David Ellefson, the former bassist of Megadeth, discussed his tumultuous exit from the band during a recent episode of his podcast, shedding light on a pivotal moment that contributed to his strained relationship with band leader Dave Mustaine. This confrontation reportedly occurred in 2018 when Mustaine suggested re-recording Metallica’s iconic demo, “No Life Til Leather,” a concept Ellefson found unsuitable while they were meant to be focusing on their own music.
Ellefson explained that his disagreement with this idea symbolized a deeper conflict within the band. He expressed his reluctance to simply follow Mustaine’s direction without questioning it, marking a turning point in their professional relationship. “I was just, like, ‘Yeah, I ain’t down with that,’” he stated, reflecting that this moment set the stage for their ongoing issues.
The bassist also expressed his discontent regarding the recording process of Megadeth’s latest album, “The Sick, The Dying … and the Dead!” which he described as a painful experience. Ellefson felt that the album, released in September 2022 and peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, did not represent his contributions and was marred by personal tensions. He lamented that every creative input he provided was ultimately removed, resulting in a project he could not emotionally connect with, stating, “I’m glad to be away from it, to be honest with you.”
Despite the challenges faced by the band, “The Sick, The Dying … and the Dead!” achieved commercial success, with one single, “We’ll Be Back,” even earning a nomination for a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance. However, the shadow of his departure and the difficulties surrounding the album’s creation have left Ellefson with unresolved feelings, making it difficult for him to listen to the final product.
As the music industry continues to evolve, the underlying dynamics within bands like Megadeth highlight the creative tensions that can arise, ultimately shaping the future of their work and relationships. This story serves as a reminder of the complexities artists face and the importance of open communication within collaborative environments.