Editing David Ellefson

{{Short description|American bass guitarist}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = David Ellefson
| image             = David Ellefson (cropped2).jpg
| caption           = Ellefson playing at the [[Illinois State Fair]] in 2019
| birth_name        = David Warren Ellefson
| birth_date        = {{Birth date and age|1964|11|12}}
| birth_place       = [[Jackson, Minnesota]], U.S.
| genre             = {{flatlist|
* [[Heavy metal music|Heavy metal]]
* [[thrash metal]]
* [[speed metal]]
* [[power metal]]
* [[hard rock]]}}
| occupation        = Bassist
| years_active      = 1982–present
| current_member_of = {{flatlist|
* [[The Lucid]]
* [[Dieth]]
* [[Metal Allegiance]]
* Kings of Thrash}}
| past_member_of    = {{hlist|[[Megadeth]]|[[KK's Priest]]}}
| website           = {{URL|davidellefson.com}}
}}
'''David Warren Ellefson''' (born November 12, 1964) is an American musician, best known for his long tenure as the bassist and backing vocalist for [[thrash metal]] band [[Megadeth]] across two stints.

Ellefson initially became an accomplished bassist and honed his songwriting skills while leading several of his own bands through the club scene of North America's [[Midwest]] region before relocating to Los Angeles. He was then the bassist of Megadeth from 1983 to their breakup in 2002, and again from 2010 to 2021. 

Ellefson co-founded the hard rock band [[the Lucid]] in 2021 alongside vocalist [[Vinnie Dombroski]] ([[Sponge (band)|Sponge]]), guitarist [[Drew Fortier]] (formerly of [[Bang Tango]]), and drummer [[Mike Heller]] ([[Fear Factory]], [[Malignancy (band)|Malignancy]], [[Raven (British band)|Raven]]). In addition to playing bass guitar in Megadeth and the Lucid, Ellefson had various side projects, which include Temple of Brutality, [[F5 (band)|F5]], Killing Machine, and [[Metal Allegiance]].

==Biography==

===Pre-Megadeth===
Ellefson played in a band called Killers, which featured himself on bass, Greg Handevidt on guitar, Brett Frederickson on drums and Jerry Giefer, during Frederickson's senior year of high school.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://drummersrule.wordpress.com/2015/08/15/a-look-into-my-past/|work=Drummersrule|date=August 15, 2015|title=A look into my past…|access-date=March 18, 2025}}</ref> 

===First tenure with Megadeth and initial departure (1983–2002)===
{{More citations needed section|date=March 2025}}

Other than guitarist, vocalist, and primary lyricist [[Dave Mustaine]], Ellefson was the only constant member of Megadeth from early in the band's formation in 1983 until the group's dissolution in 2002. Ellefson has maintained that he was a founding member of the band,<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 6, 2016 |title=DAVID ELLEFSON Says He Is Technically A Founding Member Of MEGADETH|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/david-elefson-says-he-is-technically-a-founding-member-of-megadeth |access-date=March 25, 2025 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |language=en}}</ref> though Mustaine has disputed the idea in multiple interviews.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 14, 2016 |title=DAVE MUSTAINE Sets Record Straight: DAVID ELLEFSON Is Not A Co-Founding Member Of MEGADETH |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-sets-record-straight-david-ellefson-is-not-a-co-founding-member-of-megadeth |access-date=March 25, 2025 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 9, 2022 |title=DAVE MUSTAINE Once Again Says DAVID ELLEFSON Is Not A Founding Member Of MEGADETH: 'I Was The Founder' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-once-again-says-david-ellefson-is-not-a-founding-member-of-megadeth-i-was-the-founder |access-date=March 23, 2025 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |language=en}}</ref> Mustaine referred to Ellefson as "Dave Junior", which was often shortened to "Junior" after vocalist Lor Kane used the nickname to differentiate between the two Daves.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 26, 2020 |title=MEGADETH's DAVID ELLEFSON Isn't Bothered By 'JUNIOR' Nickname Anymore |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeths-david-ellefson-isnt-bothered-by-junior-nickname-anymore |access-date=March 23, 2025 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |language=en}}</ref> Ellefson appeared on every album and tour from 1985's record ''[[Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!]]'' up until 2002's ''[[Rude Awakening (Megadeth album)|Rude Awakening]].'' Mustaine reformed Megadeth without Ellefson in 2004. In the early days of Megadeth, Ellefson played using his fingers, but as Megadeth progressed and the music became more complex, he tended to prefer playing with a pick, or [[plectrum]]. Ellefson was credited with some Megadeth songs, including "Family Tree" from 1994's ''[[Youthanasia]]'' (in the 2004 remastered collection of the CD, however, the track is credited to Mustaine, Ellefson, [[Marty Friedman (guitarist)|Friedman]], [[Nick Menza|Menza]], but Mustaine credited the ''[[Rust in Peace]]''-era line-up with the entire ''Youthanasia'' album as a tribute to the band's success at the time of the record's initial release).

