02/09/2010 23:37

Megadeth

Dave Ellefson return to Megadeth

Megadeth founder and frontman Dave Mustaine has announced the return of original bassist David Ellefson (1983-2002) to the iconic multi-platinum group. This reunion is appropriately timed to Megadeth's upcoming historic month-long "Rust in Peace 20th anniversary tour" which launches March 1 in Spokane, WA. At these incredibly special shows, Megadeth will play their landmark, genre-defining 1990 album 'Rust in Peace' in its entirety, in addition to other Megadeth favorites.

"This shows the power of brotherly love and forgiveness," Mustaine says. "David Ellefson belongs in Megadeth. Next we are going to show you the power of getting your asses kicked... HARD!"

David Ellefson concurs: "This is a huge moment for all of us, band and fans alike. It is a great celebration of the music from one of the biggest landmark albums of our career."

Ellefson will join Mustaine and Megadeth band members Shawn Drover (drums) and Chris Broderick (guitar) on tour in support of the group's current CD 'Endgame', which has received some of the highest critical accolades of the band's career.

"We'd like to thank James LoMenzo for several years of loyal service on the bass, and wish him the very best," Mustaine adds.

David Ellefson has exclusively told Classic Rock about the motivations behind his return to Megadeth, after an eight-year absence.

"It literally happened over the weekend," says the delighted bassist. "And I can hardly believe it myself. There was clearly gonna be a change in the line-up, because James Lomenzo was leaving. Dave (Mustaine) and I talked on the phone, and all the feuds, all the arguments we've been having over the years just melted away. It just goes to show what direct contact can achieve!"

According to Ellefson, it was drummer Shawn Drover who instigated the whole thing.

"If you ever need a guy in a band to watch your back, then this is the man. Obviously, I have no clue what happened within the band. But I got a text from Shawn and it just said: 'If ever there was a time for you and Dave to talk, now is it.' It's one of those messages you act on immediately. Typically of Megadeth, things then happened big and fast.

"In all honesty, talking to Dave again was wonderful. It was the right thing at the right time, done in the right spirit."

Ellefson rejoins the band in time for their March tour of America, where they will play the whole of the 1990 album 'Rust in Peace'.

"I have one big advantage – I think I know those songs already! Seriously though, I was in New York with one of my other bands, Hail!, when I found out that Megadeth were doing this, and I did feel a little upset that I wasn't at that point gonna be part of it. But, hey, now it's all changed.

"So far, the reaction I've had from everyone has been overwhelmingly positive. I cannot wait to get back out there with Megadeth."

(source: Megadeth / Classic Rock)