Dave Mustaine posts note about Kiko Loureiro’s departure from Megadeth, but deletes it

Megadeth released a statement, signed by leader Dave Mustaine, about the removal of Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro from the band’s activities. The note remained on social media for a few minutes until it was deleted.

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Despite the removal, the content remains live on journalist Mitch Lafon’s page. In the text, Mustaine describes Loureiro’s situation as an “extended leave” and confirms that Teemu Mäntysaari will continue in his role, but adopts a farewell tone when asking fans to support the Brazilian’s “next endeavors”.

Read below.

“Last week I received a call from my partner, Kiko Loureiro, and we talked a little. I asked how things were going regarding the important matters that led to his absence from the previous tour, which was necessary for him to be with his family.
I want to update you now on what Kiko shared with me. But before that, I want you to know that I love, respect and fully support Kiko’s decision. He emphasized his love for me, for Megadeth and for all of you, our fans.
Remembering that Kiko had to leave the tour last August to take care of very important and private family matters. He was conflicted but grateful when I told him he needed to take care of his family. He agreed, but he was still worried about us – meaning the fans and Megadeth. I told him at the time, ‘Go! Kiko, you will never be able to get back that time with your family, I know that… I paid the price myself’. In the end, he agreed.
Kiko is a top-notch professional, a maestro – and he didn’t want to hurt me or Megadeth. We found a solution to find a replacement for him during this period and that’s when he introduced and trained Teemu Mäntysaari to take our place. Initially, this would only happen until the first week of October 2023. However, things rarely go as planned.
The 2023 tour is over and it was long and arduous. It looks like 2024 will be even more intense, with extensive touring commitments that will keep us on the road for most of the year.
We had many conversations with Kiko about this and they were all very positive. Kiko will remain on extended leave due to our heavy touring commitments next year and we will continue to move forward with Teemu Mäntysaari as Megadeth’s guitarist.
I would like to thank Kiko for his dedication and hard work over the last 9 years, helping us win a Grammy for ‘Dystopia’ and the additional awards we received for this latest album ‘The Sick, The Dying… and The Dead’.
I couldn’t have done it without Kiko Loureiro. We hope to see you all supporting Kiko in his next endeavors and we look forward to seeing you next year at Killing Road. We have exciting plans to share with you all in our next newsletter.
Dave Mustaine

The tone adopted by Mustaine was the same as Loureiro in his statement. Read the note in full:

“I want to share a decision that was not easy for me.
In September, I had to leave the American tour for family reasons. In 2024, there will be an even heavier schedule with Megadeth. After reflection and discussions with Dave Mustaine and the Megadeth team, we have agreed that the correct move is to extend my absence. I don’t want to disrupt any of the band’s plans, nor the hard work of the amazing people involved.
My 9 years with Megadeth were incredible, with many ‘pinch me’ moments. Unforgettable tours, a Grammy for ‘Dystopia’, another Grammy nomination and high praise for ‘The Sick, the Dying and the Dead’ were just some of the highlights. I know that every heavy metal fan can understand how incredible it is to play and create music with a band you grew up listening to and share the stage with guitar legends like Dave Mustaine, as well as incredible musicians like James LoMenzo and Dirk Verbeuren, as well as the team incredible.
However, the most beloved aspect of these 9 years was being able to meet Megadeth’s incredible team of devoted fans around the world. Your dedication is inspiring and I have enormous admiration and respect for all of you.
Lots of love, see you soon!”

Kiko Loureiro and Megadeth

Kiko Loureiro joined Megadeth in 2015, when he took the place of Chris Broderick, current member of In Flames. He has recorded two studio albums: “Dystopia” (2016) and “The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!” (2022). Both reached 3rd place on the Billboard 200, the main chart in the United States.

Tour through Latin America

Megadeth will tour Latin America next April. Brazil will have a unique date in São Paulo. The presentation will take place at Espaço Unimed on April 18. Tickets are on sale.

Here is the complete trip itinerary: