In a latest episode of The David Ellefson Present, former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson spoke in regards to the tensions between him and frontman Dave Mustaine that led to his firing in 2021. In accordance with Ellefson, issues began to get heated between him and Mustaine (Metallica’s former guitarist) when the frontman prompt re-recording a few of Metallica’s earlier materials – one thing Ellefson didn’t need to do.
“There was clashes all the way in which down, and for me, it began in 2018 when Dave got here in to — we began a tour in Oslo, and he got here in and he stated he needed to re-record [Metallica’s] ‘No Life ‘Til Leather-based’ demo [which Mustaine played on when he was a member of Metallica],” Ellefson stated.
He continued, describing his response to the proposal:
“I’m, like, ‘Are you kidding me? That is the place we’re at? In spite of everything this time? We’re alleged to be writing a brand new album and new songs. And I used to be simply, like, ‘I’m not down with that.’ As enjoyable as it might be to play these songs, ’trigger that’s one in every of my favourite Metallica recordings, I used to be simply, like, ‘Yeah, I ain’t down with that.’ I’m sorry. I couldn’t kiss the ring for that one. I used to be, like, ‘I’m out.’ And so I feel our downside began then.”
He went on to clarify how this ultimately led to his exit from the band.
“In order we went into the file, he knew I wasn’t keen to only f*cking say, ‘Sure, Dave,’ and associate with sh*t. So ultimately I’m out of the band. So it goes. Bands are what bands are, and it’s what it’s.”
