David Ellefson

Last updated

David Ellefson
David Ellefson (cropped2).jpg
Ellefson playing at the Illinois State Fair in 2019
Background information
Birth nameDavid Warren Ellefson
Born (1964-11-12) November 12, 1964 (age 60)
Jackson, Minnesota, U.S.
Genres
OccupationBassist
Years active1982–present
Member of
Formerly of
Website davidellefson.com

David Warren Ellefson (born November 12, 1964) is an American musician, best known for his long tenure as the bassist and backing vocalist for thrash metal band Megadeth across two stints.

Contents

Ellefson initially became an accomplished bassist and honed his songwriting skills while leading several of his own bands through the club scene of North America's Midwest region before relocating to Los Angeles. He was then the bassist of Megadeth from 1983 to their breakup in 2002, and again from 2010 to 2021.

Ellefson co-founded the hard rock band the Lucid in 2021 alongside vocalist Vinnie Dombroski (Sponge), guitarist Drew Fortier (formerly of Bang Tango), and drummer Mike Heller (Fear Factory, Malignancy, Raven). In addition to playing bass guitar in Megadeth and the Lucid, Ellefson had various side projects, which include Temple of Brutality, F5, Killing Machine, and Metal Allegiance.

Biography

First tenure with Megadeth and initial departure (1983–2002)

Other than guitarist, vocalist, and primary lyricist Dave Mustaine, Ellefson was the only constant member of Megadeth from the time of their establishment in 1983 to the group's dissolution in 2002; Mustaine reformed Megadeth without Ellefson in 2004. Mustaine referred to Ellefson as "Dave Junior", which was often shortened to "Junior" after former vocalist Lawrence Renna started calling him it to differentiate between the two Daves. He appeared on every album and tour from 1985's record Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good! up until 2002's Rude Awakening. In the early days of Megadeth, Ellefson played using his fingers, but as Megadeth progressed and the music became more complex, he tended to prefer playing with a pick, or plectrum. Ellefson was credited with some Megadeth songs, including "Family Tree" from 1994's Youthanasia (in the 2004 remastered collection of the CD, however, the track is credited to Mustaine, Ellefson, Friedman, Menza, but Mustaine credited the Rust in Peace -era line-up with the entire Youthanasia album as a tribute to the band's success at the time of the record's initial release). [1]

Post-Megadeth career and return (2002–2010)

Ellefson on stage during Sweden Rock Festival 2009 Davidellefson.jpg
Ellefson on stage during Sweden Rock Festival 2009

Ellefson formed F5 following Megadeth's 2002 disbandment. The band featured Ellefson on bass, Dale Steele on vocals, Steve Conley on lead guitar, John Davis on rhythm guitar, and former Megadeth bandmate Jimmy DeGrasso on drums. Their first album, A Drug for all Seasons, was released in 2005. F5 appeared in support for Disturbed in February 2006 and toured the American Mid-West in the summer of 2006. Ellefson also appeared on the new Killing Machine record Metalmorphosis in 2006 alongside DeGrasso; he has also been working with Temple of Brutality. Ellefson is currently a member of the melodic power metal band Avian, which features singer Lance King. He commented in an interview with Alternative-Zine.com that "Megadeth was really just a starting point for me, creatively". [2] Ellefson played five tracks for the Soulfly album Prophecy and also played on one track on Dark Ages . He also worked with underground emcee/Record producer Necro for his album entitled Death Rap .

Ellefson is also a member of a cover band called Hail!. Ellefson, DeGrasso (Mike Portnoy for 2010), Tim "Ripper" Owens and Andreas Kisser formed the band in late 2008. The band was, as of April 2009, touring Europe. Ellefson participated in the Christmas Rock project Northern Light Orchestra, he performed bass on many of the 17 tracks produced by rock drummer Ken Mary and also at the live show Christmas in April Orpheum Theatre, Phoenix, Arizona.

