David Ellefson questions Dave Mustaine’s Megadeth farewell: “Is this just to boost ticket sales?”

Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson has shared his doubts about Dave Mustaine’s recent announcement that the band’s upcoming album and 2026 farewell tour will mark the end of the legendary thrash metal act. Speaking with AlternativeNation.net, Ellefson said he wasn’t convinced the decision is final.

“If it really is a farewell, and not just an attempt to boost ticket sales, then fine. We’ve seen this movie before — bands quit, disappear, and then return when the offers get bigger. If Dave is serious, I just hope he does it with dignity and grace,” Ellefson commented.

Ellefson compared Mustaine’s approach to Black Sabbath’s “Back to the Beginning” event, which reunited Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for a proper send-off. He suggested that Megadeth should aim for similar closure by involving past members.

Although Ellefson has not spoken with Mustaine in almost five years, he left the door open for a reunion:

“If they asked, I’d be happy to participate on some level. It would be nice if everyone who built this band got the chance to say goodbye.”

Ellefson first joined Megadeth in 1983, remaining until 2002. After a brief hiatus, he returned in 2010 and played with the group until 2021, when Mustaine dismissed him following personal controversies. Since then, Ellefson has focused on projects like Ellefson-Soto and his solo podcast.

Megadeth’s upcoming farewell tour in 2026 is billed as the band’s final run. Whether Mustaine sticks to that decision remains to be seen, but Ellefson’s comments highlight a familiar skepticism among fans when it comes to “farewell” tours.