The bassist David Ellefson celebrates 60 today
In 1983, Ellefson moved to Los Angeles, where he met Dave Mustaine, and together, they formed Megadeth, one of the “Big Four” thrash metal bands, alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax
The bassist David Ellefson celebrates 60 today
Best known as the bassist for the band Megadeth, David Warren Ellefson, was born on November 12, 1964, in Jackson, Minnesota. From a young age, Ellefson showed an interest in music, initially studying piano before moving to bass guitar, which became his passion and primary instrument. His early influences included rock and heavy metal bands like KISS, which inspired him to pursue a career in music.
In 1983, Ellefson moved to Los Angeles, where he met guitarist Dave Mustaine. Together, they formed Megadeth, one of the “Big Four” thrash metal bands, alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. Known for their aggressive sound and politically charged lyrics, Megadeth quickly made a name in the metal world. Ellefson’s precise and powerful bass lines became essential to the band’s style.
Their debut album, Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! (1985), established them as innovators in the thrash metal genre. Over the years, Ellefson contributed to iconic albums like Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? (1986), Rust in Peace (1990), and Countdown to Extinction (1992), which achieved critical and commercial success. Known for his intricate bass work, Ellefson became widely respected as a talented bassist and essential part of Megadeth’s signature sound.
In 2002, Ellefson left Megadeth due to differences with Mustaine but remained active in the music scene. He pursued solo projects, collaborated with other bands, and even started his own record label, EMP Label Group, which supports up-and-coming artists. He also formed F5, a band in which he showcased a more alternative metal sound.
Ellefson returned to Megadeth in 2010, reuniting with Mustaine and contributing to the albums Dystopia (2016), which won a Grammy Award, and The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead! (2022). However, due to personal controversies in 2021, Ellefson parted ways with Megadeth once more but has continued his solo career, releasing The Lucid, a project with a fresh sound, in 2021.
Beyond music, Ellefson is a published author, with books including My Life with Deth: Discovering Meaning in a Life of Rock & Roll, where he details his journey in music, his battles with addiction, and his path to recovery. Known for his strong Christian faith, he has spoken openly about his recovery and personal growth and even founded MEGA Life! Ministries, a Christian outreach organization.
Ellefson is married to Julie Foley, and the couple has two children. His contributions to thrash metal and work with Megadeth, have solidified his place as one of the genre’s most influential bassists.
Look back at the 1992 music video for one of Megadeth’s biggest hits “Symphony of Destruction”
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