David Ellefson Says Megadeth Is a Solo Project When He’s Not Involved

David Ellefson, the former bassist of Megadeth, reiterated his willingness to join the band’s farewell tour while emphasizing his view of the group as essentially Dave Mustaine’s solo project when he is absent. In a recent interview on SiriusXM’s "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk," Ellefson said, "When I'm not in Megadeth, I always see it as Dave's solo band" and added that he has never closed the door on a possible reunion. Ellefson first raised the issue in February, describing any exclusion as "unfounded, false and unfair." He explained that when Mustaine reassembled the lineup in 2004, he responded positively, hoping for a reunion of the classic "Rust In Peace" formation. The plan never materialized, and a similar attempt in 2014 also fell through, leading the band to rebuild and release the 2016 album "Dystopia." "I told Dave in 2004 that it was the first time he tried to bring the band back together, but it ended up looking more like a solo project," Ellefson said. During the interview, Ellefson suggested alternative lineups, proposing to bring back former members such as Jeff Young, Chris Poland, Nick Menza, and even Marty Friedman. He cited the successful reunions of progressive rock acts like Asia and Yes as inspiration, noting that those groups combined different eras to tour in a changing musical landscape dominated by newer acts such as Lamb of God and Killswitch Engage. "Thrash metal was experiencing a resurgence in the 2000s," he observed. Ellefson also highlighted the diversity of Megadeth’s fan base, comparing it to the multiple eras of Kiss. "Each formation and each album recorded by that formation has its own followers," he explained, stressing the importance of respecting each period’s legacy before launching a massive project. Finally, Ellefson left the possibility of joining the final tour open, stating, "If it depended on me, I would certainly do it. I get along with everyone, so who knows if something like that will ever happen." His comments reflect both a personal attachment to the band’s history and a realistic assessment of the logistical challenges involved in reuniting past members for a farewell run.