Kiko Loureiro explains Megadeth absence: I’m someone who “needs freedom”

Megadeth guitarist Kiko Loureiro has elaborated on why he’s taking an “extended leave of absence” from the band in a new interview

Megadeth guitarist Kiko Loureiro has explained his decision to step back from the band for the foreseeable future.

It was announced in September that the Brazilian musician, 51, would miss the band’s remaining 2023 Crush The World dates to spend time with his family and be replaced by Wintersun’s Teemu Mäntysaari. Megadeth then revealed on November 19 that Loureiro would also miss their 2024 dates, with the guitarist taking what band leader Dave Mustaine called an “extended leave of absence”.

“After thorough reflection and discussions with Dave Mustaine and Megadeth’s management, we have collectively agreed that it is the right move to extend my absence,” Loureiro said in a statement.