Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Megadeth founder Dave Mustaine has excluded the possibility of reuniting former key members during the band’s farewell tour, which is projected to last between three and five years, as per theprp. According to the frontman and guitarist, this decision was primarily influenced by the conduct of one of the band’s former members. Although Megadeth has experienced numerous lineup changes over the years, Mustaine’s remarks likely refer to bassist and vocalist David Ellefson. Ellefson was considered a core member alongside guitarist Chris Poland, guitarist Marty Friedman, and the late drummer Nick Menza, who contributed significantly to the band’s most influential recordings.
Ellefson was dismissed from the band following the online leak of explicit videos depicting him engaging in sexual acts. These private recordings were linked to an extramarital online affair with a woman who was 19 at the time, when Ellefson was 56. While no legal violations were identified, Mustaine swiftly terminated Ellefson’s involvement with Megadeth. Since the incident, both parties have exchanged pointed comments through the media. In a recent interview with Eddie Trunk, Mustaine dismissed the possibility of former members rejoining the band to bid farewell.
I can’t really do that, because of the behavior of one of the band members in the past. I just can’t. Because, first off, it would be unfair to the other band members if I didn’t play with them as well.
Yet, in 2023, Megadeth performed with Marty Friedman.
The thing about what we did with Marty in Japan, that was a no-brainer. That was brilliant. And I love Marty. We had our separation, and he went his way and we went our way.
He further explained:
My relationship with Chris (Poland) was really great, but it wasn’t as good as it was with Marty. My relationship with Jeff (Young) was good, but it wasn’t as good as it was with Marty. And I probably wouldn’t have a problem playing with any of the members of those two lineups. I’m just not gonna do anything that is gonna, in any way, seem unfair to the other band members.
Since his departure from Megadeth, Ellefson has continued to uphold the band’s legacy by establishing a Megadeth tribute ensemble called Kings Of Thrash, which includes Young and occasionally Poland.
In August, Ellefson expressed his desire to participate in Megadeth‘s impending farewell tour. Mustaine’s ‘farewell endgame’ is scheduled to begin next year, with the band embarking on a worldwide tour. This tour aims to celebrate their extensive career and promote their self-titled final studio album, set to be released on January 23rd.
Upcoming shows:
FEB 15 Victoria, BC
FEB 17 Abbotsford, BC
FEB 18 Kelowna, BC
FEB 20 Calgary, AB
FEB 21 Edmonton, AB
FEB 24 Saskatoon, SK
FEB 25 Winnipeg, MB
FEB 28 London, ON
MAR 01 Ottawa, ON
MAR 03 Halifax, NS
MAR 04 Moncton, NB
MAR 06 Québec, QC
04/23 Lima, PER – Costa 21
04/25 Bogota, COL – Movistar Arena
04/27 Bogota, COL – Movistar Arena
04/30 Buenos Aires, ARG – TBA
05/02 Sao Paulo, BRA – Espaco Unimed
05/05 Santiago, CHL – Movistar Arena
05/06 Santiago, CHL – Movistar Arena
05/08 Monterrey, MEX – Arena Monterrey
05/10 Mexico City, MEX – Arena Ciudad de Mexico
05/13 Guadalajara, MEX – Arena Guadalajara
06/10 Hradec Kralove, CZE – Rock For People
06/14 Ferrara, ITA – Ferrara Summer Festival
06/26 Helsinki, FIN – Tuska Open Air Metal Festival
June 7 | Gelsenkirchen, Germany
June 11 | Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
June 15 | Zurich, Switzerland
June 16 | Vienna, Austria
June 23 | Istanbul, Türkiye
June 28 | Almaty, Kazakhstan
With Iron Maiden:
08/29 Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
08/30 Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
09/03 Montréal, QC – Parc Jean-Drapeau (with Anthrax)
09/05 Harrison, NJ – Sports Illustrated Stadium (with Anthrax)
09/09 Boston, MA – TD Garden
09/11 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
09/12 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
09/15 Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
09/19 Shakopee, MN – Mystic Lake Amphitheater
09/22 Chicago, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
09/25 Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium (with Anthrax)
09/26 Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium (with Anthrax)
09/29 San Antonio, TX – Alamodome (with Anthrax)
