Category Archives: David Ellefson

David Ellefson’s Business Partner Thom Hazaert Retires From Music Business

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Thom Hazaert, the longtime business partner of former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, has announced his retirement from the music business. He said he made his decision following years of “being a person who did everything for everyone else, at the expense of [himself].”

Hazaert said the following:

“For the last 30 years, I have toiled away in the music business (and life) being a person who did everything for everyone else, at the expense of myself – my finances, my happiness, my self-respect. I scraped, I barely made money, I suffered. I put everything I had into something to get nothing. Started over from scratch COUNTLESS times, only to be fucked again by someone or something else, right as the hard work started paying off (while they ran off to tell everyone how I fucked them.)

I pushed myself to the point where I LITERALLY died. And maybe it’s just the nature of the thankless job, but most of the stories of that experience end with being betrayed by the very people I put everything into helping, while they ran off with everything I created, or destroyed it. And somehow, I always end up the bad guy.

That goes for personal, and business relationships (which in this business are essentially one and the same). I know hundreds, if not thousands of people who could or maybe would say that I have done something huge for them, something that put them closer to their dreams. For every 100 of those, there’s a few who would rather skew the perspective of everything I did for them, and twist distortions, or flat out lies or delusions, to say the opposite, and make me out to be some kind of monster.

Nope, I’m not perfect. But in the immortal words of Tony Montana, ‘I ain’t never fucked nobody that didn’t have it coming.’ I am honest to a fucking FAULT, and know my weaknesses, and have always avoided them. I am kind, sane, reasonable, professional, and level-headed. I would give anyone the shirt off my back, and go out of my way to try and help EVERYONE, and put as much good into the World as I can. But as the saying goes, no good deed goes unpunished.

Now I’m at a point I can barely move or function half the time, have crippling anxiety, and no motivation to do anything, frankly not only because of my health, and the mountain of medications I am on to stay alive, but because any ounce of motivation or excitement, hope or joy has been sucked out of my life, and this business, which, at its worst, is a constant exercise in deflecting and/or maintaining relationships with (and placating) crazy, entitled, toxic, and/or delusional people.

We live in a nearly apocalyptic world where anyone can say anything and post it on the internet, and it’s true. A World that thrives on drama, and manipulation, where everyone wants to be a victim, and anyone will hear anything, with no context or actual knowledge of the situation, and it’s true. (If they want it to be.) That’s this world, and even moreso, this business. And this has been proven to be true of even some of my closest “friends”.

Trust me, If I wanted to spill dirt, or be a victim, or air people’s dirty laundry, I have so much I could start a fucking dry cleaners. I believe in trust, and honor, even when those people go out of their way to try and fuck and destroy YOU.

So, consider this my official retirement. Fuck music. I hate it now anyway. Fuck the music business. There really isn’t one, and I hate it even more. (Of course there are a lot of amazing people in this business that I LOVE, and always will.)

Fuck social media (and public life). I’m done with that too. To my friends, and those who have supported me, thank you. Liars, shit-talkers, behind the back whisperers, betrayers, and people who pretended to be my friends, or used me. Have at it.

I’m gonna find something to do that I like. I’m going to collect and sell toys, and hang out with my kids and my dog, and try and be happy I’m alive. I might be broke, but I was always fucking broke. Welcome to the fucking music business.

Say goodnight to the bad guy.”

This news comes shortly after Ellefson was fired from Megadeth following accusations of underage grooming and sexual misconduct. Those allegations stemmed from leaked ​footage that shows him masturbating during a video chat with a young woman. The bassist previously denied the accusations, saying the girl was not underage, and he is now seeking legal action against the leaker of the video.

[via Blabbermouth]

Police Report Offers More Details On Ex-Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson’s Revenge Porn Case

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As previously reported, former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson is currently seeking legal action against the leaker of a video that shows him masturbating during a video chat with a young woman. Now, more details on the case have surfaced via Rolling Stone, who obtained a copy of a police report from the Scottsdale Police Department.

After the aforementioned footage initially leaked, Ellefson was accused of underage grooming and sexual misconduct and was ultimately fired from Megadeth. However, Ellefson and the woman in question previously issued statements denying the allegations saying that she was never underage and that the interactions were between consenting adults.

Ellefson also said that he would be filing revenge porn charges against the leaker. According to the police report, the musician admitted to sexting with a girl, who he met and befriended while signing autographs at a 2019 concert in Holland, before meeting her for coffee and soda at a hotel in February 2020. Ellefson said there was no physical contact between the two and that things didn’t turn sexual until July or August 2020.

During that time, the couple began to masturbate with each other through Facebook Messenger. According to Ellefson, “they had about four to five masturbating encounters.” When the online sexual encounters occurred, the woman was said to have been 19-years-old. In the Netherlands, where she lives, the age of consent is 16 and in Arizona, where Ellefson lives, it is 18.

During the latest encounter in February 2021, the woman revealed that she had recorded footage of the bassist masturbating without permission. She also “admitted that she had shared the video with some friends but wasn’t sure how it got leaked out to others.”

The report also says that Ellefson‘s claims are backed up by a polygraph test and a copy of the woman’s driver’s license. He also shared screen shots of the conversations with authorities.

You can read more about all of that over at Rolling Stone.

Former Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson To Seek Legal Action Against Leaker Of His “Very Private Video”

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David Ellefson has revealed that he will be seeking legal action against the leaker of a video that shows him masturbating during a video chat with a young woman. After that footage leaked, the bassist was accused of underage grooming and sexual misconduct and ultimately fired from Megadeth. However, Ellefson and the woman in question previously issued statements denying the allegations saying that she was never underage and that the interactions were between consenting adults. Ellefson told Rolling Stone the following about pursuing legal action

“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 pornography 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.”

