THE BEAST

Dave Mustaine Says He’s An Independent: “I Vote For Whoever’s The Least Of Two Evils”

MEGADETH Frontman Clarifies Political Views in 2026 Interview

MEGADETH founder and frontman Dave Mustaine has once again addressed his political beliefs, stating that he does not align with either major U.S. political party and considers himself an independent voter.

In a new interview with Roisin O’Connor’s Good Vibrations, the podcast hosted by The Independent music editor Roisin O’Connor, Mustaine explained why he avoids publicly endorsing political parties and why he believes musicians are better off keeping their personal politics private.

“The world has developed into a place where if you’re somebody offering a product, it’s best for you not to talk about your political persuasion,” Mustaine said. “People never used to say who they voted for. It’s none of your goddamn business. People think I’m a right-winger. I’m not. I’m an independent. I’ve voted for Democrats, I’ve voted for Republicans. I vote for whoever’s the least of two evils, sometimes three.”

Dave Mustaine Responds to Political Labels

Mustaine also addressed the long running narrative that paints him as a right wing political figure. According to the MEGADETH leader, much of that reputation stems from former band members or associates who left the group on bad terms and later spoke negatively about him.

He added that fans who meet him in person often come away with a very different impression.

“When we’re down in South America, we’ll sit out on the steps of the hotel and serenade the fans,” Mustaine said. “That’s how we really are. That’s how we live. We love our fans.”

“I’m Spiritual, Not Religious,” Says Mustaine

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Mustaine further clarified his beliefs, saying that while he identifies as a Christian, he does not view himself as a right wing political figure. He also described himself as spiritual rather than religious, noting that his worldview does not neatly fit into modern political boxes.

Mustaine has repeatedly emphasized that his involvement in political initiatives has historically focused on encouraging civic participation rather than pushing a specific party agenda. He previously took part in the “Rock The Vote” campaign in the early 1990s, aimed at getting young people registered to vote, regardless of party affiliation.

Dave Mustaine on Politics and Heavy Metal

Over the years, Mustaine has drawn both praise and criticism for speaking openly about political and social issues. He has said that heavy metal musicians should not be assumed to be disconnected from civic life and that artists have the right to hold independent views without being forced into partisan categories.

“I don’t try and tell people in my songs what to do,” Mustaine has said in past interviews. “I try to show both sides and let people decide for themselves.”

While some of Mustaine’s past comments have sparked controversy, he has maintained that media outlets have often taken his remarks out of context and amplified narratives that do not reflect his actual political stance.

MEGADETH’s Ongoing Legacy

As one of the founding figures of thrash metal, Dave Mustaine remains a central voice in heavy metal culture more than four decades into his career. MEGADETH continues to tour and release new material, and Mustaine remains outspoken not only about music, but about the cultural space metal occupies in modern society.

Whether fans agree with his views or not, Mustaine’s comments continue to fuel discussion around the intersection of heavy metal, politics, and free expression in 2026.