Category Archives: David Ellefson

David Ellefson (Megadeth) To Release New Solo Single “Simple Truth”

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Megadeth bassist David Ellefson will be releasing a new single titled “Simple Truth” next month to raise money for the Croce Rossa Italiana in an effort to help out with COVID-19 relief efforts in Italy. The song, which Ellefson co-wrote with vocalist Thom Hazaert and Italian guitarist and drummer Andy Martongelli and Paolo Caridi, will appear on his follow-up to “Sleeping Giants.” The track will be available on Bandcamp on April 10 and all other digital outlets on April 17.

Ellefson commented:

“We actually wrote the song in Milan during a tour rehearsal, and a lot of it was recorded there. We’ve gone back and forth with Andy in Italy, from the Platinum Underground in Phoenix, and with our mixer and co-engineer Alessio Garavello in London. While we’re all staying positive and just keeping busy, it’s heartbreaking to see what’s going on over there with the death toll climbing every day.”

“We played several shows in Italy on our European ‘More Live With Deth’ tour last year, and I was just there with MEGADETH back in February. It’s absolutely devastating to see what the country is going through right now. The people, and its culture, have been so welcoming to me over the years, that i’m honored to do anything I can to give something back to them during this time of need.”

Hazaert added:

“While David has been there a million times over the years with MEGADETH, our tour last year was really my first experience with the amazing people and culture of Italy. Now half of our band, who have become dear friends, live there, which makes it hit even closer to home. Working on this record with these guys, who are just going after it 100%, while basically at ground zero for this whole crazy pseudo-apocalyptic scenario we’re all living in right now, really gives you a different perspective.”

“Lyrically, the song is really about not giving up and not taking any shit. Tuning out the noise and going after your dreams no matter what, and not letting anyone tell you can’t do something. And, I guess, living out the bizarre ‘Rock Star’-like scenario of being in a band with David, the guy from MEGADETH, who really was one of my idols, I guess it’s fairly autobiographical. But we’re all extremely proud of it, and really this whole record we’re making, it’s just a straight up, ass-kicking heavy hard rock record. There’s an amazing musical chemistry, and I know, personally, I can’t wait for people to hear it. And to be able to use it as an opportunity to give back to our friends in Italy makes it that much more special.”

Furthermore, Ellefson is also helping out kids during the coronavirus pandemic through his David Ellefson Youth Music Foundation and the School’s Out initiative, which gifts displaced students with free instruments/equipment, while also giving them lessons with members of Megadeth, Five Finger Death Punch, etc.

Megadeth’s David Ellefson Announces Australian Tour With Former Bandmate Chris Poland

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Megadeth’s David Ellefson has announced an Australian tour with his former bandmate Chris Poland. Here’s the dates:

05/22 Melbourne, AUS – Max Watts
05/23 Sydney, AUS – Manning Bar
05/24 Brisbane, AUS – Crowbar
05/25 Canberra, AUS – The Basement
05/26 Adelaide, AUS – Enigma Bar

Watch First Trailer For David Ellefson-Produced Horror Film “Dwellers”

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Ellefson Films, the new film production company ran by Megadeth’s David Ellefson and music/film producer and industry exec Thom Hazaert, have shared a new trailer for an upcoming horror film called “Dwellers.” That movie was written and directed by musician, filmmaker, and actor Drew Fortier. Here’s a description of it:

“While shooting a documentary on the suspicious disappearances within the homeless community, a filmmaker and his crew go missing while uncovering a terrifying and vicious secret below the city’s surface.”

Megadeth’s David Ellefson Premieres “Sleeping Giants” Video

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Megadeth’s David Ellefson has premiered a new video for “Sleeping Giants.“ The song, which features Ellefson’s business partner Thom Hazaert, MC Daryl “DMC” McDaniels (Run-DMC), Steve Conley (Flotsam And Jetsam), Ethan Brosh, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (ex-Guns N’ Roses), and Ilias Papadakis (Memorain), serves as the title track to Ellefson’s “More Life With Deth” companion album.

Hazaert commented:

“David had all these great instrumental songs laying around, and ‘Sleeping Giants’ was one of them. He suggested I write and record some vocals parts for them, so I called up DMC and asked if he’d want to collaborate with us on a track, and we got to work. I’ve always loved off the wall metal/hip-hop collaborations, ‘Judgement Night’, etc. And I think ‘Giants’ definitely draws from that. The song and video both ended up with a really cool aggressive, old-school New York hardcore/hip-hop. feel. It my book, it doesn’t get any more legendary than RUN DMC. And this was definitely one for the history books.”

Ellefson added:

“It was truly an honor to collaborate with DMC, and I think the track came out great. When Thom said DMC wanted to do a collaboration with us, I instantly thought of ‘Sleeping Giants’. And when he came out to Revolution in Amityville to perform with us, and shoot the video, it was an awesome energy. I think everyone there got a show they won’t ever forget.”

Megadeth’s David Ellefson Premieres New Song “Hammer Comes Down” Feat. Alter Bridge, Sacred Reich, Ex-Megadeth, Etc. Members

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Megadeth’s David Ellefson has premiered a lyric video for his new song “Hammer Comes Down.“ The track features a number of guests including: Ellefson’s business partner Thom Hazaert, Eric “A.K.” Knutson (Flotsam And Jetsam), Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge, etc.), Chris Poland (ex-Megadeth), Joey Radziwill (Sacred Reich), and Dave McClain (Sacred Reich, ex-Machine Head). The song will appear on Ellefson’s “More Life With Deth” companion album “Sleeping Giants“ (out July 16).

Watch Nita Strauss & David Ellefson Cover Iron Maiden’s “Aces High” Live

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During her June 13 show at Basement East in Nashville, Tennessee, Nita Strauss (Alice Cooper, etc.) was joined onstage by David Ellefson (Megadeth) for an instrumental cover of Iron Maiden’s “Aces High.” You can see footage of that below:

Megadeth’s David Ellefson To Produce Horror Film “Dwellers”

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Ellefson Films, the new film production company ran by Megadeth’s David Ellefson and music/film producer and industry exec Thom Hazaert, have greenlit their first film project, a horror film called “Dwellers.” The movie is being written and directed by musician, filmmaker, and actor Drew Fortier.

The following description of the film was shared:

“While shooting a documentary on the suspicious disappearances within the homeless community, a filmmaker and his crew go missing while uncovering a terrifying and vicious secret below the city’s surface.”

Fortier will star in the movie alongside James L. Edwards, Douglas Esper, Rick Jermain, and Mitch Lafon. Ellefson and Hazaert will also make cameos.

Fortier commented:

“I’ve been tossing the idea of ‘Dwellers’ around in my head for a few years now and am excited to finally make it a reality. It made perfect sense to rope in my buddies Ellefson and Hazaert for this whole thing as producers and I am honored to have their support for the film. The cast is amazing and I can’t wait to show off the finished product.”