As thrash metal legends Megadeth prepare for retirement following the release of their final album, Megadeth, and an upcoming farewell tour, fans are left wondering about the absence of former members. The band’s history includes estranged relationships with musicians like Jeff Young, the late Nick Menza, and founding bassist David Ellefson.
Current bassist James LoMenzo, who stepped in to replace Ellefson following his controversial exit, recently addressed the situation. During an interview with “Stairway to Rock,” LoMenzo expressed sympathy that his predecessor is not involved in the band’s final chapter.
“I’m sorry [Ellefson]’s not here right now. But you know, as they say, the show must go on. As things worked out, I was only supposed to be here to fill in for a while. And as we went out on that first tour [after] I rejoined, the vibe was so great that I couldn’t resist coming back. And Dave [Mustaine] was gracious enough to have me back,” he said (as transcribed by Ultimate Guitar).
LoMenzo also shared memories of meeting Ellefson during his first tenure replacing him between 2006 and 2010. He described the interaction as highly positive, noting his own admiration for the original bassist’s work.
“Yes, actually, I had a great time. Many years ago, we sat down…. I’d always wanted to meet [Ellefson] at the time I was in the band. We had just done United Abominations [2007]. I’m such a big fan, and I’ve learned to play all his bass lines, so that made me a bigger fan, right?”
“So, yeah, I sat down and had coffee with him a while back, and I remember he was very gracious. And I told him, at the time, ‘The Megadeth fans, they always love you. You’re part of the original band.’ And I even told him, ‘You should go on the forums and just say hello, stick your head in there.’ So, fortunately, when the time came and they were going to do the ‘Big Four’ [2010 event that saw Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax join forces] again, when Dave and Dave had reconciled, I thought that was great.”
Ultimately, any chance of a reconciliation before Megadeth concludes their farewell run rests entirely with frontman Dave Mustaine.