===Post-Megadeth career and return (2002–2010)===
[[File:Davidellefson.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Ellefson on stage during Sweden Rock Festival 2009]]

Ellefson formed [[F5 (band)|F5]] following Megadeth's 2002 disbandment. The band featured Ellefson on bass, Dale Steele on vocals, Steve Conley on lead guitar, John Davis on rhythm guitar, and former Megadeth bandmate [[Jimmy DeGrasso]] on drums. Their first album, ''A Drug for all Seasons'', was released in 2005. F5 appeared in support for [[Disturbed (band)|Disturbed]] in February 2006 and toured the American Mid-West in the summer of 2006. Ellefson also appeared on the new Killing Machine record ''Metalmorphosis'' in 2006 alongside DeGrasso; he has also been working with Temple of Brutality. Ellefson is currently a member of the melodic [[power metal]] band [[Avian (band)|Avian]], which features singer [[Lance King]]. He commented in an interview with Alternative-Zine.com that "Megadeth was really just a starting point for me, creatively".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idiomag.com/peek/#/45633/1/|title=David Ellefson interview with Alternative-Zine.com|access-date=October 28, 2008|date=October 22, 2008|publisher=[[idiomag]]}}</ref> Ellefson played five tracks for the [[Soulfly]] album ''[[Prophecy (Soulfly album)|Prophecy]]'' and also played on one track on ''[[Dark Ages (album)|Dark Ages]]''. He also worked with [[underground music|underground]] [[emcee]]/Record producer [[Necro (rapper)|Necro]] for his album entitled ''[[Death Rap]]''.

Ellefson is also a member of a cover band called [[Hail!]]. Ellefson, DeGrasso ([[Mike Portnoy]] for 2010), [[Tim "Ripper" Owens]] and [[Andreas Kisser]] formed the band in late 2008. The band was, as of April 2009, touring Europe. Ellefson participated in the Christmas Rock project [[Northern Light Orchestra]], he performed bass on many of the 17 tracks produced by rock drummer [[Ken Mary]] and also at the live show Christmas in April [[Orpheum Theatre (Phoenix, Arizona)|Orpheum Theatre]], [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]], Arizona.

In February 2010, Ellefson received a text message from Megadeth drummer [[Shawn Drover]], saying "if ever there was a time for you and Dave [Mustaine] to talk, now is it".<ref name="Classic Rock">{{cite web|last=Dome|first=Malcolm|title=David Ellefson Exclusive: Why I'm Back In Megadeth|url=http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/dave-ellefson-exclusive-why-im-back-in-megadeth/|work=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]]|date=February 9, 2010|access-date=April 4, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101110346/http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/dave-ellefson-exclusive-why-im-back-in-megadeth/|archive-date=November 1, 2013}}</ref> Ellefson was invited to rehearse with the band. After the phone call, the news was released that Ellefson would return to the Megadeth lineup. Ellefson was quoted saying "it felt like I never left" after their first rehearsal together.<ref>{{cite web|last=Prince|first=Pat|title=So Far, So Good With Megadeth Reunion|url=http://www.goldminemag.com/features/the-megadeth-reunion|work=[[Goldmine (magazine)|Goldmine]]|date=March 8, 2010|access-date=April 4, 2014}}</ref>

===Second tenure with Megadeth and departure (2010–2021)===
In 2013, Ellefson announced that his autobiography, entitled ''My Life with Deth'', would be issued by American publisher [[Howard Books]]. The memoir was co-written with author [[Joel McIver]], and features a foreword by [[Alice Cooper]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/exclusive-megadeth-bassist-s-autobiography-due-next-year/|title=Megadeth Bassist's Autobiography Due Next Year|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=December 21, 2012|access-date=April 4, 2014}}</ref>
[[file:Megadeth performing in San Antonio, Texas (27457608296).jpg|thumb|upright|Ellefson performing with Megadeth in 2016]]
In 2018, it was announced that Ellefson had begun work on ''More Life with Deth'', the follow-up to his 2013 memoir ''My Life with Deth'', to be co-written with Ellefson's business partner, and frequent collaborator, [[Thom Hazaert]].<ref name="MLWD Loudwire 2018">{{cite web |title=David Ellefson Readies 'More Life With Deth' Memoir Follow-UP |url=https://loudwire.com/david-ellefson-readies-more-life-with-deth-memoir-follow-up/ |website=Loudwire |date=May 4, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2019}}</ref><ref name="MLWD Loudwire 2018b">{{cite web |title=David Ellefson's New Megadeth Book Coming in 2019|url=https://loudwire.com/david-ellefson-megadeth-book-more-life-with-deth-2019/ |website=Loudwire |date=December 26, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2019}}</ref> The book was released on July 16, 2019, by UK based Jawbone Press, and features contributions from [[Alice Cooper]], [[K.K. Downing]] of [[Judas Priest]], [[Dan Donegan]] of [[Disturbed (band)|Disturbed]], [[Brian Welch]] of [[Korn]], [[Mark Slaughter]], [[Ron Keel]], Jason McMaster of [[Dangerous Toys]], [[Frank Bello]] of [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]], [[Chris Adler]] ([[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]], ex-[[Megadeth]]), [[Mark Tremonti]] of [[Creed (band)|Creed]] and [[Alter Bridge]], [[Kiko Loureiro]] and [[Dirk Verbeuren]] of [[Megadeth]], actor [[Kristian Nairn]] (''[[Game of Thrones]]''), and more, plus a foreword by ''My Life with Deth'' co-author, and ''[[Bass Player (magazine)|Bass Player Magazine]]'' editor [[Joel McIver]].<ref name="MLWD Sleeping Giants Eddie Trunk">{{cite web |title=Bassist Dave Ellefson Releases "More Life With Deth" on July19TH |url=https://eddietrunk.com/bassist-dave-ellefson-releases-more-life-with-deth-on-july-19th/ |website=Eddie Trunk |date=May 21, 2019 |access-date=June 15, 2019}}</ref>

