What Did David Ellefson Say About Dave Mustaine Recently?
David Ellefson blasted Dave Mustaine in a new interview, telling the Megadeth leader to “just f* off” while criticizing how his dismissal from the band and songwriting credits were handled.
TL;DR
- David Ellefson slammed Dave Mustaine in a new interview, saying “You know what? F* off.”**
- Ellefson claims Mustaine removed his lyrics and bass performances from Megadeth’s 2022 album
- The former bassist says his real farewell to the band happened in 2018
- Ellefson insists there was nothing illegal in the 2021 scandal that led to his firing
- He says he ultimately chose to “drop the rope” rather than pursue further legal action
A Friendship That Was Once Close
For longtime Megadeth fans, the relationship between David Ellefson and Dave Mustaine has always been complicated.
The two musicians co-founded the band in 1983, helping shape the aggressive technical style that turned Megadeth into one of the defining acts of thrash metal.
Ellefson says there were genuine moments of brotherhood between the two over the years — especially after he rejoined the band in 2010.
“When I went back to Megadeth in 2010, Dave and I were close — we were really close,” Ellefson explained in a recent appearance on the Quemar Un Patrullero podcast.
He described quiet moments away from the stage where the two would simply meet for coffee and talk.
“Those moments were genuine. They were sincere,” he said.
But according to Ellefson, that closeness didn’t last.
Ellefson Says His Contributions Were Removed
The tension became particularly apparent during the recording sessions for Megadeth’s 2022 album The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!.
Ellefson says he could tell Mustaine no longer wanted him involved.
“He didn’t wanna use any of my music,” he said.
At one point, Ellefson wrote what he describes as a ballad featuring guitarist Kiko Loureiro that he believes would have been a strong addition to the album.
The track ultimately never made the record.
He also says he contributed lyrics to what eventually became the song “Soldier On!”, but those contributions were later removed.
Ellefson compared the situation to Mustaine’s own experience after being fired from Metallica in 1983.
“When Dave got fired from Metallica, at least they kept his words and his music and they paid him and gave him credit,” Ellefson said.
He believes the same courtesy was not extended to him.
Fans interested in seeing Megadeth live can find available tickets here.
The 2021 Scandal That Ended His Megadeth Career
Ellefson’s second stint with Megadeth came to an abrupt end in 2021.
Sexually explicit messages and video clips involving the bassist were leaked online, sparking intense controversy and allegations of inappropriate conduct.
Ellefson has repeatedly maintained that nothing illegal occurred.
According to him, the woman involved was 19 years old at the time of their virtual encounter, and he claims the video was recorded and distributed without his consent.
He filed a report with police in Scottsdale, Arizona regarding the alleged unlawful distribution of the footage.
“There’s nothing here,” Ellefson said about the accusations.
He insists the situation was largely fueled by online speculation and misinformation.
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Mustaine’s Comments Still Sting
One of the biggest flashpoints between the two musicians came when Mustaine suggested that a former band member’s past behavior made a reunion impossible.
Ellefson took that personally.
“You know what? F*** off. Just f*** off,” he said during the podcast.
He argues that nothing he did should prevent him from returning to the band, accusing Mustaine of trying to position himself on moral high ground.
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Legal Battles And Letting Go
The feud between Ellefson and Mustaine is not new.
In 2004, Ellefson filed an $18.5 million lawsuit against Mustaine over financial disputes following Megadeth’s breakup in 2002.
The case was eventually settled out of court, and Ellefson returned to the band in 2010.
Despite everything that has happened since, Ellefson now says he has chosen not to escalate the situation further.
“There’s two ways to win in tug of war,” he said.
“I either pull you over the line or I drop the rope and let you fall on your ass.”
For now, he says he has chosen the latter.
Moving On From Megadeth
Ellefson believes his true goodbye to the band actually came years earlier.
“My farewell with Megadeth was really in 2018,” he said.
He also considers 2016’s Dystopia to be the last great album he made with the group.
Since leaving the band, Ellefson has launched multiple musical projects and collaborations.
He insists he carries no bitterness toward Megadeth or Mustaine, even if their relationship appears permanently fractured.
“I don’t have bitterness in my heart,” he said.
In his view, leaving the band may have ultimately been freeing.
A Rift That May Never Heal
The story of Megadeth has always been tied to the volatile partnership between Mustaine and Ellefson.
For decades, the two men managed to rebuild their friendship despite lawsuits, breakups, and industry pressure.
But judging by Ellefson’s latest comments, the divide between them now appears deeper than ever.
Do you think David Ellefson deserved another chance in Megadeth — or was Dave Mustaine right to move on?
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FAQ
Why was David Ellefson fired from Megadeth?
He was dismissed in 2021 after explicit messages and video clips involving him were leaked online.
Did David Ellefson play on Megadeth’s 2022 album?
His bass tracks were originally recorded but later replaced by bassist Steve DiGiorgio before release.
Are Dave Mustaine and David Ellefson still friends?
Their relationship appears strained following Ellefson’s firing and the events surrounding it.
Was there illegal activity in the scandal?
Ellefson maintains there was nothing illegal, stating the woman involved was an adult.
Band Bio: Megadeth
Megadeth was formed in 1983 by guitarist and vocalist Dave Mustaine shortly after his departure from Metallica. Alongside bassist David Ellefson, the band became one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal, releasing landmark albums including Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?, Rust In Peace, and Countdown To Extinction. Known for technical precision and political lyrics, Megadeth has sold millions of albums worldwide and remains a dominant force in heavy metal.
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