Megadeth cancel Lisbon farewell concert at Evil Live festival, crowd throws cups and demands refunds

Cancellation after half-hour wait

The Megadeth concert at the Evil Live festival in Lisbon was cancelled on Sunday evening, roughly 25 minutes after the band's scheduled 20:50 start time. The American thrash metal group had been announced as a headliner for the one-day event at the Meo Arena, which also featured Marilyn Manson, Mastodon, Converge, The Gathering, and Imminence. A member of the festival organization took the stage to inform the audience that the show would not go ahead, directing people to social media for further explanations. No reason for the cancellation was provided at the time, and the promoter, Prime Artists, had not issued a detailed statement by the time of publication.

Crowd reaction and refund demands

The announcement was met with immediate boos and cups thrown toward the stage. Many attendees left the venue, leaving the arena half empty for the remainder of the evening. Several people shouted demands for ticket refunds. Because the event is a festival, the absence of a single act may not automatically entitle ticket holders to a refund, and the promoter had not yet addressed the issue. On the Meo Arena Instagram page, numerous comments called for reimbursement.

Promoter response

Prime Artists released a brief note stating only that the Megadeth concert would not take place and that Marilyn Manson's show would start at 22:30. A spokesperson told Portuguese media that more information would be provided soon. Manson's set was moved forward from its original 22:45 slot. The promoter did not offer any explanation for the last-minute cancellation.

The Megadeth concert at the EVILLIVƎ Festival will not take place. Marilyn Manson's show will start at 22:30.

More information soon.

Farewell tour and band's condition

Megadeth are currently on what is billed as their farewell tour, following the release of their 2026 self-titled album, which is expected to be the band's last. Frontman Dave Mustaine has been diagnosed with Dupuytren's contracture, a hand condition that will eventually prevent him from playing guitar. The band had last performed in Portugal at the same festival in 2024. Despite the cancellation, the band was known to be in Portugal and had been at the venue before the scheduled performance time.

Festival schedule and background

The Evil Live festival, concentrated into a single day this year after a three-day edition at Estádio do Restelo in 2025, began at 16:10 with Swedish band Imminence. The Gathering and Converge followed, with Mastodon taking the stage at 19:20. Megadeth were due at 20:50, with Marilyn Manson originally set to close the night at 22:45. After the cancellation, Manson's performance was brought forward to 22:30. A warm-up night on Saturday at the Meo Arena's Sala Tejo featured Okkultist, Cavalera Conspiracy, and Trivium.