After spending the month of September opening for Iron Maiden in Europe, Megadeth [ tickets ] is gearing up for a tour of North America. The band recently released its ninth studio album, "Risk" (Capitol).

The tour opens with two shows on Saturday (10/9), starting with a 4pm gig at the Arizona State Fair in Phoenix, then a nighttime appearance at San Diego radio station KIOZ's ''When Band's Attack'' show at Coors Amphitheatre.

Megadeth's itinerary is dominated by headlining performances at theaters and large clubs through November. Static-X [ tickets ] and Loudmouth [ tickets ] will support on most October dates. Opening acts for November will be announced later. The band will also mix in a few radio station events. Megadeth has made several special appearances in 1999, including the closing slot at Woodstock '99. The band recently topped rock radio charts with the single ''Crush 'Em,'' which got a boost when the band performed it live on ''Monday Nitro,'' World Championship Wrestling's flagship show on the TBS cable network.