MEGADETH frontman Dave Mustaine is eyeing an early retirement from the band - due to persistent problems with his neck.
The 48-year-old rocker takes the blame for his own health issues, and admits he's punished his body for decades by thrashing his head around during performances.
He tells Metal Hammer: “Yeah, retirement is a concern. It has to do with the limitations of my body. I’ve got stuff going on with my neck. I try not to make it obvious but the range of motion in my neck is becoming very limited. I don’t think it has as much to do with wear and tear, as it does with the lack of preparation. There were so many years where I would go out there and just start headbanging. I didn’t think, 'OK Dave, you’re an elite athlete, you do metal calisthenics (exercises) with your left hand… so why don’t you limber up the rest of your body?'"
But the rocker hasn't given up on his music career just yet, and hopes his new exercise routine will alleviate his aches.
He adds, "Over the last two years I’ve really started to take a different approach to my health, my fitness… my life. For the last year I’ve been on a really strict regiment and I try to take really good care of myself so I can play better."