In February 2010, Ellefson received a text message from Megadeth drummer Shawn Drover, saying "if ever there was a time for you and Dave [Mustaine] to talk, now is it". [1] Ellefson was invited to rehearse with the band. After the phone call, the news was released that Ellefson would return to the Megadeth lineup. Ellefson was quoted saying "it felt like I never left" after their first rehearsal together. [3]

Second tenure with Megadeth and departure (2010–2021)

In 2013, Ellefson announced that his autobiography, entitled My Life with Deth, would be issued by American publisher Howard Books. The memoir was co-written with author Joel McIver, and features a foreword by Alice Cooper. [4]

Ellefson performing with Megadeth in 2016 Megadeth performing in San Antonio, Texas (27457608296).jpg
Ellefson performing with Megadeth in 2016

In 2018, it was announced that Ellefson had begun work on More Life with Deth, the follow-up to his 2013 memoir My Life with Deth, to be co-written with Ellefson's business partner, and frequent collaborator, Thom Hazaert. [5] [6] The book was released on July 16, 2019, by UK based Jawbone Press, and features contributions from Alice Cooper, K.K. Downing of Judas Priest, Dan Donegan of Disturbed, Brian Welch of Korn, Mark Slaughter, Ron Keel, Jason McMaster of Dangerous Toys, Frank Bello of Anthrax, Chris Adler (Lamb of God, ex-Megadeth), Mark Tremonti of Creed and Alter Bridge, Kiko Loureiro and Dirk Verbeuren of Megadeth, actor Kristian Nairn ( Game of Thrones ), and more, plus a foreword by My Life with Deth co-author, and Bass Player Magazine editor Joel McIver. [7]

In late 2018, he confirmed he was considered to be a Metallica bassist twice: in 1986, after Cliff Burton was killed in a bus accident, and again in 2002 when bassist Jason Newsted left the band a year earlier. [8] He was not included in the documentary Metallica: Some Kind of Monster showing musicians auditioning for the band, however, and after Newsted's departure the position was ultimately filled by Robert Trujillo (former Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves and Ozzy Osbourne). In 2019, Ellefson said since he rejoined Megadeth, he is a salaried member as opposed to being an "equal owner" with Mustaine in order to retain their friendship. [9]

On May 24, 2021, Dave Mustaine released a statement on behalf of the band that David Ellefson had once again parted ways with Megadeth, following allegations of sexual misconduct with an underage fan. Ellefson denied any wrongdoing, [10] and the other party denied being underage and said explicit videos were released without her consent. [11] On June 17, 2021, Dave Mustaine announced in his weekly Gimme Radio show that he intended to hire a new bassist to rerecord Ellefson's bass tracks for Megadeth's 2022 album The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! [12] Ellefson's parts were overdubbed by Steve Di Giorgio of Testament. [13] Former Megadeth bassist James LoMenzo, who Ellefson replaced in 2010, would rejoin Megadeth in 2022 as Ellefson's full-time replacement.

Post Megadeth projects (2021–present)

Ellefson in 2022

Following his departure from Megadeth, Ellefson formed a new band named The Lucid. With Ellefson on bass, the band also consists of drummer Mike Heller (Fear Factory, Malignancy), guitarist Drew Fortier, and vocalist Vinnie Dombroski (Sponge, Spys4Darwin). Between September and October 2021, the band released three singles; "Maggot Wind", "Damned", and "Hair". [14] Their self-titled debut, The Lucid, was released on October 15, 2021. [15]

In January 2023, the Lucid released their sophomore effort, a five-track EP titled Saddle Up and Ride. [16] The EP includes a guest performance from Insane Clown Posse vocalist Violent J on the title track as well as a cover of Faith No More's "Epic" retitled as "Sweet Toof". [17] Between December 2022 and January 2023, four singles from the EP were released; "Saddle Up and Ride", "Mumps", "Risk Machine", and "Sweet Toof". [18]

In 2022, Ellefson formed the death metal band Dieth with Guilherme Miranda on guitar and vocals and Michał Łysejko on drums. The band released their first single, In the Hall of the Hanging Serpents, on July 13, 2022. The band released three more singles and their first album To Hell and Back in 2023. Song Walk With Me Forever from the same album marks Ellefson's first time in his career singing lead vocals.

In 2022, Ellefson formed the band Kings Of Thrash with former Megadeth guitarist Jeff Young. The band plays songs from the first three studio albums of Megadeth live (and sometimes Mustaine-penned Metallica tunes, such as "Jump In The Fire"). [19] They had former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland as a guest on their The MEGA Years tour in 2022. In February 2023, the group also played shows with the original lead guitarist for Megadeth, Greg Handevidt. Ellefson and Handevidt were the first two members who joined Megadeth. [20]

In April 2024, Ellefson will be filling in for bassist D.D. Verni on Overkill's upcoming Latin American tour, as Verni will be unable to perform as he is recovering from shoulder surgery. [21]

Other ventures

Ellefson Music Productions – EMP Label Group

In October 2015 it was announced that Ellefson had launched a record label and production company, Ellefson Music Productions, also known as EMP Label Group, and would release In Your Face, the debut EP from Phoenix-based all-girl pop punk group Doll Skin (which Ellefson also produced), in conjunction with Megaforce Records in North America, and Cargo Records in Europe. [22] [23] The EP was released October 30 in North America, and December 18 in Europe, and re-released as an LP titled in Your Face (Again) in March 2016 via eOne Distribution. The singles from the LP received airplay on many prominent stations in the US and Europe, including Rodney Bingenheimer's weekly show on influential LA Rock station KROQ.

