“The ending of that friendship was a long time in the making”: David Ellefson says he hasn’t spoken to Dave Mustaine in four years
David Ellefson says he hasn’t had a single conversation with Dave Mustaine since his 2021 dismissal from Megadeth – nor does he plan to.
While Ellefson’s abrupt exit followed the leak of explicit videos online – which led to allegations of misconduct (later denied and publicly resolved) – the bassist now says tensions with Mustaine had been simmering for much longer.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Candid Mic With Fran Strine podcast, Ellefson reveals that “not one word” has been exchanged between him and the Megadeth frontman since his departure, and that he sees “no need” for that to change.
READ MORE: “I regret that Mustaine for years would go on stage and call me a liar”: Chris Poland on how Dave Mustaine’s accusations had ‘damaged’ his post-Megadeth career
“No, I don’t need to be your friend. I’ll move on,” Ellefson says [via Blabbermouth], adding that “the ending of that friendship was a long time in the making.”
The Megadeth co-founder, who played with the band from its inception until 2002, and then again from 2010 to 2021, explains that frustrations grew while they were working on The Sick, The Dying… and The Dead!, the long-delayed follow-up to 2016’s Dystopia.
“It really started in 2018… There was some stuff that I was just – and I was vocal about it. I stood up for what I felt to be the right thing. And, of course, that was not well received,” he says.
“Every time I would try to write and put something on [the new album], it would get taken off. And it seemed very personal. And at some point it’s just kind of, like, ‘Look, dude, if you don’t want me here, fuck it. I’ll move on.’ So I guess it took what it took and what happened, happened. And then that was the moment to just sort of abolish it and make it all go away.”
That said, the musician insists he’s not one to hold grudges.
“I’m the guy that – I don’t close doors,” says Ellefson. “I don’t slam it in people’s [faces and say], ‘Fuck you. That’s it. And you’ll never work in this town again.’ Because you’re mad in the moment. That’s all it is. Just move on. Just keep moving on.”
When host Fran Strine points out that the bassist is “busier” now than he’s ever been, Ellefson replies: “Yeah. And 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?’”
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