In late 2018, he confirmed he was considered for the role of [[Metallica]] bassist twice: in 1986, after [[Cliff Burton]] was killed in a bus accident, and again in 2002 when bassist [[Jason Newsted]] left the band a year earlier.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/megadeth-david-ellefson-almost-joined-metallica-twice/|title=Megadeth's David Ellefson Almost Joined Metallica… Twice' |publisher=Loudwire.com |date= December 28, 2018|access-date=December 30, 2018}}</ref> He was not included in the documentary ''[[Metallica: Some Kind of Monster]]'' showing musicians auditioning for the band, however, and after Newsted's departure the position was ultimately filled by [[Robert Trujillo]] (former [[Suicidal Tendencies]], [[Infectious Grooves]] and [[Ozzy Osbourne]]). In 2019, Ellefson said since he rejoined Megadeth, he is a salaried member as opposed to being an "equal owner" with Mustaine in order to retain their friendship.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rosenberg |first1=Axl |title=Dave Ellefson Is a Salaried Member of Megadeth: "In Order to Have a Friendship, I Had to Give up Some Ownership" |url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2019/05/28/dave-ellefson-is-a-salaried-member-of-megadeth-in-order-to-have-a-friendship-i-had-to-give-up-some-ownership/ |website=MetalSucks |date=May 28, 2019 |access-date=August 14, 2023}}</ref>

On May 24, 2021, Dave Mustaine released a statement on behalf of the band that David Ellefson had once again parted ways with Megadeth, following allegations of sexual misconduct with an underage fan. Ellefson denied any wrongdoing,<ref name="auto">{{cite web |title=Megadeth Officially Parts Ways With David Ellefson Following Sex Video Scandal|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-offically-parts-ways-with-david-ellefson-following-sex-video-scandal/|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=May 24, 2021 |access-date=May 24, 2021}}</ref> and the other party denied being underage and said explicit videos were released without her consent.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last1=Grow|first1=Kory|date=June 7, 2021|title=David Ellefson: Ex-Megadeth Bassist Details Revenge-Porn Case in Police Report|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/david-ellefson-megadeth-bassist-revenge-porn-police-report-1179919/|access-date=January 16, 2022|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}</ref> On June 17, 2021, Dave Mustaine announced in his weekly [[Gimme Radio]] show that he intended to hire a new bassist to rerecord Ellefson's bass tracks for Megadeth's 2022 album ''[[The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead!]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=DiVita |first=Joe |date=June 18, 2021 |title=Megadeth to Replace David Ellefson's Bass Parts on New Album, Mustaine Confirms |url=https://loudwire.com/megadeth-replace-david-ellefson-bass-tracks-new-album/ |access-date=June 20, 2021 |website=Loudwire |language=en}}</ref>'' Ellefson's parts were overdubbed by [[Steve Di Giorgio]] of [[Testament (band)|Testament]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-12 |title=MEGADETH's New Album, 'The Sick, The Dying... And The Dead', Postponed To September |url=https://metaladdicts.com/megadeth-new-album-the-sick-the-dying-and-the-dead-postponed-to-september/ |access-date=2023-11-26 |website=Metal Addicts |language=en-US}}</ref> Former Megadeth bassist [[James LoMenzo]], who Ellefson replaced in 2010, would rejoin Megadeth in 2022 as Ellefson's full-time replacement.

===Post Megadeth projects (2021–present)===
[[File:ExMegadeth David Ellefson InterviewKings of Thrash Ellefson Soto Megadeth Canadian Metal720p.webm|thumb|right|Ellefson in 2022]]
Following his departure from Megadeth, Ellefson formed a new band named [[The Lucid]]. With Ellefson on bass, the band also consists of drummer [[Mike Heller]] ([[Fear Factory]], [[Malignancy (band)|Malignancy]]), guitarist [[Drew Fortier]], and vocalist [[Vinnie Dombroski]] ([[Sponge (band)|Sponge]], [[Spys4Darwin]]). Between September and October 2021, the band released three singles; "Maggot Wind", "Damned", and "[[Hair (The Lucid song)|Hair]]".<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 6, 2021|title=David Ellefson's Post-Megadeth Project the Lucid Releases Third Single, 'Hair'|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/david-ellefsons-post-megadeth-project-the-lucid-releases-third-single-hair/|access-date=October 6, 2021|website=blabbermouth.net}}</ref> Their self-titled debut, [[The Lucid (album)|''The Lucid'']], was released on October 15, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=David Ellefson Returns With His First Post-Megadeth Project the Lucid|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/david-ellefson-returns-with-first-post-megadeth-project-the-lucid/|access-date=September 8, 2021|website=Blabbermouth|date=September 8, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