Since forming in 2015, EMP Label Group has secured distribution from eOne in North America and SPV in Europe, with the roster spread among several imprints including EMP Label Group (Ellefson Music Productions in Europe) and EMP Underground. [24] [25] [26] Ellefson also appears on a recurring segment "Mandatory Megadeth" on Hazaert's Dash Radio show. [27] In January 2017, Ellefson opened Ellefson Coffee Co. in his hometown, Jackson, Minn. [28]

Ellefson Films

In May 2019 Ellefson along with business partner Thom Hazaert formed Ellefson Films and are producing the upcoming found footage horror film Dwellers; written, directed by, and starring Drew Fortier with James L. Edwards and Douglas Esper co-starring. [29] On top of producing the project, Ellefson and Hazaert will also be appearing in the film as featured cameos.

A 50 second teaser trailer for the film was released in August 2019. [30]

Ellefson Films held a Q&A panel at Rue Morgue's annual Frightmare in the Falls horror convention to speak about Dwellers, which is intended to be released in 2020 through film festival showings eventually leading to digital and physical distribution. [31] During the panel Ellefson along with Drew Fortier revealed that Dwellers is a gritty found footage horror film with the story being told as a documentary gone severely wrong drawing influences from such films as The Blair Witch Project (1999) and C.H.U.D. (1984) [32]

In November 2019, the full trailer for Dwellers was released. [33]

The film was released October 12, 2021. [34]

The Ellefson Book Co.

In November 2020 Ellefson announced that he had completed a fiction thriller novel titled Rock Star Hitman co-written with Drew Fortier to be released via his book imprint The Ellefson Book Co in December 2020. [35] It was revealed on the Decibel Geek Podcast in an interview with Ellefson and Fortier that an album very loosely tying into Rock Star Hitman recorded with Vinnie Dombroski from Sponge on vocals, Mike Heller from Fear Factory on drums, Drew Fortier on guitar, and Ellefson on bass would be released in 2021 under the name Lucid. [36]

Personal life

Marriage and children

Ellefson and his wife, Julie, were married in 1993. [37] They have a son and a daughter. [38]

Feud with Mustaine

Mustaine intended to release a solo album in 2004, which would become The System Has Failed , although due to contractual obligations, Mustaine released it under the Megadeth name. [39] Ellefson and Mustaine had a severe legal disagreement over royalties and rights to Megadeth's name and back catalog, resulting in Ellefson filing an unsuccessful lawsuit. Though the two once enjoyed a close friendship, considerable animosity developed between Ellefson and Mustaine to the point that on Ellefson's website, Megadeth was not mentioned in his biography, only in the discography.

In a mid-2005 podcast, Ellefson did not mention his past with Megadeth at all, instead concentrating on discussing his current projects. Mustaine felt Ellefson was unfairly using the Megadeth name when advertising an amplifier for Peavey. Mustaine claims to have had dinner with Ellefson around Christmas in 2005 to talk things through; this got them on good terms, as Mustaine has stated that they spoke on the phone numerous times afterward. [40] In 2010 Mustaine and Ellefson agreed to keep any unresolved issues in the past and were working on building and maintaining their friendship again.

Since this time Ellefson has gone on to say that he feels "that having that time away created a realization for both of us that, while we are both productive individually, Megadeth is definitely stronger with both of us in it together." [41]

Ellefson's dismissal from Megadeth in 2021 spurred renewed tensions with Mustaine, with the pair frequently attacking each other in interviews. Ellefson accused Mustaine of “not having his back” when the sexual misconduct allegations against him surfaced, while Mustaine has downplayed Ellefson's contributions to Megadeth and denied he was a founding member of the band. [42]

