In the ever-evolving world of rock ‘n’ roll, sometimes family calls louder than the roar of the crowd. Such is the case for Megadeth’s virtuoso guitarist, Kiko Loureiro. He announced via Megadeth’s Twitter account he has decided to take a brief hiatus from the band’s “Crush The World” tour to be with his children in the serene landscapes of Finland.

Loureiro, with the eloquence of a poet and the heart of a father, shared, “Our new record ‘The Sick, The Dying, and The Dead’ and our ‘Crush The World’ tour have been monumental. The love from fans worldwide has been overwhelming… I have to leave the tour for now to be home with my children, and to help them face the difficult challenges that arise from us being “dads who work away from home.”

But fret not, Megadeth fans. The show will go on. Teemu Mäntysaari, known for his work with WINTERSUN and SMACKBOUND, will be stepping in for Loureiro. Dave Mustaine, Megadeth’s iconic frontman, expressed his support, “Go! Go be there for your family and keep us posted!” Mustaine assures fans that they’ll get to meet Teemu on September 6, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the Revel Arena.

Mäntysaari, a prodigious talent from Tampere, Finland, picked up the guitar at the tender age of 12. By 2004, he was already making waves in the music scene. Loureiro himself, who replaced Chris Broderick in 2015, has been a significant force in Megadeth, receiving high praise from Mustaine for his contributions, especially to the band’s 2016 album, ‘Dystopia’.

Mustaine once remarked about the qualities of a legendary musician, “You need ability, appearance, and attitude.” He found all three in Kiko Loureiro, saying, “His ability was astronomical, his attitude confident without arrogance, and his stage presence commanding.”

As Megadeth continues to “Crush The World,” fans worldwide send their love and support to Loureiro, eagerly awaiting his return to the “Killing Road.”