Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine is set to release his third memoir, In My Darkest Hour, on September 8 through Da Capo Press. The book offers a personal look at his life following a 2019 diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma at the base of his tongue, tracing his path through treatment, recovery, and his return to music.
Co-written with The New York Times journalist Joe Layden —who previously collaborated with Mustaine on his 2010 autobiography Rust In Peace—the memoir continues the artist’s tradition of documenting pivotal moments in his life and career. While his earlier books explored his rise in thrash metal and the making of landmark records, this latest installment focuses on one of his most difficult personal battles.
Mustaine shared: “My new book, “In My Darkest Hour,” releases on September 8th. One of most harrowing experiences of my adult life has been my seven-year journey through cancer treatment and onward into remission. This story is considerably more than just go to the doctor, get diagnosed, get treatment and hopefully I live happily ever after. This was a journey of me saving myself, staying alive, keeping my family together, and continuing to make music through it all.”
The memoir provides a front-row view of Mustaine’s life during treatment, showing how he balanced radiation and chemotherapy sessions with hours-long recording sessions. Beyond the medical struggle, the book follows the making of Megadeth’s 2022 album The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!
Ben Schafer, executive editor at Da Capo Press, emphasizes the memoir’s candidness: “In My Darkest Hour is Dave Mustaine at his most revealing, vulnerable and true. With lacerating honesty and soulful reflection, he speaks to the universal human experience of facing serious illness and how it changes a person, their family and friends, and one’s relationship with creativity.”
The memoir release arrives during a major turning point for Megadeth. After more than four decades in the thrash metal scene, the band has launched a farewell tour alongside their final studio album, a self-titled record that debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Mustaine previously explained that the decision to retire was influenced not only by timing, but also by ongoing health concerns, including Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition affecting his hands and ability to play guitar. The band resumed touring with dates across South and Central America beginning in April. For tour info, head: HERE.
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