Christianity

Ellefson, like his ex-bandmate Dave Mustaine, is a committed Christian. "Well, I was actually brought up in a Christian household, so I have, you know, a pretty broad knowledge of it; [I had] strayed from it for quite a while, [but] now that I have children, I actually do go to church, so I've kinda sorta returned to it, you know?" [43] Ellefson further discussed his Christianity in a 2010 interview on The Full Armor of God Broadcast explaining "I've found that when you just suit up and show up and walk your talk instead of talking your talk all the time, that is often the best testimony!" [44] [45]

In an article titled CODA – Ready for a MEGA Life, Ellefson indicated that in the fall of 2007 he began the new MEGA Life Ministries worship service in Scottsdale, AZ. "Oddly, the service has become one of my most rewarding and musically invigorating gigs I've ever had ... a gig that literally landed in my lap and not something I had to chase down either. Not only are the parishioners respectful (no bar fights, spilled drinks and foul mouthed hecklers in the crowd like many secular gigs) but it's a musical event my whole family participates in. Plus, I was finally given the venue to put into practical application the very words I'd been trying to live by for many years which is 'Play music for God, not us'." [46] Ellefson began studying for the ministry in the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod through an extension program of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. [47] [48]

Controversy

On May 10, 2021, videos of Ellefson masturbating were posted on Twitter. The videos, recorded in 2020 by a fan that Ellefson was in correspondence with, initially led to accusations of child grooming. However, Ellefson and the other party both denied the accusations and stated that it was consensual adult conduct. An official statement released the next day from Megadeth stated that the situation was being "watched closely". [49] On May 24, 2021, Dave Mustaine released a statement stating that, in light of the recent allegations and an already strained relationship, Megadeth had officially parted ways with Ellefson again. [10]

On May 26, 2021, Ellefson released the following statement: [50]

Recently, a very private video was illegally posted on the internet and false allegations were made against me. The actions in the video were between two consenting adults and were recorded without my knowledge. I am working with Scottsdale Police Department in their investigation into charges regarding revenge pornography to be filed against the person who posted this video. Also, my lawyers are preparing a defamation lawsuit to be filed against this person. This person will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I am taking this time to be with my family. I wish my bandmates the best with their upcoming tour.

Equipment

Ellefson performing with Megadeth in 2011, with his signature series Jackson bass Dave Ellefson Kiev 04.JPG
Ellefson performing with Megadeth in 2011, with his signature series Jackson bass

After rejoining Megadeth in early 2010, Ellefson started using his old Jackson Custom and Concert bass guitars and Hartke amps again. [51] He used an LH1000 with two HX810s on the Rust in Peace 20th Anniversary Tour. He has since moved onto using the Kilo amplifier. In early 2011, Jackson released a Dave Ellefson Concert and Kellybird signature model, both in 4-string and 5-string variants. [52] According to providence website, Ellefson has used or is still using the Dual Bass Station. Ellefson formerly used Peavey amps and his Peavey Zodiac DE Scorpio 4-string signature bass. In the early days of Megadeth, Ellefson, along with Dave Mustaine, primarily used B.C. Rich instruments, most notably Ironbird and Mockingbird basses, the latter of which he has still been known to periodically bring out on occasion.

Ellefson plays exclusively with a guitar pick, as he is unable to perform in fingerstyle the fast tempos and palm-muting in many Megadeth songs. Ellefson shifted exclusively to pick playing since Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? , after recording their debut effort with a mix of fingerstyle and playing with a pick.

Discography

With Megadeth

Solo releases

With Ellefson

With the Lucid

With Dieth

With Ellefson "ES" Soto

Guest appearances

Filmography

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Megadeth</span> American thrash metal band

Megadeth is an American thrash metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1983 by vocalist/guitarist Dave Mustaine. Known for their technically complex guitar work and musicianship, Megadeth is one of the "big four" of American thrash metal along with Metallica, Anthrax, and Slayer, responsible for the genre's development and popularization. Their music features complex arrangements and fast rhythm sections, dual lead guitars, and lyrical themes of war, politics, religion, death, and personal relationships.

<i>Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!</i> 1985 studio album by Megadeth

Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! is the debut studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth, released on June 12, 1985, by Combat Records. At the beginning of 1985, the band was given $8,000 by Combat to record and produce its debut album. The band was forced to fire their original producer and produce the album by themselves, after spending half of the album's budget on drugs, alcohol, and food. Despite the poor production, the album was a well-received effort that obtained strong reviews in various music publications. Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! played an essential role in establishing thrash metal as an authentic subgenre of heavy metal music. It explores themes of death, occultism, and violence.

<i>Peace Sells... but Whos Buying?</i> 1986 studio album by Megadeth

Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? is the second studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth, released on September 25, 1986, through Capitol Records. The project was originally handled by Combat Records, resulting in the original mix of the album being co-produced by Randy Burns. Capitol Records then bought the rights to the album and hired another producer named Paul Lani to mix it himself. The recording of the album was difficult for the band, because of the ongoing drug issues the members had at the time. Drummer Gar Samuelson and guitarist Chris Poland were fired shortly after the album's promotional tour for drug abuse, making Peace Sells Samuelson's last Megadeth album. Poland reappeared as a session musician on Megadeth's 2004 album The System Has Failed. The title track, noted for its politically conscious lyrics, was released as the album's second single and was the band's first music video. The album's cover art, featuring the band's mascot Vic Rattlehead in front of a desolated United Nations Headquarters, was created by Ed Repka.

<i>So Far, So Good... So What!</i> 1988 studio album by Megadeth

So Far, So Good... So What! is the third studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth, released on January 19, 1988, by Capitol Records. It was the band's only album recorded with drummer Chuck Behler and guitarist Jeff Young, both of whom were fired from the band in early 1989, several months after the completion of the album's world tour. So Far, So Good... So What! features music performed at fast tempos with technical ability; lyrically, frontman and guitarist Dave Mustaine addresses a variety of topics, including nuclear holocaust and freedom of speech.

<i>Cryptic Writings</i> 1997 studio album by Megadeth

Cryptic Writings is the seventh studio album by American heavy metal band Megadeth. Released on June 17, 1997, through Capitol Records, it was the band's last studio album to feature drummer Nick Menza. His departure would mark the end of the band's longest lasting lineup to date, having recorded four studio albums. Megadeth decided to produce the record with Dann Huff in Nashville, Tennessee, because they were not satisfied with their previous producer Max Norman. The album features twelve tracks with accessible song structures, specifically aimed for radio airplay. The lyrics were also altered, in order to make the music more inclusive for wider audience. These changes were met with mixed opinions from music critics, who noted the band moving away from their thrash metal roots.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dave Mustaine</span> American musician (born 1961)

David Scott Mustaine is an American musician. He is best known as the co-founder, frontman, primary songwriter and sole consistent member of the thrash metal band Megadeth and for his time as the lead guitarist of Metallica. Mustaine has released sixteen studio albums with Megadeth, sold over 38 million records worldwide, with six albums platinum-certified, and won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2017 at the 59th Grammy Awards, for the title track of their fifteenth studio album, Dystopia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peace Sells</span> 1986 single by Megadeth

"Peace Sells" is a song by American thrash metal band Megadeth from their 1986 album Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?, written by Dave Mustaine. The song was released as the band's second ever single in November 1986. "Peace Sells" was the group's breakthrough hit, and is regarded as one of the best songs in the history of heavy metal. Since 1985, the song has since been a constant at Megadeth concerts. According to David Ellefson, it became quickly apparent when playing the song live prior to recording the album that "Peace Sells" would be a hit. In 2006, VH1 ranked "Peace Sells" at number 11 on their list of the "40 Greatest Metal Songs" of all time. In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked the song number nineteen on their list on the 100 greatest heavy metal songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Poland</span> American guitarist (born 1957)

Chris Poland is an American guitarist, best known as the former guitarist of the thrash metal band Megadeth. Since 2002, Poland has been the guitarist of the instrumental rock/jazz fusion bands OHM and OHMphrey, among others, and has appeared on several projects and albums from a variety of different genres.

<i>The System Has Failed</i> 2004 studio album by Megadeth

The System Has Failed is the tenth studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth, released on September 14, 2004. It was the band's second and final studio album to be distributed by Sanctuary Records. The System Has Failed was the first album to be released after Dave Mustaine recovered from his arm injury sustained in 2002. It is also the first of four Megadeth studio albums not to include original bassist and co-founder David Ellefson. The album features former Megadeth member Chris Poland (guitar), who previously performed on Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! (1985) and Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? (1986), and session musicians Vinnie Colaiuta (drums) and Jimmie Lee Sloas (bass).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Megadeth discography</span> Musical artists discography

American thrash metal band Megadeth has released sixteen studio albums, six live albums, seven compilation albums, one EP, fifty-nine singles, ten video albums, and fifty music videos. After he was fired from Metallica in 1983, guitarist and vocalist Dave Mustaine formed Megadeth along with bassist Dave Ellefson, guitarist Greg Handevidt, and drummer Richard Girod. After some initial lineup changes during 1984, Megadeth's lineup was cemented, consisting of guitarist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson, guitarist Chris Poland, and drummer Gar Samuelson. The band toured and gained a following, signing with the independent label Combat Records in late 1984. Megadeth's debut album Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! (1985), sold very well for an independent release, and the group attracted the attention of major record labels. By the end of the year, the group signed with Capitol Records. Megadeth's first major-label album, Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?, was released in 1986.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lee Rauch</span> American drummer (1964–2023)

William Lee Rauch was an American drummer who played in several thrash metal bands based in California from 1983 to 1987.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sudden Death (song)</span> 2010 single by Megadeth

"Sudden Death" is a song by American heavy metal band Megadeth. It was written by Dave Mustaine for inclusion in the 2010 music video game Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, which was released on September 28, 2010, in North America. The song itself was released as a single with cover art on iTunes on September 24, 2010, and on September 28, Roadrunner Records made the song available for streaming on its website.

<i>Thirteen</i> (Megadeth album) 2011 studio album by Megadeth

Thirteen is the thirteenth studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth. It was first released in Japan on October 27, 2011, and worldwide on November 1, 2011. It is the first Megadeth studio album since The World Needs a Hero (2001) to feature bassist and founding member David Ellefson, who returned to the band in 2010. Thirteen debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 42,000 copies in its first week. The album broke into the top 20 in several other markets as well. It has sold about 120,000 copies in the United States as of December 2012. The album has received positive reviews from critics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thom Hazaert</span>

Thom Hazaert is an American musician, author/journalist, music executive and radio personality. He was co-founder and president of Corporate Punishment Records and currently runs THC: MUSIC, a management firm and label. With David Ellefson, he relaunched metal label, Combat Records, as part of EMP Label Group. Hazaert's work was also influential in the early advent of lifestyle street and viral marketing among rock acts, as an independent consultant for record labels including Flip Records, Interscope Records, Warner Bros. Records, Hollywood Records, Jive Records, and as co-founder of Total Assault Street Teams.

<i>Dystopia</i> (Megadeth album) 2016 studio album by Megadeth

Dystopia is the fifteenth studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth. It was released on frontman and guitarist Dave Mustaine's Tradecraft label via Universal on January 22, 2016. It is the first Megadeth album to feature guitarist Kiko Loureiro, the only album with drummer Chris Adler, and their last with bassist David Ellefson. The album was produced by Mustaine and Chris Rakestraw and features cover artwork by Brent Elliot White.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EMP Label Group</span> American record label

EMP Label Group, also known as Ellefson Music Productions, is an American record label formed in October 2015, which was founded by former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drew Fortier</span> American musician (born 1987)

Andrew Lawrence Fortier is an American musician, guitarist, filmmaker, actor, and author. He is best known for his work with The Lucid; which he cofounded alongside Vinnie Dombroski (Sponge), David Ellefson, and Mike Heller. He was guitarist for the now late Chuck Mosley. He has directed and edited the documentary Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie as well as the David Ellefson produced horror film Dwellers which Fortier also wrote and stars in. He is the author of Dark, Depressing, and Hilarious which is an autobiography on his career thus far.

<i>The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead!</i> 2022 studio album by Megadeth

The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! is the sixteenth studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth, released on September 2, 2022, on frontman Dave Mustaine's Tradecraft label via Universal. It is the first Megadeth album to feature drummer Dirk Verbeuren, their last album with guitarist Kiko Loureiro, and their first studio album in six years since Dystopia (2016), marking the longest gap between two studio albums in the band's career. The album was produced by Mustaine and Chris Rakestraw.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Lucid</span> American hard rock band

The Lucid is an American hard rock group consisting of guitarist Drew Fortier, drummer Mike Heller, bassist David Ellefson (ex-Megadeth), and vocalist Vinnie Dombroski.

