After David Ellefson's departure in May 2021, Megadeth faced the challenge of finding an experienced bassist to continue touring and promoting their new album. Dave Mustaine turned to James LoMenzo, who had already been a key part of the band from 2006 to 2010, bringing solidity and professionalism to the bass. LoMenzo initially joined as a touring musician in the summer of 2021, quickly proving his ability to adapt to Megadeth's demanding classic and modern repertoire.
The chemistry between Mustaine, Loureiro, LoMenzo, and Verbeuren solidified over the following months, and in 2022 Mustaine officially confirmed LoMenzo as the permanent bassist, restoring a stable and experienced lineup to the band. This lineup embarked on international tours presenting 'The Sick, The Dying... and The Dead!' throughout 2022 and 2023, performing both historic classics and new material, reaffirming Megadeth's relevance on the world's most important stages.
The combination of three musicians with extensive tenure in the band (Mustaine, LoMenzo, and Loureiro) alongside Dirk Verbeuren's energy and precision on drums allowed Megadeth to maintain a high technical and stage level, earning praise from both critics and fans.
In mid-2023, the lineup underwent a significant change when Kiko Loureiro announced his temporary departure from touring to attend to family matters. In response, Mustaine followed Kiko's recommendation and recruited Finnish guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari, known for his work with Wintersun. Teemu joined as touring guitarist in September 2023, bringing remarkable technique, freshness, and versatility to Megadeth's sound, ensuring the band's continuity on stage during Loureiro's absence.
During this period, the band maintained its international activity, adapting to changes and once again demonstrating its ability to evolve and overcome challenges, consolidating its legacy as one of the most influential and resilient metal bands in the world.
