Megadeth cancel shows after vocalist Dave Mustaine reveals cancer diagnosis

Taking to Instagram, Mustaine wrote: "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.
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"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.
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"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.
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"I’m so thankful for my whole team – family, doctors, band members, trainers, and more.
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"I’ll keep everyone posted.
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See you soon,
Dave Mustaine"

According to Mustaine's post, Megadeth are still set to perform at their five-day metal-themed concert and cruise - Megacruise - where they'll play alongside Anthrax, Testament, and other acts.

Dave Mustaine

Born in 1961, Mustaine was originally the lead guitarist of Metallica. However, following an acrimonious split from the band, he formed Megadeth in 1983.

The band helped popularise the sub-genre of "thrash metal", with their music featuring complex arrangements and fast rhythm sections, as well as lyrical themes of death, war, politics, and religion.

Megadeth's debut album Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good! was widely acclaimed, and won them a major recording contract with Capitol Records, who also released the platinum-selling Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?.

Mustaine's career has been marred by his struggles with drug addiction, as well as developing radial nerve damage in arm.

Despite this, the band went on to release their latest album, Dystopia, in 2016.

Earlier this year, Megadeth also released their career retrospective Warheads on Foreheads.

If Mustaine's past record is anhything to go by - he'll be back touring again before we know it...