References

  1. 1 2 Dome, Malcolm (February 9, 2010). "David Ellefson Exclusive: Why I'm Back In Megadeth". Classic Rock . Archived from the original on November 1, 2013. Retrieved April 4, 2014.
  2. ↑ "David Ellefson interview with Alternative-Zine.com". idiomag. October 22, 2008. Retrieved October 28, 2008.
  3. ↑ Prince, Pat (March 8, 2010). "So Far, So Good With Megadeth Reunion". Goldmine . Retrieved April 4, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Megadeth Bassist's Autobiography Due Next Year". Blabbermouth.net. December 21, 2012. Retrieved April 4, 2014.
  5. ↑ "David Ellefson Readies 'More Life With Deth' Memoir Follow-UP". Loudwire. May 4, 2018. Retrieved June 15, 2019.
  6. ↑ "David Ellefson's New Megadeth Book Coming in 2019". Loudwire. December 26, 2018. Retrieved June 15, 2019.
  7. ↑ "Bassist Dave Ellefson Releases "More Life With Deth" on July19TH". Eddie Trunk. May 21, 2019. Retrieved June 15, 2019.
  8. ↑ "Megadeth's David Ellefson Almost Joined Metallica… Twice'". Loudwire.com. December 28, 2018. Retrieved December 30, 2018.
  9. ↑ Rosenberg, Axl (May 28, 2019). "Dave Ellefson Is a Salaried Member of Megadeth: "In Order to Have a Friendship, I Had to Give up Some Ownership"". MetalSucks. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  10. 1 2 "Megadeth Officially Parts Ways With David Ellefson Following Sex Video Scandal". Blabbermouth.net. May 24, 2021. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
  11. ↑ Grow, Kory (June 7, 2021). "David Ellefson: Ex-Megadeth Bassist Details Revenge-Porn Case in Police Report". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  12. ↑ DiVita, Joe (June 18, 2021). "Megadeth to Replace David Ellefson's Bass Parts on New Album, Mustaine Confirms". Loudwire. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  13. ↑ "MEGADETH's New Album, 'The Sick, The Dying... And The Dead', Postponed To September". Metal Addicts. June 12, 2022. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  14. ↑ "David Ellefson's Post-Megadeth Project the Lucid Releases Third Single, 'Hair'". blabbermouth.net. October 6, 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
  15. ↑ "David Ellefson Returns With His First Post-Megadeth Project the Lucid". Blabbermouth. September 8, 2021. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
  16. ↑ "WTF?! Hear David Ellefson Team With ICP's Violent J on New Lucid Song". Revolver. December 23, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  17. ↑ "How Violent J From Insane Clown Posse Ended Up On A Couple Songs With Vinnie Dombrowski From Sponge And Ex Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson". WRIF Rocks Detroit. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  18. ↑ Kennelty, Greg (January 20, 2023). "THE LUCID & INSANE CLOWN POSSE's VIOLENT J Reimagining FAITH NO MORE's "Epic" Is Something". Metal Injection. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  19. ↑ "DAVID ELLEFSON Reunites With Early MEGADETH Guitarist GREG HANDEVIDT For 'Jump In The Fire' Performance In Minneapolis". Blabbermouth . February 18, 2023. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
  20. ↑ Daly, Andrew (August 2, 2023). ""I'd hear Dave Mustaine aimlessly riffing on the couch, and it's the riffs that ended up on the first two Megadeth – and, frankly, Metallica – records": Megadeth's first lead guitarist Greg Handevidt on the birth of a metal institution". Guitar World Magazine. Retrieved August 4, 2023. I actually did a quick show with Kings of Thrash back in February, which was an absolute blast," Handevidt explains of his involvement with the group. "Beyond that, it's a whole lot of maybe. I've been talking with David Ellefson for the last eight or nine months about doing something, and we're planning on putting something out by the end of the year. But that's about all I'm gonna say about that right now. If David wants me to do more, I'd be up for it.
  21. ↑ "DAVID ELLEFSON To Play Bass For OVERKILL On 2024 Latin American Tour". Blabbermouth.net . March 11, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  22. ↑ "Megadeth's David Ellefson Launches Label Imprint, Signs Teenage Female Rock Band Doll Skin". Blabbermouth.net. October 7, 2015. Retrieved November 21, 2015.
  23. ↑ "David Ellefson Approved Doll Skin Set European Release Date For in Your Face EP". Brave Words. Retrieved November 21, 2015.