In January 2023, the Lucid released their sophomore effort, a five-track EP titled [[Saddle Up and Ride (The Lucid EP)|''Saddle Up and Ride'']].<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 23, 2022 |title=WTF?! Hear David Ellefson Team With ICP's Violent J on New Lucid Song |language=en |work=Revolver |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/hear-former-megadeth-bassist-david-ellefson-team-insane-clown-posses-violent-j-new-song |access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> The EP includes a guest performance from [[Insane Clown Posse]] vocalist [[Violent J]] on the title track as well as a cover of [[Faith No More]]'s "[[Epic (Faith No More song)|Epic]]" retitled as "Sweet Toof".<ref>{{Cite news |title=How Violent J From Insane Clown Posse Ended Up On A Couple Songs With Vinnie Dombrowski From Sponge And Ex Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson|url=https://wrif.com/listicle/how-violent-j-from-insane-clown-posse-ended-up-on-a-song-with-vinnie-dombrowski-from-sponge-and-ex-megadeth-bassist-david-ellefson/ |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=WRIF Rocks Detroit |language=en}}</ref> Between December 2022 and January 2023, four singles from the EP were released; "Saddle Up and Ride", "Mumps", "Risk Machine", and "Sweet Toof".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kennelty |first=Greg |date=January 20, 2023 |title=THE LUCID & INSANE CLOWN POSSE's VIOLENT J Reimagining FAITH NO MORE's "Epic" Is Something|url=https://metalinjection.net/new-music/the-lucid-insane-clown-posses-violent-j-reimagining-faith-no-mores-epic-is-something |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Metal Injection |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2022, Ellefson formed the death metal band Dieth with Guilherme Miranda on guitar and vocals and Michał Łysejko on drums. The band released their first single, ''In the Hall of the Hanging Serpents'', on July 13, 2022. The band released three more singles and their first album ''To Hell and Back'' in 2023. Song ''Walk With Me Forever'' from the same album marks Ellefson's first time in his career singing lead vocals.

In 2022, Ellefson formed the band Kings Of Thrash with former Megadeth guitarist [[Jeff Young]]. The band plays songs from the first three studio albums of Megadeth live (and sometimes Mustaine-penned Metallica tunes, such as "[[Jump In The Fire]]").<ref>{{cite web |title=DAVID ELLEFSON Reunites With Early MEGADETH Guitarist GREG HANDEVIDT For 'Jump In The Fire' Performance In Minneapolis|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/david-ellefson-reunites-with-early-megadeth-guitarist-greg-handevidt-for-jump-in-the-fire-performance-in-minneapolis |website=[[Blabbermouth]] |access-date=August 5, 2023 |date=February 18, 2023}}</ref> They had former Megadeth guitarist [[Chris Poland]] as a guest on their ''The MEGA Years'' tour in 2022. In February 2023, the group also played shows with an early guitarist for Megadeth, Greg Handevidt.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Daly |first1=Andrew |title="I'd hear Dave Mustaine aimlessly riffing on the couch, and it's the riffs that ended up on the first two Megadeth – and, frankly, Metallica – records": Megadeth's first lead guitarist Greg Handevidt on the birth of a metal institution|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/megadeth-greg-handevidt |website=Guitar World Magazine |date=August 2, 2023 |access-date=August 4, 2023 |quote="I actually did a quick show with Kings of Thrash back in February, which was an absolute blast," Handevidt explains of his involvement with the group. "Beyond that, it's a whole lot of maybe. I've been talking with David Ellefson for the last eight or nine months about doing something, and we're planning on putting something out by the end of the year. But that's about all I'm gonna say about that right now. If David wants me to do more, I'd be up for it."}}</ref>

In April 2024, Ellefson fillied in for bassist [[D.D. Verni]] on [[Overkill (band)|Overkill]]'s Latin American tour when Verni was unable to perform as he was recovering from shoulder surgery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/david-ellefson-to-play-bass-for-overkill-on-2024-latin-american-tour|title=DAVID ELLEFSON To Play Bass For OVERKILL On 2024 Latin American Tour|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=March 11, 2024|accessdate=March 11, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2024-04-12 |title=Watch: Ex-MEGADETH Bassist DAVID ELLEFSON Performs With OVERKILL For First Time |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/watch-ex-megadeth-bassist-david-ellefson-performs-with-overkill-for-first-time |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}</ref>

==Other ventures==

===Ellefson Music Productions – EMP Label Group===
In October 2015 it was announced that Ellefson had launched a record label and production company, [[Ellefson Music Productions]], also known as [[EMP Label Group]], and would release ''In Your Face'', the debut EP from Phoenix-based all-girl [[pop punk]] group [[Doll Skin]] (which Ellefson also produced), in conjunction with [[Megaforce Records]] in North America, and [[Cargo Records (UK)|Cargo Records]] in Europe.<ref name="Blabbermouth EMP">{{cite web|title=Megadeth's David Ellefson Launches Label Imprint, Signs Teenage Female Rock Band Doll Skin|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeths-david-ellefson-launches-label-imprint-signs-teenage-female-rock-band-doll-skin/|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=October 7, 2015|access-date=November 21, 2015}}</ref><ref name=EMPbravewords>{{cite web|title=David Ellefson Approved Doll Skin Set European Release Date For in Your Face EP|url=http://bravewords.com/news/david-ellefson-approved-doll-skin-set-european-release-date-for-in-your-face-ep|website=Brave Words|access-date=November 21, 2015}}</ref> The EP was released October 30 in North America, and December 18 in Europe, and re-released as an LP titled in Your Face (Again) in March 2016 via [[eOne Distribution]]. The singles from the LP received airplay on many prominent stations in the US and Europe, including [[Rodney Bingenheimer]]'s weekly show on influential LA Rock station [[KROQ]].

