Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson has responded to Dave Mustaine’s recent comments about past band member behavior preventing a reunion. He addressed the issue in a statement shared on The David Ellefson Show.
Ellefson’s response came after Mustaine suggested that “the behavior of one of the bandmembers in the past” stands in the way of Megadeth playing their final farewell tour show with all surviving former members.
“I think it is ridiculous [to say that]… something I did was [so] unforgivable [that we can’t play together again],” Ellefson said. “[It was] a fake story — fake scandal, fake story. Give me a f*cking break. Fake news. So that’s just silly and ridiculous.”
Despite his criticism of Mustaine’s comments, Ellefson also expressed a more reflective perspective on their relationship.
“My heart softened toward Dave when I heard that interview, because I hear him,” he continued. “He’s obviously in a very different part of his life. He’s a lot older. Dave and I haven’t talked in five years, and I don’t sit around and read and listen to his interviews, but this is one that — ah, what the fuck? It’s on. I’ll listen to it. So, realizing I’ve made records with Dave, obviously, for almost 40 years, I can get kind of almost in the room a little bit with it.”
The tensions between the two musicians stem from a complex history that spans decades of collaboration and conflict within one of metal’s most influential bands.
Blabbermouth.net reported that the “farewell tour” announced in late 2025 marks Megadeth’s 40th anniversary. The tour aims to conclude their live performances with select classic lineups. This announcement has reignited discussions about potential reunions with former members who helped shape the band’s legendary status in the thrash metal scene.
The “scandal” Ellefson references relates to 2021 allegations involving explicit messages with what was initially reported as an underage fan. Loudwire noted that Ellefson denied the grooming allegations. The situation led to his exit from the band following an internal investigation. The controversy marked the end of his second tenure with Megadeth, having previously left and returned to the group multiple times throughout their career.
Ellefson’s relationship with Megadeth runs deep in the band’s history. Wikipedia documented that he co-founded Megadeth with Mustaine in 1983 and played on 10 studio albums before his departure in 2021. His bass work helped define the band’s sound during their most commercially successful and critically acclaimed periods, including classic albums like “Peace Sells” and “Rust in Peace.”
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the former bandmates as Megadeth prepares for what has been announced as their farewell tour. This leaves fans wondering whether old wounds can heal before the band’s final curtain call.
