Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine will publish his memoir 'In My Darkest Hour' in September 2027. The book details his battle with throat cancer diagnosed in 2019 and its impact on his life and career. It coincides with the band's farewell tour.
Dave Mustaine, the founder of Megadeth, has announced the upcoming release of his memoir titled "In My Darkest Hour," set for September 2027 by Grand Central Publishing's revived Da Capo label. This imprint, focused on music-related books, stems from the 2016 acquisition of Da Capo Press by Hachette Book Group, which underwent reorganization in 2024.
The memoir chronicles Mustaine's experiences following his 2019 diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma at the back of his tongue. At age 58, Mustaine confronted the potential end of his career and voice, amid a lifetime of struggles including an alcoholic father, addiction, and other personal demons. Despite the ordeal, he underwent radiation and chemotherapy while pushing forward with creative work.
Co-written with journalist Joe Layden, who previously collaborated on Mustaine's 2010 autobiography "Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir" and Ace Frehley's "No Regrets: A Rock 'N' Roll Memoir," the book offers a raw account of resilience. Layden is also known for "The Last Great Fight," detailing James "Buster" Douglas's 1990 upset victory over Mike Tyson.
Mustaine's diagnosis spurred him to balance treatment with music production, leading directly to Megadeth's sixteenth studio album, "The Sick, The Dying…And The Dead!" The narrative explores how facing mortality drew him closer to his family, reinforced his faith, and highlighted vulnerabilities in his artistry. As Mustaine puts it in the description, it is a "powerful reflection on the harsh truths and raw realizations that can only come from confronting death," emphasizing perseverance and humanity.