝖇𝖎𝖆 (@cristinascabbia) on Jun 17, 2019 at 9:34am PDT

> > > View this post on Instagram > > Sending out love and prayers to my bro @davemustaine as he gets ready to battle throat cancer. Dave is a fighter and he’s at his best when he’s pissed off...so look out cancer! The metal community is with you Dave...! > > A post shared by Chris Jericho (@chrisjerichofozzy) on Jun 17, 2019 at 9:40am PDT