Fans have been worried about the health condition of David Mustaine. The co-founder of the heavy metal rock band Megadeth and original lead guitarist of Metallica informed followers of his throat cancer diagnosis on June 17. Considering Mustaine’s health, Megadeth had to cancel their scheduled tour and was replaced by The Misfits at the 2019 Psycho Vegas Music Festival. Four months later, Megadeth’s bassist/co-founder David Ellefson finally brought some light in such darkness. According to Ellefson, Mustaine has completed his throat cancer treatment, his health took a turn for the better. While Ellefson is hoping the new Megadeth album — which is underway — can release in 2020, a solid release plan hasn’t been announced yet, Consequence of Sound reports.

Ellefson revealed Mustaine’s good news in an interview with Pomelo Rocker. “With Dave’s throat cancer treatments that he has now completed, and he’s just going through the recovery now, we’re hopeful and optimistic about a full recovery for him with that.” Ellefson added, “once he’s through that process, we’re gonna just let that take as much time as it needs, and then we’ll resume with the album. I’d like to hope maybe 2020 we’ll be able to get a new album out.”

Mustaine’s cancer battle reminds us all that life can change in an instant. “Sometimes life throws you cards you didn’t expect,” Ellefson said. However, the misfortune only turned Mustaine into a better survivor. As Ellefson stated, “Megadeth, we’ve always been a resilient band and we’ve always just worked around obstacles. Dave’s a fighter, as we know. Just talking to him, he sounds very optimistic about the future for Megadeth.” It’s cheerful that Mustaine has decided to leverage the scars the lashing of this war had left on him and transform himself in a positive and powerful way.

Megadeth announced a 2020 European tour with Five Finger Death Punch. The tour embarks on January 20, which would be Mustaine’s first show since the announcement of his cancer battle. Check out the tour dates and grab your tickets HERE. Ellefson previously released his debut solo album, a heavy metal bodywork, Sleeping Giants. You can check out the music video of the title track “Sleeping Giants” HERE.

Photo Credit: Mauricio Alvarado