THE BEAST

In a candid new interview with The Delz Show, former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson opened up about his complex relationship with longtime bandmate Dave Mustaine, expressing a mix of nostalgia, respect, and acceptance over how things ended between them.

When host Delz remarked that he missed seeing Ellefson and Mustaine perform together, Ellefson replied:

"I miss Dave too. Some of the best stories of my life begin with, ‘the time me and Dave…’ You know what I mean? Because we lived such an interesting life together with that band. We haven't talked in a few years, but I miss the guy, of course. We had a lot of fun."

Ellefson emphasized that despite their falling out, there was always an ease to reconnecting in the past:

"Anytime we've ever had [a falling out] like this, as soon as we get back together, it's like we just were hanging out yesterday."

The Final Chapter with MEGADETH

Ellefson was dismissed from MEGADETH in 2021 after explicit online leaks involving him surfaced. His last stint with the band had begun in 2010 with the 20th anniversary tour of Rust In Peace. Speaking on The Candid Mic With Fran Strine, Ellefson reflected on his decision to rejoin the band as a sideman rather than a co-owner.

"I was just a hired sideman musician, which, quite honestly, at that point I was okay with. I just wanted to keep it simple."

He noted the excitement of that period, particularly being part of the Big Four shows alongside METALLICA, SLAYER, and ANTHRAX.

"Everybody was back home… the excitement for each of our bands — and all of our bands together — was huge."

Ellefson said that period gave MEGADETH another solid decade, culminating in a Grammy win, which gave closure to his story with Mustaine.

"If that means we never play together again — oh well. It was a good couple of chapters. And if one day we do, then we'll see where that goes."

On His 2021 Departure and Fractured Relationship

Ellefson confirmed he has not spoken to Mustaine since his firing in May 2021.

"Nope. Not one word. No need to. After that? No, I don't need to be your friend. I'll move on."

He revealed that tensions had been building long before his exit, dating back to 2018 during writing sessions for what would become The Sick, The Dying… and the Dead!.

"Every time I would try to write and put something on it, it would get taken off. And it seemed very personal. And at some point, it's just like, 'If you don't want me here, fuck it. I'll move on.'"

Despite the bitterness, Ellefson chose not to publicly lash out at Mustaine at the time of his dismissal.

"I'm the guy that doesn’t close doors… Just move on. Keep moving forward."

A History of Highs and Lows

Ellefson originally co-founded MEGADETH in 1983 and remained a member until 2002, when the band dissolved temporarily after Mustaine suffered severe nerve damage. During the band's 2004 return, Mustaine opted not to include Ellefson, leading to a now-infamous $18.5 million lawsuit by Ellefson for unpaid royalties. The case was dismissed in 2005, but the two eventually reconciled, leading to Ellefson's 2010 return.

Ellefson later admitted in his memoirs and interviews that he returned not as a partner but as a salaried musician — a decision that allowed him to avoid internal conflicts and simply focus on the music.

"Being a sideman absolves you from being involved in all the other stuff… In order to have a friendship, I had to give up some ownership."

Despite their complicated history, Ellefson still holds his time in MEGADETH in high regard.

"We really did some great stuff together. Why oppose what I've done? That's like shitting on my own work."

Moving Forward

Since leaving MEGADETH, Ellefson has remained active with various projects and collaborations.

"I feel lighter, to be honest with you. I wake up and every day is a day like, ‘All right. What are we gonna do today?’”

Although the door with MEGADETH may be closed — for now — Ellefson’s attitude remains open.

"I didn’t see coming back in 2010, and suddenly there it was. It worked out great. So, you never know."

Whether their paths ever cross again musically remains to be seen. But one thing is clear — despite the wounds, David Ellefson still values the legacy he built with Dave Mustaine.