  24. ↑ "EMP Label Group - Roster". EMP Label Group. Archived from the original on September 16, 2016. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  25. ↑ "Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson's EMP Label GroupSigns North American Distribution Deal With Entertainment One". Blabbermouth.net. February 11, 2016. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  26. ↑ "EMP Label Group Launches Imprint Label for Heavier, Underground Music Artist". Music Connection. March 29, 2016. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  27. ↑ "AMPM with Thom Hazaert". AMPM with Thom Hazaert Official Facebook.
  28. ↑ "Megadeth co-founder now selling coffee in Minnesota town – Twin Cities". January 5, 2017. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  29. ↑ "Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson To Produce Horror Film 'Dwellers'". Blabbermouth.net. May 31, 2019. Retrieved June 3, 2019.
  30. ↑ "ekm Has Seen the First Teaser Trailer for Dweller!". Aint It Cool News. Archived from the original on October 1, 2019. Retrieved November 18, 2019.
  31. ↑ "See First Trailer For David Ellefson-Produced Horror Film 'Dwellers'". Blabbermouth.net. November 15, 2019. Retrieved November 18, 2019.
  32. ↑ Miska, Brad (November 15, 2019). "Trailer for 'Dwellers', Produced by Megadeth's David Ellefson [Video]". Bloody Disgusting!. Retrieved November 18, 2019.
  33. ↑ "Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson Posts Trailer From His New Horror Movie Dwellers". Metal Injection. November 17, 2019. Retrieved November 18, 2019.
  34. ↑ "DWELLERS, AWARD WINNING FOUND FOOTAGE HORROR FILM, Now Available for PRE-ORDER". Horror News | HNN. August 28, 2021. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  35. ↑ "Megadeth's David Ellefson To Release First Fiction Novel". Blabbermouth.net. November 13, 2020. Archived from the original on December 5, 2021. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
  36. ↑ Czynszak, Chris. "David Ellefson & Drew Fortier on Friday Night Live". The Decibel Geek Podcast. Archived from the original on December 11, 2021. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  37. ↑ Gil Kaufman (May 11, 2021). "Megadeth React to Reports of Leaked Sexually Explicit Videos of Bassist David Ellefson". Billboard.
  38. ↑ Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson breaks silence on dismissal, sexual misconduct allegations Fox News May 28, 2021
  39. ↑ "Dave Mustaine: 'Anyone Who Says That Megadeth Isn't Me Is A Fool'". Blabbermouth.net. March 31, 2007. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  40. ↑ "Megadeth's Dave Mustaine: 'I Am Over The Feuds With Metallica And David Ellefson'". Roadrunnerrecords.com. February 4, 2006. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  41. ↑ "Interview With Dave Ellefson, Founding Member of Megadeth". CasinoReviews. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  42. ↑ "Yes, Dave Mustaine and David Ellefson are still talking smack about each other". Metal Hammer. October 10, 2022. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  43. ↑ "HM Magazine". HM Magazine. Retrieved July 8, 2011.
  44. ↑ "Full Armor of God Broadcast". Full Armor Radio. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved April 19, 2013.
  45. ↑ "HM – Internet Exclusives". Hmmagazine.com. Archived from the original on July 20, 2011. Retrieved July 8, 2011.
  46. ↑ "megalifeaz.org" (PDF). Megalifeministries.org. Retrieved July 8, 2011.[ permanent dead link ]
  47. ↑ Townsend, Tim (January 19, 2012). "Megadeth Bassist Studying For Lutheran Ordination at Concordia". St. Louis Post-Dispatch . Retrieved April 4, 2014.
  48. ↑ "Megadeth's David Ellefson Talks About Christian Rock". Blabbermouth.net. February 20, 2014. Retrieved April 4, 2014.
  49. ↑ "Megadeth Comments On Leak Of 'Embarrassing' David Ellefson Videos: 'We Are Watching Developments Closely'". Blabbermouth.net. May 10, 2021. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
  50. ↑ "David Ellefson Says He is Pursuing 'Revenge Porn' Charges Against Person Who Leaked 'Very Private Video'". Blabbermouth.net. May 26, 2021.
  51. ↑ "Megadeth's David Ellefson Talks Hartke Bass Amplifiers". Blabbermouth.net. April 2, 2010. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  52. ↑ "Jackson Guitars : The Bloodline". Jacksonguitars.com. January 5, 2011. Archived from the original on June 28, 2011. Retrieved July 8, 2011.
  53. ↑ Blabbermouth (December 23, 2022). "DAVID ELLEFSON's THE LUCID Collaborates With INSANE CLOWN POSSE's VIOLENT J On 'Saddle Up And Ride' EP". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  54. ↑ Blabbermouth (January 4, 2024). "Ex-MEGADETH Bassist DAVID ELLEFSON Executive-Produces New Film 'Bunker Heights'". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
Preceded by
Matt Kisselstein
James LoMenzo
Megadeth bassist
1983–2002
2010–2021		Succeeded by
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.