Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson recently discussed his involvement in the “No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All” project. He shared details about his conversation with Lars Ulrich regarding playing Cliff Burton’s bass parts. The revelation came during an appearance on The David Ellefson Show.
Ellefson explained his initial hesitation about taking on the tribute project. He also discussed the conversation he had with Metallica’s drummer about the stylistic differences between himself and the late Cliff Burton.
“I wanted to mention this, too. So, look, the No Life to Leather Tribute to Metallica to Kill Them All. They just sent me a couple of these. This was a highlight for me, I got to say, man, because I mean, honestly, I recorded a year and a half ago in May of 2024. They came to me in God, I think 2023 about it. And Rod, who is I guess probably the executive producer, he picked the bands and sort of paired them with their songs,” Ellefson said.
The bassist revealed his uncertainty about accepting the role. He cited the legendary status of Burton’s original performances.
“And it was just one of these coveted pieces of music for me and I was like, I don’t know if I should do it, you know what I mean? And I said, ‘Can’t you get like Steve Harris or Geezer to do it?’ And he just said, ‘No, you’re the guy. You’re the guy we want.’ I was like, ‘All right,'” he continued.
Ellefson then shared the key moment when he discussed the project directly with Lars Ulrich. He highlighted the technical differences between his playing style and Burton’s approach.
“And I saw Lars Ulrich in Munich and I talked to him about it and he even said he goes, ‘Yeah, you two are very different bass players, you know, like you’re a you’re a pick guy, Cliff [Burton] was a finger guy.’ And I said, ‘I know.’ I told him I stated my case, you know, like I don’t know if I’m the guy for this. And they said they’re very adamant that they really wanted me. And so it was an honor, of course,” Ellefson concluded.
Ellefson’s concerns about stepping into Burton’s shoes reflect the immense respect the metal community holds for the late bassist’s revolutionary contributions to the genre.
A YouTube source revealed that Cliff Burton didn’t just play bass – he redefined it by using distortion, wah, and lead-style phrasing. He dragged the bass out of the background and into the spotlight. This innovative approach fundamentally changed how bass guitar was perceived in heavy metal music. It transformed the instrument from a purely rhythmic tool into a lead voice capable of carrying melodies and solos.
Burton’s impact on Metallica and metal music as a whole cannot be overstated. A YouTube source noted that Cliff Burton’s story is one of extraordinary talent, relentless dedication, and a musical spirit that reshaped the future of metal music. His tenure with Metallica from 1982 until his tragic death in 1986 established him as one of the most influential bassists in metal history.
The technical differences between Burton and Ellefson that Lars Ulrich mentioned highlight the distinct approaches these two masters brought to their craft. Burton was known for his finger-style playing that allowed for more fluid, expressive passages and his signature bass solos. Ellefson’s pick-based technique delivers the aggressive, precise attack that became synonymous with thrash metal’s evolution through the 1980s and beyond.
The “No Life ‘Til Leather” tribute project represents more than just a collection of cover songs. It serves as a testament to the enduring influence of Metallica’s debut album “Kill ‘Em All” on the metal community. For Ellefson, being selected to honor Burton’s legacy despite their stylistic differences speaks to both his technical prowess and the respect he commands within the metal world. This collaboration makes this a significant moment in his post-Megadeth career.
