James MacDonough

James MacDonough

“Mac”

James MacDonough is an American bassist best known for his work in the power metal band Iced Earth, who had a brief but intense stint with Megadeth in the mid-2000s. Born in 1970 in Florida, MacDonough joined Iced Earth in the '90s, recording albums like Something Wicked This Way Comes (1998) and touring internationally. In October 2004, after Megadeth's reactivation, Dave Mustaine recruited MacDonough to play bass during the tour for The System Has Failed. James brought professionalism and quickly learned the classic repertoire, being part of the lineup that filmed the DVD That One Night in Argentina in 2005, where his presence is notable on songs like 'Holy Wars' and 'Symphony of Destruction'. He stayed with the band for about a year and a half, including the first edition of the Gigantour festival in 2005. In early 2006, MacDonough announced his departure from Megadeth citing personal differences. Mustaine, for his part, praised his work upon his departure, making it clear there were no hard feelings. After Megadeth, James continued to show his versatility as a support bassist: that same year, he was called by Nevermore to temporarily replace their sick bassist, touring with them alongside In Flames. He also filled in as bassist for Strapping Young Lad during some Ozzfest 2006 shows. MacDonough eventually returned to Iced Earth and more recently got involved in the Ended/Into Eternity project. He may not have appeared on Megadeth studio albums, but his live contribution during a time of restructuring was valuable. Currently, James remains involved in music through occasional collaborations and reunions with former bandmates at conventions and tribute concerts.