Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson recently opened up about his relationship with Dave Mustaine. He expressed his feelings about their current separation in an interview with The Delz Show.
Ellefson reflected on his bond with the Megadeth frontman. He shared his thoughts on their years together in the band.
“I miss Dave too,” Ellefson said. “Look, some of some of the best stories of my life begin with ‘the time me and Dave’ — fill in the blank. You know what I mean? Because we lived such an interesting life together with that band.”
The bassist acknowledged the current distance between them. He expressed hope for reconciliation.
“We haven’t talked in a few years, but I miss the guy, of course,” he continued. “We had a lot of fun. And anytime we’ve ever had [a falling out] like this [in the past], as soon as we get back together, it’s like we just were hanging out yesterday.”
Ellefson’s comments highlight the complex history between the two musicians who helped shape one of metal’s most influential bands.
Megadeth Fandom reported that Ellefson was a founding member of Megadeth alongside Mustaine in 1983. He served as the band’s bassist for nearly four decades with only brief interruptions. The partnership between Ellefson and Mustaine proved to be one of metal’s most enduring collaborations. It spanned multiple decades and numerous lineup changes within the band.
David Ellefson’s official biography noted that throughout his career with Megadeth, the bassist earned 10 Grammy nominations. He helped establish the band as one of the “Big Four” thrash metal acts alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. His technical proficiency and songwriting contributions were integral to Megadeth’s evolution from underground thrash pioneers to mainstream metal superstars.
Metal Storm documented that Ellefson’s playing style evolved significantly over the years. He transitioned from finger-style bass playing in the early days to using a pick as Megadeth’s music became increasingly complex and demanding. This adaptation demonstrated his commitment to serving the band’s musical vision while maintaining his distinctive low-end presence.
The bassist’s departure from Megadeth in 2021 marked the end of an era for the band. Jackson Guitars confirmed that Ellefson has remained active in the metal scene through various projects including Temple of Brutality and Metal Allegiance. His continued involvement in music suggests that despite the current separation from Mustaine, his passion for creating heavy music remains undiminished.
