Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson recently opened up about his spiritual approach to performing. He shared insights about the prayer he says before every show in an interview with Mind Behind The Music.
Ellefson discussed how he views music as a divine calling. He explained his pre-performance ritual.
“First of all, I always say a little prayer, even if it’s just, ‘Oh, God, please help me,'” Ellefson said. “Music is sort of this divine calling that we have. And when you’re called, that means you’re being led — you’re not being driven, you’re being led.”
The bassist elaborated on how this spiritual perspective has shaped his career approach over the years.
“To me, today, the phone rings, I say yes. They lead me to where I need to go, whether it’s a record company or a producer or somebody, or another musician calls and says, ‘Hey, you wanna write some songs?'” he continued. “So I think knowing that it’s a divine thing, for me, in my last few decades, it’s been more about, ‘All right, God. How dare I go into this without bringing you along?’ It’s, like, ‘Hey, thanks for putting me here.’ And every gig is just as important as the one before.”
Ellefson also emphasized the importance of treating every performance with equal respect, regardless of venue size.
“The big gigs are fun, of course — they’re cool; they’re great — but those little gigs where you’re just performing for a handful of people… The person at the hundred-seat club, they paid the same amount of money as the guy standing next to him, and they want to be entertained just like the guy next to ’em,” he explained. “You’re there for a reason. And so get on with the reason, is how I always look at it.”
This spiritual approach to music reflects Ellefson’s broader philosophy. It has guided his career both within and beyond his time with Megadeth.
Ellefson’s openness to divine guidance has led him to explore various musical collaborations throughout his career. Guitar World reported that in 2004, he contributed bass to Soulfly’s album Prophecy. He experienced a more relaxed and creative approach that differed significantly from the meticulous structure he was accustomed to with Megadeth. This collaboration demonstrated his willingness to step outside his comfort zone and embrace new musical experiences.
The bassist’s career has been marked by continuous evolution and adaptation. Wikipedia noted that he co-founded the hard rock band The Lucid in 2021 alongside notable musicians including Sponge’s vocalist Vinnie Dombroski. This recent venture showcases his ongoing commitment to musical exploration and collaboration, even decades into his career.
Ellefson’s philosophy of saying “yes” when opportunities arise has clearly served him well throughout his musical journey. His approach of treating each performance as equally important reflects a professional ethic that has sustained his career across multiple decades and various musical projects.
The bassist’s emphasis on divine guidance and treating every gig with respect demonstrates how personal spirituality can inform professional practice in the music industry. His perspective offers insight into how veteran musicians maintain their passion and purpose throughout long careers in an often challenging industry.
