Full Breakdown
David Ellefson Responds to Dave Mustaine's Comments on Megadeth's Farewell Tour
3/12/2026, 1:52:05 PM
Core Event: Ellefson's Reaction to Mustaine's Remarks
Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson has publicly criticized bandleader Dave Mustaine following comments about the band's decision not to reunite with any former members during their farewell tour. In a December interview, Mustaine referenced the "behaviour of one of the band members in the past," which many interpreted as a veiled reference to Ellefson, who was dismissed from the band in 2022 after private video footage was leaked online.
Background & Context: Ellefson's Dismissal from Megadeth
David Ellefson was removed from Megadeth after graphic conversations between him and a woman surfaced, leading to significant controversy. Although rumors suggested that the woman was underage, both Ellefson and the individual involved denied these claims. Following his dismissal, Ellefson's recorded bass parts for Megadeth's 2022 album, *The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!*, were replaced by Testament's Steve Di Giorgio. Ellefson was ultimately succeeded by James LoMenzo, who had previously performed with the band during Ellefson's absence in the mid-2000s.
Ellefson's Critique of Mustaine
In a recent interview on the podcast Quemar Un Patrullero, Ellefson expressed his frustration with Mustaine's comments, stating, “To have it end where it did, and then [for Mustaine] even recently to say, ‘Oh, because of what one person did, I can’t bring anyone back.’ You know what? Fuck off.” He emphasized that he did not engage in any behavior that would prevent his return to the band, asserting that Mustaine's remarks were a deflection. Ellefson also noted that he received support from other prominent musicians during his dismissal, highlighting a sense of betrayal regarding how he was treated by Megadeth.
Official Statements & Responses
Ellefson mentioned that he could pursue legal action regarding Mustaine's comments but has chosen not to, stating, “I either pull you over the line or I just drop the rope and let you fall on your ass.” He expressed a sense of closure regarding his departure from Megadeth, indicating that he does not harbor bitterness towards the band or Mustaine. Ellefson reflected on his experience, comparing it to Mustaine's own firing from Metallica in 1983, suggesting that Megadeth's handling of his situation was less professional.
What's Next: Megadeth's Farewell Tour
Megadeth has embarked on their farewell tour, which began with Canadian shows in February and will extend to South America, followed by US and European festival dates in the summer. The tour is part of the band's decision to conclude their career while still performing at a high level, a choice influenced by Mustaine's hand condition, Dupuytren’s contracture, which causes him pain while playing guitar.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To have it end where it did, and then [for Mustaine] even recently to say, ‘Oh, because of what one person did, I can’t bring anyone back.’ You know what? Fuck off. Just fuck off,” — David Ellefson, Former Megadeth Bassist
- “I either pull you over the line or I just drop the rope and let you fall on your ass. [Laughs] And that’s what I’ve chosen to do – drop the rope.” — David Ellefson, Former Megadeth Bassist
This ongoing conflict between Ellefson and Mustaine highlights the complexities of personal relationships within the music industry, particularly in the context of public scrutiny and personal behavior.
