Megadeth Prove Their Might at The O2 as Farewell Era Begins
- Alan Bryce
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
O2 London – 26th October 2025.
WORDS / IMAGES ALAN BRYCE
The O2 Arena was bursting at the seams for what felt like a double-headliner event. Although Megadeth were officially billed as the support act for Disturbed’s The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour, they took the stage with the commanding presence of true legends. Fans donning Megadeth shirts were almost as numerous as those sporting Disturbed attire, highlighting the enduring allure of Dave Mustaine’s thrash metal powerhouse.
Megadeth kicked off their lean, powerful 12-song set at 6:30 p.m., opting for a refreshingly stripped-down approach. With no elaborate staging—just a stark backdrop and pure sonic aggression—the rhythm section, featuring James LoMenzo on bass and Dirk Verbeuren on drums, provided a rock-solid foundation for the technical fireworks from Mustaine and Teemu Mäntysaari. Mäntysaari’s lightning-fast solos added a modern edge to the performance, while Mustaine’s vocals alternated between snarling aggression and raw, emotive grit.
The inclusion of “Tipping Point,” their blistering new track, was a standout moment and a tantalising preview of what’s to come. The crowd erupted during classics like “Peace Sells” and “Symphony of Destruction,” with numerous mosh pits breaking out during “Holy Wars.” The audience’s energy was palpable, with fans headbanging and singing along passionately to every word.
Megadeth’s upcoming self-titled 17th and final studio album is scheduled for release on 23 January 2026. Produced by Dave Mustaine and Chris Rakestraw, it will feature Mäntysaari’s debut and LoMenzo’s return. The lead single, “Tipping Point,” dropped earlier this month and signals a classic thrash direction with modern intensity.
The album will launch Megadeth’s farewell tour in 2026, marking the end of an era for one of metal’s most influential bands. Their London set was a triumph—a perfect blend of nostalgia and forward momentum. If this truly is their final lap, they are bowing out at the peak of their powers. While Disturbed’s theatricality provided a striking contrast, Megadeth undoubtedly stole the night with their sheer musical ferocity and the audience’s fervent reaction.
Setlist:
Skin o’ My Teeth
Hangar 18
She-Wolf
Angry Again
Sweating Bullets
Trust
Tipping Point (New Single)
Tornado of Souls
Mechanix
Peace Sells
Symphony of Destruction
Holy Wars… The Punishment Due
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