David Ellefson recently addressed the possibility of returning to Megadeth. He set a clear condition for any potential reunion with Dave Mustaine in an interview with Guitar Player.
The former Megadeth bassist’s comments came in response to a direct question about Dave Mustaine’s recent announcement regarding the band’s future. The question also asked whether he would be open to returning if offered the opportunity.
Ellefson responded with a conditional yes when asked about his thoughts on Dave calling time on Megadeth and if he would be open to coming back if a spot were offered.
“Of course, I’m open to it, and it would be right to have me back,” Ellefson said. “But that would require Dave to admit that my firing was unjust and unfair. That would mean owning his words, and he probably won’t do that.”
Ellefson expressed a willingness to move forward despite the tension surrounding his 2021 departure.
“I have forgiven him for all his sins and shortcomings—every one of them that impacted me, band members, staff, careers and our families,” he continued. “At some point, you let bygones be bygones.”
Ellefson was dismissed from Megadeth in 2021 following allegations of sexual misconduct. This marked the end of his decades-long tenure with the thrash metal legends.
Ellefson’s comments come at a pivotal moment for Megadeth. The band prepares for what Mustaine has announced as their final chapter.
TBS News reported that Megadeth’s current lineup for their farewell consists of frontman Dave Mustaine, bassist James LoMenzo, guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari, and drummer Dirk Verbeuren. The band is set to release their 17th and final studio album in 2026. A global farewell tour will follow.
Premier Guitar noted that Mustaine worked with producer Chris Rakestraw at various points throughout 2024 to create this final album with his current lineup. The lineup features virtuosic Finnish guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari and Belgian drummer Dirk Verbeuren alongside LoMenzo.
Ellefson has been charting his own course while Megadeth prepares for their farewell. Blabbermouth revealed that the former bassist has announced his “Bass Warrior” European tour for March 2026. He will perform Megadeth’s entire “Countdown to Extinction” album plus other hits with his solo band.
The timing of Ellefson’s tour announcement coincides with Megadeth’s farewell preparations. This underscores the complex dynamics between the former bandmates. Despite his willingness to forgive and potentially return, Ellefson’s condition for Dave Mustaine to acknowledge the injustice of his firing remains a significant barrier to any reunion during the band’s final chapter.
