Megadeth Singer Mustaine Calls It Quits, Group Disbands

NEW YORK (Megadeth Official Website) - Megadeth has decided to disband after nearly than 20 years of making music together. The end of the group stems from lead vocalist Dave Mustaine's January injury in which he suffered severe damage to his left arm and hand. The move comes despite the fact that the band still has three years left on its contract with Sanctuary Records.

Mustaine began his career as a member of Metallica, only to get fired from that group in 1983. The dismissal gave the singer the strength to start his own band, Megadeth.

In a written statement expressing his decision to leave Megadeth and thus disband the group, Mustaine writes, "I have had a terrific time singing and playing for you while I was in Megadeth. I am truly grateful for all the numerous gold, platinum, and multiplatinum records I have been awarded, as well as the many international record awards. And I can never thank you, our fans past and present, enough for your loyalty and affection over the years."

As for what's next up for Mustaine, the singer says, "My immediate goals now are to do what I can to make something good come out of this terrible situation. First and foremost, I want to use this opportunity to devote more time, energy, and attention to my wife Pam and my two children, Justis and Electra."

Megadeth released its first album Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good! in 1985. Since that time, the group has garnered seven Grammy nominations for best metal performance. Megadeth's most recent release, a greatest-hits package titled Rude Awakening, came out in March. An accompanying VHS and DVD also titled Rude Awakening comes out on Tuesday (April 9).