Hot off their final album release, legendary “Big 4” Thrash Metal Gods Megadeth make their Sturgis Rally debut at the Buffalo Chip on Aug. 8, 2026—bringing with them a once-in-a-lifetime performance rooted in metal’s most legendary origin story.
Sturgis, SD (Dec. 18, 2025): In addition to their fan favorites, rumors are swirling that Megadeth will perform Metallica’s “Ride the Lightning” live at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip for the first time ever—a song originally co-written by Megadeth founder Dave Mustaine during his early days with Metallica. The historic track appears on Megadeth’s forthcoming self-titled album, slated for release Jan. 23, 2026, and billed as the band’s final studio release. The performance offers rally-goers and metal fans alike a rare glimpse into an alternate chapter of thrash metal history—what Metallica might have sounded like had Mustaine stayed in the band.
The fact remains that Mustaine didn’t stay in the band and went on to form Megadeth, one of the most prolific and best-selling metal bands of all time. When Megadeth make their debut at the Legendary Buffalo Chip on Saturday Aug. 8, 2026, the heavy metal riffage will be so fast and loud that it’ll melt faces and blow the clothing right off the rally crowd (allegedly).
Passes are available at BuffaloChip.com.
Megadeth’s blast radius of impact has only magnified since their formation in 1983. They’ve sold 50 million records worldwide, received a GRAMMY® Award (with 12 additional nominations), generated billions of streams, notched seven Top 10 entries on the Billboard 200, and enthralled millions of diehard fans in arenas and stadiums across the globe.
Now, vocalist, guitarist, songwriter and producer Dave Mustaine and the boys are coming to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip for the first time on Aug. 8 to jam all the favorite hits like “Symphony of Destruction,” “Holy Wars,” “A Tout Le Monde,” and so many more, as well as offerings from their newest self-titled album releasing Jan. 23, 2026.
“You’ve heard it a lot, but have you actually ever seen a face melt at a concert?” Mused Sturgis Buffalo Chip President Daymon Woodruff. “Could Megadeth be the first to make it happen? Come and see for yourself…and wear an apron just in case.”
For the 2026 event, Buffalo Chip guests can experience concerts, charity rides, events, a freedom celebration, custom bike shows, stunts, women’s events, racing and more. The festival runs Aug. 7-16, 2026, and the band lineup announced so far includes Lainey Wilson, David, Lee Roth, Lynyrd Skynyrd. For a full list of Sturgis Buffalo Chip events, see BuffaloChip.com/EVENTS. The Buffalo Chip is home to the Sturgis Rally Information Center™ and is the official sponsor of Sturgis.com’s free Official Sturgis Rally Registration Program.
About the Sturgis Buffalo Chip
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip® is the award-winning leader in music and motorcycle lifestyle experiences. Hailed as The Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling® and The Best Party Anywhere®, it has been the epicenter of the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally since its establishment in 1981. Every August, the Buffalo Chip brings together the world’s largest gathering of music and motorcycle fans, with visitors from all 50 states and over 20 countries. It remains one of the world’s most televised and longest-running independent music festivals. The Chip advances the Sturgis Rally by being home to the Sturgis Rally Information Center™ and the official sponsor of the Sturgis.com Official Sturgis Rally Registration
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