Since forming in 2015, EMP Label Group has secured distribution from [[eOne]] in North America and [[SPV GmbH|SPV]] in Europe, with the roster spread among several imprints including [[EMP Label Group]] ([[Ellefson Music Productions]] in Europe) and [[EMP Underground]].<ref>{{cite web|title=EMP Label Group - Roster|url=http://emplabelgroup.com/artists.php|website=EMP Label Group|access-date=September 15, 2016|archive-date=September 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916040511/http://emplabelgroup.com/artists.php|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="BlabbermouthEMP">{{cite web|title=Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson's EMP Label GroupSigns North American Distribution Deal With Entertainment One |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-bassist-david-ellefsons-emp-label-group-signs-north-american-distribution-deal-with-entertainment-one/|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 11, 2016|access-date=September 15, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Music Connection EMP">{{cite web|title=EMP Label Group Launches Imprint Label for Heavier, Underground Music Artist|url=http://www.musicconnection.com/new-underground-music-label/|website=Music Connection|date=March 29, 2016|access-date=September 15, 2016}}</ref> Ellefson also appears on a recurring segment "Mandatory Megadeth" on Hazaert's [[Dash Radio]] show.<ref name="ampm">{{cite web|title=AMPM with Thom Hazaert|url=https://www.facebook.com/amfnpm|website=AMPM with Thom Hazaert Official Facebook}}</ref> In January 2017, Ellefson opened Ellefson Coffee Co. in his hometown, Jackson, Minn.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.twincities.com/2017/01/05/a-cup-of-coffee-from-megadeths-bassist-how-about-in-his-minnesota-hometown/|title=Megadeth co-founder now selling coffee in Minnesota town – Twin Cities|date=January 5, 2017|access-date=January 5, 2017}}</ref>

===Ellefson Films===
In May 2019 Ellefson along with business partner [[Thom Hazaert]] formed Ellefson Films and are producing the upcoming found footage horror film [[Dwellers (film)|Dwellers]]; written, directed by, and starring [[Drew Fortier]] with [[James L. Edwards (actor)|James L. Edwards]] and Douglas Esper co-starring.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-bassist-david-ellefson-to-produce-horror-film-dwellers/|title=Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson To Produce Horror Film 'Dwellers'|date=May 31, 2019|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=June 3, 2019}}</ref> On top of producing the project, Ellefson and Hazaert will also be appearing in the film as featured cameos.

A 50 second teaser trailer for the film was released in August 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aintitcool.com/ekm-has-seen-the-first-teaser-trailer-for-dwellers-82468/|title=ekm Has Seen the First Teaser Trailer for Dweller!|website=Aint It Cool News|language=en|access-date=November 18, 2019|archive-date=October 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001055354/https://www.aintitcool.com/ekm-has-seen-the-first-teaser-trailer-for-dwellers-82468/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Ellefson Films held a Q&A panel at [[Rue Morgue (magazine)|Rue Morgue]]'s annual Frightmare in the Falls horror convention to speak about Dwellers, which is intended to be released in 2020 through film festival showings eventually leading to digital and physical distribution.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/see-first-trailer-for-david-ellefson-produced-horror-film-dwellers/|title=See First Trailer For David Ellefson-Produced Horror Film 'Dwellers'|date=November 15, 2019|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=November 18, 2019}}</ref> During the panel Ellefson along with Drew Fortier revealed that Dwellers is a gritty found footage horror film with the story being told as a documentary gone severely wrong drawing influences from such films as ''[[The Blair Witch Project]]'' (1999) and ''[[C.H.U.D.]]'' (1984) <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3594250/trailer-dwellers-produced-megadeths-david-ellefson-video/|title=Trailer for 'Dwellers', Produced by Megadeth's David Ellefson [Video]|last=Miska|first=Brad|date=November 15, 2019|website=Bloody Disgusting!|language=en-US|access-date=November 18, 2019}}</ref>

In November 2019, the full trailer for Dwellers was released.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/video/megadeth-bassist-david-ellefson-posts-trailer-from-his-new-horror-movie-dwellers|title=Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson Posts Trailer From His New Horror Movie Dwellers|website=Metal Injection|date=November 17, 2019 |access-date=November 18, 2019}}</ref>

The film was released October 12, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 28, 2021 |title=DWELLERS, AWARD WINNING FOUND FOOTAGE HORROR FILM, Now Available for PRE-ORDER |url=https://horrornews.net/168968/dwellers-award-winning-found-footage-horror-film-now-available-for-pre-order/ |access-date=November 25, 2022 |website=Horror News {{!}} HNN |language=en-US}}</ref>

