Headliner Avenged Sevenfold pulls out of Busan rock fest a day before show — Megadeth to headline both nights

Avenged Sevenfold, the headliner for the 2026 Busan International Rock Festival opening Friday, abruptly canceled their performance just one day before the show. American heavy metal legends Megadeth will step in to headline on both days of the festival instead.

The festival announced the cancellation Thursday on its official social media, saying it had received word from Avenged Sevenfold that "due to a member's health, they are unable to perform as scheduled on Oct. 2."

"The artists have poured their energy into preparing the best possible show, from last year right up until now," the organizers said. "However, a member is currently in a condition that makes it difficult to board a flight to Korea. Both the artists and we ourselves are deeply disappointed."

Avenged Sevenfold is one of the defining bands of American metalcore, with a Billboard No. 1 album to their name. Their appearance had been eagerly anticipated as their first visit to Korea in 11 years since January 2015, making the sudden cancellation all the more jarring for fans.

Adding to the confusion, photos of Avenged Sevenfold taken after a performance at SGC Hall Ariake in Tokyo surfaced on social media Wednesday — just one day before the cancellation notice went up Thursday. The fact that the band had been fulfilling their Japanese schedule right up to the last moment prompted many fans to question the sudden withdrawal.

Online reaction was swift, particularly given that the band was set to headline the festival's opening night. Comments ranged from "Megadeth, who are practically at death's door, are still showing up — what health issue?" to "The show is literally tomorrow and the organizers just got blindsided" and "A headliner not being able to make it is legendary."

Some fans went further, posting on the festival's official social media with suggestions such as "Can't Megadeth just do double duty?" and "Please offer Megadeth triple the fee to stand on stage both nights."

As it turned out, the fans' idea became reality. Megadeth, who had already arrived in Busan, agreed to headline on both Friday and Saturday — an arrangement that is highly unusual for a major domestic festival.

The festival confirmed Friday that "Megadeth has been confirmed as the headliner for the Samnak Stage on Oct. 2," adding, "We are grateful to Megadeth for agreeing to join us despite the sudden request."

The news drew an outpouring of appreciation online. Fans called Megadeth "real grandpas whose health we should actually be worried about, cleaning up after a young band," with others writing "Thank you so much — I can't believe I get to see Megadeth two nights in a row" and "The staff who turned the worst situation into the best possible outcome — we're so grateful." One comment read: "A band on the verge of retirement that outclasses everyone else in career and professionalism alike."

Megadeth are legends of American heavy metal with more than four decades of acclaimed albums behind them. The band announced their retirement after releasing their 17th studio album, "Megadeth," in January, and are currently on a farewell tour.

Frontman Dave Mustaine, 65, recently opened up about being diagnosed with Dupuytren's contracture, a rare condition that causes the fingers to curl inward, as he reflected on his impending retirement. He was also diagnosed with throat cancer in 2019 and underwent treatment.

The 2026 Busan International Rock Festival runs Friday through Sunday at Samnak Ecological Park in Sasang-gu, Busan. A total of 99 acts from Korea and abroad are taking part, including Megadeth, Song Golmae, Jannabi, Hanroro, Woods, Broccoli, You Too, Jang Beom-june, Idiotape, N.Flying and Kwon Jin-ah.