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'{{short description|American bass guitarist}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2021}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = David Ellefson | image = David Ellefson (cropped2).jpg | caption = Ellefson playing at the [[Illinois State Fair]] in August 2019 | birth_name = David Warren Pervy priest Ellefson | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1964|11|12}} | birth_place = [[Jackson, Minnesota]], U.S. | instrument = Bass<!--- If you think an instrument should be listed, a discussion to reach consensus as to the nobility of the instrument(s) being primary is highly recommended first. The related guideline is here: [[Template:Infobox_musical_artist#instrument]] ---> | genre = [[Heavy metal music|Heavy metal]], [[thrash metal]], [[speed metal]], [[power metal]], [[hard rock]] | occupation = Musician, songwriter | years_active = 1982–present | label = EMP Label Group | associated_acts = [[Megadeth]], [[Soulfly]], [[Avian (band)|Avian]], Temple of Brutality, [[F5 (band)|F5]], Killing Machine, [[Ministry (band)|Ministry]], [[Hail!]], Altitudes & Attitude, [[Metal Allegiance]], [[Doll Skin]] | website = {{URL|davidellefson.com}} }} '''David Warren Ellefson (Pervy priest)''' (born November 12, 1964) is an American musician. He was the bassist and co-founder of the [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band [[Megadeth]] from 1983 to their first breakup in 2002, and again from 2010 to 2021. In addition to playing bass guitar in Megadeth, Ellefson also has various side projects, which include Temple of Brutality, [[F5 (band)|F5]], Killing Machine, and [[Metal Allegiance]]. ==Biography== ===Early life=== Ellefson was born November 12, 1964 in [[Jackson, Minnesota|Jackson]], [[Minnesota]]. He 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. ===First stint with Megadeth (1983–2002)=== Other than guitarist, vocalist, and primary lyricist [[Dave Mustaine]], Ellefson was the only constant member of Megadeth from the time of their establishment in 1983 to the group's dissolution in 2002 (Mustaine subsequently reformed Megadeth without Ellefson in 2004). Mustaine referred to Ellefson as "Dave Junior", which was often shortened to "Junior" after he heard somebody call David the nickname at a store. He 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]].'' Ellefson's original playing style involved using his fingers; as Megadeth progressed and the music became more complex, however, he tended to prefer playing with a pick/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).<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> ===Feud with Mustaine=== Mustaine intended to release a solo album in 2004, which would ultimately become ''[[The System Has Failed]]'', although due to contractual obligations, Mustaine ultimately 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/|work=blabbermouth.net|publisher=Roadrunner Records|date=March 31, 2007|access-date=October 6, 2012}}</ref> Subsequently, 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 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|url=http://thepogg.com/thepogg-interviews-dave-ellefson-founding-member-of-megadeth/|title=Interview With Dave Ellefson, Founding Member of Megadeth|work=The Pogg|access-date=November 6, 2012}}</ref> In late 2018, he confirmed he was considered to be a [[Metallica]] bassist twice: in 1986, after [[Cliff Burton]] was killed in a bus accident, and 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 documentary ''[[Metallica: Some Kind of Monster]]'', however, and the position was taken by ex-[[Suicidal Tendencies]]/[[Infectious Grooves]] and [[Ozzy Osbourne]] bassist [[Robert Trujillo]]. 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/#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20new%20interview,was%20always%20an%20equal%20owner. |website=MetalSucks |access-date=June 17, 2020}}</ref> ===Post Megadeth career and return (2003–2021)=== [[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. On February 8, 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".{{r|Classic Rock}} 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> 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|publisher=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 |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 |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 |access-date=June 15, 2019}}</ref> It was announced by Megadeth that as of May 24,2021 David Ellefson is no longer part of the band. ===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|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 Distribution]] in North America, and SPV GMBH 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}}</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|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|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|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]].<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'|last=Blabbermouth|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!|last=ekm|website=Aint It Cool News|language=en|access-date=November 18, 2019}}</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]] and [[C.H.U.D.]]<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|access-date=November 18, 2019}}</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|last=Blabbermouth|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}}</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|access-date=November 27, 2020}}</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; and strayed from it for quite a while. And, 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...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 has recently begun 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 news|title=Megadeth's David Ellefson Talks About Christian Rock|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeths-david-ellefson-talks-about-christian-rock-audio/|work=blabbermouth.net|date=February 20, 2014|access-date=April 4, 2014}}</ref> ==Controversy== On May 10, 2021, sexually explicit videos of Ellefson self attaining 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 claimed 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 |access-date=11 May 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>{{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 |access-date=May 24, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Mustaine|first=Dave|title=Statement from Megadeth|url=https://megadeth.com/news/2021/statement-from-megadeth/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-24|website=Megadeth|language=en-US}}</ref> == Equipment == [[File:Dave Ellefson Kiev 04.JPG|thumb|200px|Ellefson performing with [[Megadeth]] in Kiev, Ukraine 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 | work= Blabbermouth.net | publisher= Roadrunnerrecords.com | 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]], necessitated by the fast tempos 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 <small>Main article: ''[[Megadeth discography]]''</small> *''[[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) *''So Young, So Innocent... So What!'' (2021) ;Solo release *''Sleeping Giants'' (2019) ; with Ellefson *''[[No Cover]]'' (2020) ;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 (musician)|Mark Morton]] – [[Anesthetic (album)|''Anesthetic'']] (2019) (tracks 4 and 10) ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== {{commons category|Dave Ellefson}} *{{Official website|http://www.davidellefson.com}} {{s-start}} {{s-bef|before=None}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Megadeth]] bassist |years=[[Megadeth#Early days (1983–1984)|1983]]–[[Megadeth#Breakup (2002–2004)|2002]] {{s-aft|after= [[James MacDonough]]}} {{s-end}} {{s-start}} {{s-bef|before=[[James LoMenzo]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Megadeth]] bassist |years=[[Megadeth#Endgame (2009–2010)|2010]]–[[Megadeth#2017–present: The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! and second split with David Ellefson|2021]]}} {{s-aft|after= TBA}} {{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:20th-century American bass guitarists]]'