===The Ellefson Book Co.===
In November 2020 Ellefson announced that he had completed a fiction thriller novel titled ''Rock Star Hitman'' co-written with [[Drew Fortier]] to be released via his book imprint The Ellefson Book Co in December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 13, 2020|title=Megadeth's David Ellefson To Release First Fiction Novel|url=https://archive.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeths-david-ellefson-to-release-first-fiction-novel/|access-date=December 2, 2020|website=Blabbermouth.net|archive-date=December 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205075520/https://archive.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeths-david-ellefson-to-release-first-fiction-novel/|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was revealed on the Decibel Geek Podcast in an interview with Ellefson and Fortier that an album very loosely tying into ''Rock Star Hitman'' recorded with [[Vinnie Dombroski]] from [[Sponge (band)|Sponge]] on vocals, [[Mike Heller]] from [[Fear Factory]] on drums, Drew Fortier on guitar, and Ellefson on bass would be released in 2021 under the name Lucid.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Czynszak|first=Chris|title=David Ellefson & Drew Fortier on Friday Night Live|work=The Decibel Geek Podcast|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ybApuc39OA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/4ybApuc39OA| archive-date=December 11, 2021 |url-status=live|access-date=November 27, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==Personal life==
===Marriage and children===
Ellefson and his wife, Julie, were married in 1993.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/megadeth-react-sexually-explicit-videos-bassist-david-ellefson-9570375|title=Megadeth React to Reports of Leaked Sexually Explicit Videos of Bassist David Ellefson|magazine=Billboard|date=May 11, 2021|author=Gil Kaufman}}</ref>  They have a son and a daughter.<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/megadeth-bassist-david-ellefson-breaks-silence-dismissal-sexual-misconduct-allegations Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson breaks silence on dismissal, sexual misconduct allegations] Fox News May 28, 2021</ref> 

===Feud with Mustaine===
Mustaine intended to release a solo album in 2004, which would become ''[[The System Has Failed]]'', although due to contractual obligations, Mustaine released it under the Megadeth name.<ref name=MegadethIsMe>{{cite web|title=Dave Mustaine: 'Anyone Who Says That Megadeth Isn't Me Is A Fool'|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-anyone-who-says-that-megadeth-isn-t-me-is-a-fool/|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=March 31, 2007|access-date=October 6, 2012}}</ref> Ellefson and Mustaine had a severe legal disagreement over royalties and rights to Megadeth's name and back catalog, resulting in Ellefson filing an unsuccessful lawsuit. Though the two once enjoyed a close friendship, considerable animosity developed between Ellefson and Mustaine during this period to the point that on Ellefson's website, Megadeth was not mentioned in his biography, only in the discography.

In a mid-2005 podcast, Ellefson did not mention his past with Megadeth at all, instead concentrating on discussing his current projects. Mustaine felt Ellefson was unfairly using the Megadeth name when advertising an amplifier for [[Peavey Electronics|Peavey]]. Mustaine claims to have had dinner with Ellefson around Christmas in 2005 to talk things through; this got them on good terms, as Mustaine has stated that they spoke on the phone numerous times afterward.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-s-dave-mustaine-i-am-over-the-feuds-with-metallica-and-david-ellefson/|title=Megadeth's Dave Mustaine: 'I Am Over The Feuds With Metallica And David Ellefson'|publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com|date=February 4, 2006|access-date=August 7, 2011}}</ref> In 2010 Mustaine and Ellefson agreed to keep any unresolved issues in the past and were working on building and maintaining their friendship again.{{Wikisource|David Ellefson v Megadeth}} Since this time Ellefson has gone on to say that he feels "that having that time away created a realization for both of us that, while we are both productive individually, Megadeth is definitely stronger with both of us in it together."<ref>{{cite web |title=Interview With Dave Ellefson, Founding Member of Megadeth |url=https://casinoreviews.com/blog/casinoreviews-interviews-dave-ellefson-founding-member-of-megadeth |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129150826/https://casinoreviews.com/blog/casinoreviews-interviews-dave-ellefson-founding-member-of-megadeth |url-status=usurped |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |access-date=January 30, 2024 |work=CasinoReviews}}</ref>

Ellefson's dismissal from Megadeth in 2021 spurred renewed tensions with Mustaine, with the pair frequently attacking each other in interviews. Ellefson accused Mustaine of “not having his back” when the sexual misconduct allegations against him surfaced, while Mustaine has downplayed Ellefson's contributions to Megadeth and denied he was a founding member of the band.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yes, Dave Mustaine and David Ellefson are still talking smack about each other |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/yes-dave-mustaine-and-david-ellefson-are-still-talking-smack-about-each-other |website=Metal Hammer |date=October 10, 2022 |access-date=March 13, 2023}}</ref>

===Christianity===
Ellefson, like his ex-bandmate [[Dave Mustaine]], is a committed Christian. "Well, I was actually brought up in a Christian household, so I have, you know, a pretty broad knowledge of it; [I had] strayed from it for quite a while, [but] now that I have children, I actually do go to church, so I've kinda sorta returned to it, you know?"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hmmagazine.com/soandsosays/archives/000406.php?page=1 |title=HM Magazine |publisher=HM Magazine |access-date=July 8, 2011}}</ref> Ellefson further discussed his Christianity in a 2010 interview on [[Christian metal#Christian metal radio|The Full Armor of God Broadcast]] explaining "I've found that when you just suit up and show up and walk your talk instead of talking your talk all the time, that is often the best testimony!"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://podcast.fullarmorradio.com/2011/07/14/the-full-armor-of-god-broadcast-10th-anniversary-season-priemier.aspx |title=Full Armor of God Broadcast |publisher=Full Armor Radio |access-date=April 19, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203020930/http://podcast.fullarmorradio.com/2011/07/14/the-full-armor-of-god-broadcast-10th-anniversary-season-priemier.aspx |archive-date=December 3, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hmmagazine.com/exclusive/f5200508/index.php |title=HM – Internet Exclusives |publisher=Hmmagazine.com |access-date=July 8, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720033541/http://www.hmmagazine.com/exclusive/f5200508/index.php |archive-date=July 20, 2011 }}</ref>

