Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson recently revealed that he was aware of Dave Mustaine’s plans to announce the band’s final album and farewell tour before it became public. He shared his thoughts in an interview with The Rock ‘n’ Blues Experience on YouTube.
Ellefson discussed his reaction to Megadeth’s announcement and reflected on his longtime relationship with frontman Dave Mustaine.
“Well, I knew about it. I mean, obviously, I’m in the business, you know, so I knew about it, which was a little shocking,” Ellefson said.
The bassist went on to acknowledge Mustaine’s work ethic and resilience throughout their career together.
“I’ve known Dave as a workhorse as all things, you know, good, bad, or indifferent about Dave is he’s a pretty f*cking tough mule, man,” he continued. “I mean, he’s gotten out there and sang and played despite all the odds. And I will give him that. He definitely never backed down to a challenge.”
Ellefson also recalled a telling moment from a festival performance in Mexico. He shared an observation made by Mustaine’s wife.
“But for I remember there was a comment some years ago. We were playing a festival in Mexico and his wife, Pam, had looked over at me and with him sitting right next to me goes, ‘The old horse is slowing down.’ And that was a big gig. It was Judas Priest and Scorpions,” he said.
The former bandmates have not spoken in four years. This leaves Ellefson without insight into the specific reasons behind the decision.
“It is what it is, you know. So, I don’t know. I haven’t talked to Dave now in four years, so I have no idea the reason or anything else anything about it other than they made their announcement,” Ellefson concluded.
Ellefson’s comments come as Megadeth prepares to close the chapter on more than four decades of metal history with their upcoming farewell plans.
Loudwire reported that Megadeth officially announced plans for their final album and a global farewell tour in 2026. This marks the end of their legendary career. The announcement was accompanied by a dramatic video featuring their longtime mascot Vic Rattlehead delivering a message about the band’s legacy and impending conclusion.
Megadeth’s official website reveals that tour dates currently span across Europe with stops confirmed through October 28, 2026, ending in Glasgow, Scotland. However, ticket prices and dates for the North American leg have yet to be fully disclosed. This leaves fans eagerly awaiting more details about the farewell tour.
The band began building anticipation for this major announcement through strategic social media campaigns. Revolver Magazine noted that Megadeth started teasing the farewell with cryptic imagery and the caption “Megadeth. The End Is Near…” on social media platforms days before the official reveal.
Dave Mustaine has expressed his personal reflection on ending the band’s career on his own terms. In a fan mailing, he acknowledged that many musicians do not get this closure and recognized the difficulty of saying goodbye to millions of fans worldwide. This sentiment adds weight to Ellefson’s observations about Mustaine’s dedication and the physical toll of decades in the metal scene.
