Megadeth Make History With Rare Live Metallica Cover

For only the second time in their storied 40-plus year career, Megadeth have performed a live cover of a Metallica song. The thrash metal legends delivered the surprise rendition during their concert in Bogota, Colombia, on April 26, 2026, marking a significant milestone on their ongoing farewell tour.

The band, led by Dave Mustaine, expanded their setlist to include two notable additions: “This Was My Life,” taken from 1992’s Countdown to Extinction, and their take on the 1984 Metallica classic “Ride the Lightning.” The latter is also featured as a bonus track on Megadeth‘s final studio album.

Coincidentally, both tracks share a thematic link to the electric chair. In “This Was My Life,” Dave Mustaine sings, “Paybacks are a bitch, I throw the switch / Somewhere an electric chair awaits,” while “Ride the Lightning”—a song Dave Mustaine co-wrote during his tenure in Metallica—is entirely centered on the grim method of execution.

A Rare Moment in Thrash History

While Megadeth has long kept “Mechanix” as a staple of their live performances, the band has rarely ventured into covering Metallica material. The only other documented instance of such a performance occurred in 2013 during the Gigantour. On that occasion, the band was joined by former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted for a performance of “Phantom Lord,” another track co-written by Dave Mustaine.

Megadeth Setlist — April 26, 2026

01. “Tipping Point”
02. “Hangar 18”
03. “Wake Up Dead”
04. “In My Darkest Hour”
05. “Skin o’ My Teeth”
06. “I Don’t Care”
07. “She-Wolf”
08. “Sweating Bullets”
09. “This Was My Life” (Tour debut)
10. “Angry Again”
11. “Trust”
12. “Tornado of Souls”
13. “Let There Be Shred”
14. “Mechanix”
15. “Ride the Lightning” (Metallica cover) (Live debut)
16. “Peace Sells”
17. “Symphony of Destruction”
Encore:
18. “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due”

As Megadeth continues their globe-trotting farewell tour, which is currently scheduled through late November, fans are witnessing a band reflecting on their legacy while continuing to deliver high-energy performances. For more information on upcoming dates, visit the official Megadeth website.