In an article titled CODA – Ready for a MEGA Life, Ellefson indicated that in the fall of 2007 he began the new MEGA Life Ministries worship service in Scottsdale, AZ. "Oddly, the service has become one of my most rewarding and musically invigorating gigs I've ever had{{nbsp}}... a gig that literally landed in my lap and not something I had to chase down either. Not only are the parishioners respectful (no bar fights, spilled drinks and foul mouthed hecklers in the crowd like many secular gigs) but it's a musical event my whole family participates in. Plus, I was finally given the venue to put into practical application the very words I'd been trying to live by for many years which is 'Play music for God, not us'."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.megalifeministries.org/Portals/27/2321/54-CM%202008%2004%20jul-aug.pdf |title=megalifeaz.org |publisher=Megalifeministries.org |access-date=July 8, 2011 }}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Ellefson began studying for the ministry in the [[Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod]] through an extension program of [[Concordia Seminary]] in St. Louis.<ref>{{cite web|last=Townsend|first=Tim|title=Megadeth Bassist Studying For Lutheran Ordination at Concordia|url=http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/seminarians-they-are-even-megadeth-bassist/article_c71bc9b3-dd0d-5126-b2c1-0513931559bb.html|work=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]|date=January 19, 2012|access-date=April 4, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Megadeth's David Ellefson Talks About Christian Rock|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeths-david-ellefson-talks-about-christian-rock-audio/|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 20, 2014|access-date=April 4, 2014}}</ref>

===Controversy===
On May 10, 2021, videos of Ellefson masturbating were posted on [[Twitter]]. The videos, recorded in 2020 by a fan that Ellefson was in correspondence with, initially led to accusations of [[child grooming]]. However, Ellefson and the other party both denied the accusations and stated that it was consensual adult conduct. An official statement released the next day from Megadeth stated that the situation was being "watched closely".<ref>{{cite web |title=Megadeth Comments On Leak Of 'Embarrassing' David Ellefson Videos: 'We Are Watching Developments Closely' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-comments-on-leak-of-embarrassing-david-ellefson-videos-we-are-watching-developments-closely/ |website=Blabbermouth.net|date=May 10, 2021 |access-date=May 11, 2021}}</ref> On May 24, 2021, Dave Mustaine released a statement stating that, in light of the recent allegations and an already strained relationship, Megadeth had officially parted ways with Ellefson again.<ref name="auto" />

On May 26, 2021, Ellefson released the following statement:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/david-ellefson-says-he-is-pursuing-revenge-porn-charges-against-person-who-leaked-very-private-video/|title=David Ellefson Says He is Pursuing 'Revenge Porn' Charges Against Person Who Leaked 'Very Private Video'|date=May 26, 2021|website=Blabbermouth.net}}</ref> 
{{quote|Recently, a very private video was illegally posted on the internet and false allegations were made against me. The actions in the video were between two consenting adults and were recorded without my knowledge. I am working with Scottsdale Police Department in their investigation into charges regarding [[revenge porn]]ography to be filed against the person who posted this video. Also, my lawyers are preparing a defamation lawsuit to be filed against this person. This person will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I am taking this time to be with my family. I wish my bandmates the best with their upcoming tour.}}

==Equipment==
[[File:Dave Ellefson Kiev 04.JPG|thumb|200px|Ellefson performing with [[Megadeth]] in 2011, with his signature series Jackson bass]]

After rejoining Megadeth in early 2010, Ellefson started using his old Jackson Custom and Concert bass guitars and Hartke amps again.<ref>
{{cite web
 | title= Megadeth's David Ellefson Talks Hartke Bass Amplifiers
 |website=Blabbermouth.net
 | date= April 2, 2010
| url= http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-s-david-ellefson-talks-hartke-bass-amplifiers/
 | access-date= August 7, 2011
}}
</ref>
He used an LH1000 with two HX810s on the Rust in Peace 20th Anniversary Tour. He has since moved onto using the Kilo amplifier. In early 2011, Jackson released a Dave Ellefson Concert and Kellybird signature model, both in 4-string and 5-string variants.<ref>{{cite web
 |title        = Jackson Guitars : The Bloodline
 |publisher    = Jacksonguitars.com
 |date         = January 5, 2011
|url          = http://www.jacksonguitars.com/blog/?p=1365
 |access-date   = July 8, 2011
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110628191312/http://www.jacksonguitars.com/blog/?p=1365
 |archive-date = June 28, 2011
|url-status     = dead
 |df           = mdy-all
}}</ref> According to providence website, Ellefson has used or is still using the Dual Bass Station. Ellefson formerly used Peavey amps and his Peavey Zodiac DE Scorpio 4-string signature bass. In the early days of Megadeth, Ellefson, along with [[Dave Mustaine]], primarily used [[B.C. Rich]] instruments, most notably Ironbird and Mockingbird basses, the latter of which he has still been known to periodically bring out on occasion.

