Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson has responded publicly to questions about his absence from the band’s ongoing farewell tour, insisting he deserves a spot and calling any claims to the contrary “unfounded, untruthful and unfair.” The comments mark some of the most direct remarks he’s made since leaving the band in 2021.
In a new interview, Ellefson addressed his absence from Megadeth’s high-profile farewell tour, which kicked off in early 2026 and is set to span arenas and festivals worldwide. Though he was a foundational member of the band from its early days through multiple landmark albums, Ellefson insists he should be part of the final chapter:
“I believe I should be part of Megadeth’s farewell tour. Any reason that I’m not there now is unfounded, untruthful and unfair — and I truly feel wronged.”
Ellefson did not go into granular detail about the specifics of how the decision was made, but he made clear that he feels his exclusion is based on misinformation or misunderstanding rather than merit or behavior.
Ellefson’s departure from Megadeth in 2021 was surrounded by controversy. At the time, the band announced that Ellefson was no longer a member, and their official statement cited “personal and professional differences.” The split came after private materials involving Ellefson were leaked online, creating a public scandal. Megadeth later confirmed they had ended his involvement with the band. (blabbermouth.net)
Over the past few years, Ellefson has kept busy with other projects — including solo music, production work, and collaborations — but he has remained a figure closely tied to Megadeth’s legacy, especially among fans drawn to the band’s classic era. His insistence that his absence from the farewell tour is unfair reflects both his ongoing emotional investment in the band and the unresolved public conversation about his firing.
Ellefson has consistently been a key creative and performance contributor to Megadeth’s sound. As Dave Mustaine’s longtime bandmate, he appeared on numerous studio albums and played on world tours for decades. Bass lines credited to Ellefson helped shape many of the band’s most iconic songs, and his presence was often considered emblematic of the group’s classic lineup.
Speaking on that legacy, Ellefson made a broader point about what the farewell tour represents:
“I was there for the reason Megadeth became what it became, and I feel strongly that I should be honored as part of that history.”
He also suggested that any suggestion that he was replaced for artistic or interpersonal reasons is either mistaken or misrepresented, adding fuel to longstanding debates among fans about band politics and historical recognition.
Ellefson’s remarks have quickly sparked reaction across social media and the metal community. Some fans praise him for speaking out and defending his legacy within Megadeth, emphasizing his role in classics like Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? and Rust in Peace. Others note that reunion logistics — especially after years of separation — are complicated, and Mustaine’s decisions regarding personnel are often private or strategic.
Even among commenters who support Ellefson’s viewpoint, there’s acknowledgment that reunion or farewell tours don’t always match fan expectations. Personnel choices can be influenced by personal relationships, legal considerations, branding strategy, or simply the preferences of the remaining core members.
Megadeth has not publicly responded to Ellefson’s recent remarks with an official statement. As the farewell tour continues, the band has remained focused on delivering its scheduled performances and celebrating its decades-long catalog.
Whether Ellefson’s comments will prompt further discussion or clarification from Megadeth remains to be seen.
