David Ellefson

David Warren Ellefson

“Junior”

David Ellefson is one of thrash metal's most iconic bassists and a key figure in Megadeth's history. Born in 1964 in Minnesota, Ellefson moved to Los Angeles as a teenager, where he met Dave Mustaine and together they founded Megadeth in 1983. Nicknamed 'Junior' for being the youngest in the original lineup, Ellefson contributed not only his musical skill but also logistical support: his apartment was the band's first rehearsal space and he financed the initial demos. His bass style is marked by a blend of rhythmic power and fluid melodic lines, pioneering the aggressive use of pick-style playing in thrash. He played on all of the band's classic albums, co-writing iconic riffs like 'Peace Sells', and remained a stable anchor during years of excess and turmoil. After Megadeth's breakup in 2002, Ellefson explored new projects such as F5, Altitudes & Attitude, and Metal Allegiance, as well as working as a producer and session musician. He returned to Megadeth in 2010, bringing maturity and experience to a second era that included world tours and successful albums like 'Th1rt3en', 'Super Collider', and 'Dystopia'. In 2021, Ellefson left the band amid personal controversy, ending a decades-long partnership with Mustaine. Outside Megadeth, he is known for his entrepreneurial spirit: he has his own line of basses and picks, studied theology, and even served as a lay Lutheran pastor. In 2022, he formed Kings of Thrash with Jeff Young to pay tribute to Megadeth's classic repertoire. Ellefson's legacy in Megadeth is indelible: he is the second longest-serving member and his image, headbanging to the beat of his powerful bass lines, is forever linked to the band's history.