Ellefson plays exclusively with a [[Plectrum|guitar pick]], as he is unable to perform in fingerstyle the fast tempos and palm-muting in many Megadeth songs. Ellefson shifted exclusively to pick playing since ''[[Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?]]'', after recording their debut effort with a mix of fingerstyle and playing with a pick.

==Discography==
'''With Megadeth'''
{{main|Megadeth discography}}

*''[[Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!]]'' (1985)
*''[[Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?]]'' (1986)
*''[[So Far, So Good... So What!]]'' (1988)
*''[[Rust in Peace]]'' (1990)
*''[[Countdown to Extinction]]'' (1992)
*''[[Youthanasia]]'' (1994)
*''[[Cryptic Writings]]'' (1997)
*''[[Risk (Megadeth album)|Risk]]'' (1999)
*''[[The World Needs a Hero]]'' (2001)
*''[[Thirteen (Megadeth album)|Thirteen]]'' (2011)
*''[[Super Collider (album)|Super Collider]]'' (2013)
*''[[Dystopia (Megadeth album)|Dystopia]]'' (2016)
<!-- Do not put ''The Sick, The Dying... and the Dead'' here. Mustaine has now confirmed his bass tracks will be re-recorded -->

'''Solo releases'''
*''Sleeping Giants'' (2019)

'''With Ellefson'''
*''No Cover'' (2020)

'''With the Lucid'''
*''[[The Lucid (album)|The Lucid]]'' (2021)
*[[Saddle Up and Ride (The Lucid EP)|''Saddle Up and Ride'']] (2023)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=December 23, 2022 |title=DAVID ELLEFSON's THE LUCID Collaborates With INSANE CLOWN POSSE's VIOLENT J On 'Saddle Up And Ride' EP |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/david-ellefsons-the-lucid-collaborates-with-insane-clown-posses-violent-j-on-saddle-up-and-ride-ep |access-date=January 10, 2023 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}</ref>

'''With Dieth'''
*''To Hell and Back'' (2023)

'''With Ellefson "ES" Soto'''
*''[[Vacation In The Underworld]]'' (2022)

'''Guest appearances'''
*[[Soulfly]] – ''[[Prophecy (Soulfly album)|Prophecy]]'' (2004)
*[[F5 (band)|F5]] – ''A Drug for All Seasons'' (2005)
*[[Avian (band)|Avian]] – ''From the Depths of Time'' (2005)
*Temple of Brutality – ''Lethal Agenda'' (2006)
*[[Necro (rapper)|Necro]] – ''[[Death Rap]]'' (2007)
*Killing Machine – ''Metalmorphosis'' (2006)
*[[F5 (band)|F5]] – ''The Reckoning'' (2008)
*[[Tim "Ripper" Owens]] – ''[[Play My Game]]'' (2009)
*Angels of Babylon – ''Kingdom of Evil'' (2010)
*[[Gus G]] – I Am the Fire (2014)
*Johnny Wore Black – ''Walking Underwater Pt. 2'' (2014)
*[[Metal Allegiance]] – ''Metal Allegiance'' (2015)
*[[Operation: Mindcrime (band)|Operation: Mindcrime]] – ''[[The Key (Operation: Mindcrime album)|The Key]]'' (2015)
*[[Metal Allegiance]] - Volume II: Power Drunk Majesty (2018)
*Altitudes & Attitude – ''Get It Out'' (2019)
*[[Mark Morton (guitarist)|Mark Morton]] – [[Anesthetic (album)|''Anesthetic'']] (2019) (tracks 4 and 10)
*[[Offensive (band)|Offensive]] – ''Awenasa'' (2021)
*[[Ministry (band)|Ministry]] - ''[[Moral Hygiene]]'' (2021) (tracks 5 and 6)

== Filmography ==

* [[Dwellers (film)|''Dwellers'']] (2021), as Ellefson
* ''[[Bunker Heights]]'' (2024), as Cranford<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2024-01-04 |title=Ex-MEGADETH Bassist DAVID ELLEFSON Executive-Produces New Film 'Bunker Heights' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/ex-megadeth-bassist-david-ellefson-executive-produces-new-film-bunker-heights |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}</ref>

==References==

{{Reflist}}

==External links==

{{commons category|Dave Ellefson}}
*{{Official website|http://www.davidellefson.com}}

{{S-start}}
{{Succession box
 | title  = [[Megadeth]] bassist
 | years  = 1983–2002<br/>2010–2021
 | with   =
 | before = Matt Kisselstein
 | before2 = [[James LoMenzo]]
 | after  = [[James MacDonough]]
 | after2 = [[Steve Di Giorgio]]
}}
{{S-end}}

{{Megadeth|state=plain}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ellefson, Dave}}
[[Category:1964 births]]
[[Category:American Lutherans]]
[[Category:American rock bass guitarists]]
[[Category:American heavy metal bass guitarists]]
[[Category:American male bass guitarists]]
[[Category:Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Megadeth members]]
[[Category:Guitarists from Minnesota]]
[[Category:People from Jackson, Minnesota]]
[[Category:American male guitarists]]
[[Category:American people of Norwegian descent]]
[[Category:20th-century American bass guitarists]]
[[Category:Metal Allegiance members]]
[[Category:Thrash metal musicians]]