While Megadeth‘s upcoming self-titled album (due out January 23rd) is being billed as the end of their studio output, it would appear that it may not be the final album to yet emerge from the storied thrash metal group. Vocalist/guitarist Dave Mustaine has confirmed that a live album encapsulating the multi-platinum outfit’s upcoming farewell tour isn’t out of the question.

Mustaine himself announced the upcoming end of Megadeth this past May. While there’s no set end date yet for the group, their extensive farewell tour is expected to run somewhere between 3 to 5 years before the band close up shop. Speaking with Metal Hammer about that recently and the finality that approaches, Mustaine remained firm in this new run really being Megadeth‘s swan song.

Of course, there’s no shortage of bands ‘retiring’ only to return to the stage afterwards. The world of metal and hard rock is filled with those that have reneged on their retirements, with KISS, Mötley Crüe, Slayer, Twisted Sister and more being prime examples.

When asked if Megadeth will be one of the many who have gone back on their word and reunited after completing a farewell tour, Mustaine stated:

“I don’t think so. You see the scuttlebutt that is associated with bands like that. You know they never follow through with it and stick to their word.”

He added:

“Look, it all depends on how the statements are crafted. So, we’re doing no more studio albums. Does that mean there might be a live album at the end of all of this? Yeah, it certainly looks that way.”

He continued:

“There’s so many musicians that have come to the end of their career, whether accidental or intentional. Most of them don’t get to go out on their own terms on top, and that’s where I’m at in my life right now.”

Mustaine recently revealed that issues with his hands have begun to take root as he struggles with a condition known as Dupuytren’s contracture. That ailment progressively pulls the fingers towards the palm. While uncurable, treatments, including surgery and injections, can help alleviate the symptoms.

Speaking on ‘Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk‘ earlier this month in regards to his health concerns, Mustaine stated:

“It had been a long time coming — just physical stuff that was going on with my hands… My hands were letting me down. And there were other things that were difficult because of all the stuff going on in my neck and my trunk. All that area there has arthritis and it has discs that are bulging. I’ve got a broken lumbar bone. Of course, you know I have my back fused, up by my shoulders, by my neck. And just a lot of stuff.

I always said when it got to the point where I was unable to give a hundred percent every night, that’s when I was gonna start considering winding down. And it wasn’t that I was unable to give a hundred percent, because we finished the record, and I think we did a good job on it, but there was a period when we were working and I said to my manager, I said, ‘I don’t know how much longer I can do this. My hands are really hurting.’”