Megadeth Officially Part Ways With David Ellefson

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Megadeth have officially parted ways with David Ellefson. This news comes after the bassist was accused of underage grooming and sexual misconduct after footage of him masturbating during a video chat with a young woman surfaced online. However, Ellefson and the woman in question have both issued statements denying the allegations saying that she was never underage and that the interactions were between consenting adults.

Frontman Dave Mustaine issued the following statement:

“We are informing our fans that David Ellefson is no longer playing with Megadeth and that we are officially parting ways with him. We do not take this decision lightly.

While we do not know every detail of what occurred, with an already strained relationship, what has already been revealed now is enough to making working together impossible moving forward.

We look forward to seeing our fans on the road this summer, and we cannot wait to share our brand new music with the world. It is almost complete.

Dave Mustaine
Megadeth
May 24th, 2021″

This news comes after Megadeth previously commented on the scandal, saying that “it is important that all voices be heard clearly and respectfully.”

Megadeth On David Ellefson: “It Is Important That All Voices Be Heard Clearly And Respectfully”

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Megadeth have officially commented on the allegations of underage grooming and sexual misconduct that were leveled against David Ellefson. Those accusations stem from leaked footage, which appears to show the bassist masturbating during a video chat with a young woman. However, Ellefson and the woman in question have both issued statements denying the allegations saying that she was never underage and that the interactions were between consenting adults. Megadeth have since issued their own statement regarding the situation as well:

“We are aware of the recent statements regarding David Ellefson, and are watching developments closely. As it relates to creativity and business, we are all familiar with one another. However, there are clearly aspects of David’s private life that he has kept to himself. As this situation unfolds, it is important that all voices be heard clearly and respectfully. We look forward to the truth coming to light.”

Megadeth’s David Ellefson Denies Grooming And Sexual Misconduct Allegations

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Megadeth’s David Ellefson has issued a statement denying recent allegations of underage grooming and sexual misconduct online. Those accusations stem from leaked footage, which appears to show the bassist masturbating during a video chat with a young woman. The news is especially shocking considering Ellefson has been married for 27 years and became a Lutheran pastor in 2012.

Ellefson said the following:

“Dear Fans & Friends,

As you may or not know, some private and personal conversations and interactions have surfaced online, released with ill intention by a third party who was not authorized to have them or share them. While certainly embarrassing, I want to address it as openly and honestly as possible.

As much as it’s not something I’m proud of, these were private, adult interactions that were taken out of context and manipulated to inflict maximum damage to my reputation my career and family.

The other party involved has made a statement which you can see below. I thank her for doing so and hope that this clarifies that the situation was not at all as presented.

Humbly Yours,

David Ellefson“

He also shared a statement from the woman in question:

“I’m the girl people are talking about in the posts about David Ellefson right now and I just want to tell my side of the story because people are sharing misinformation and the situation is getting out of hand without the truth being out there.

Yes, those video calls did happen, but I was the one to initiate them and never was I underage, I was always a consenting adult. Nothing inappropriate ever happened before that. It was all consensual, I’m not a victim and I have not been groomed in the slightest as I was the one to initiate it. I was just naïve enough to record him and share it with a friend without his permission. In the end, it was all consensual and all online.

I don’t know how it got to this point, but a lot of information is being left out by the people purposely trying to harm him. I would ask that anyone sharing these personal private videos or any misinformation about them to please stop.”

[via The PRP]

David Ellefson (Megadeth) Launches New Video Podcast “Backstage With David Ellefson”

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David Ellefson (Megadeth) has launched a new video podcast called “Backstage With David Ellefson” via Star Worldwide Networks. The series was created with Phoenix, AZ morning radio personality Dave “The Mayor” Pratt and it will feature both audio and four-camera video production.

Ellefson commented:

“Dave [Pratt] and I have known each other for over three decades as he and I have done many on-air interviews at KUPD over the years. He really is the mayor of all things radio here in Phoenix, Arizona, so I am honored to have a media home here with him.”

“I’m aiming to have this podcast serve as a platform for fun and engaging conversations between friends and colleagues on a myriad of topics, both in and out of music. Nothing is off limits and I’m excited to see where our guests and topics will take the conversation.”

Pratt added

“As a longtime rock radio personality, I proudly have shared many successful years with my friend David Ellefson. It is appropriate that he founded Ellefson Coffee Co. as the metal icon is pure energy as a musician and an entrepreneur on many levels. Now you get a backstage pass into David’s inner circle through a worldwide pro video podcast. Welcome to ‘Backstage With David Ellefson’ on Star Worldwide Networks!”

David Ellefson (Megadeth) Announces “Bass Chronicles” Storyteller Concert Series

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Megadeth bassist David Ellefson has announced a “Bass Chronicles” storyteller concert series. The trek will consist of four Midwest dates with Dead By Wednesday.

Tour Dates:

09/23 Pittsburgh, PA – Crafthouse
09/24 Akron, OH – The Empire Concert Club
09/25 Marietta, OH – The Adelphia Music Hall
09/26 Richmond, IN – The Firehouse

Ellefson’s “Bass Chronicles” band will feature vocalist Andre Vanchot (Eddie Ojeda Band), drummer Christian “Opus” Lawrence (Dead By Wednesday), and guitarists Dave Sharpe (Dead By Wednesday) and Drew Fortier (Bang Tango). The following was said about the shows:

“Each event will be presented as a chronological set filled with songs and stories spanning David’s legendary career, along with some deep cuts that have rarely (or never) been performed live from his catalog of work.”

Ellefson added:

“I’m excited to head out and hit the stage again as we’re preparing a special list of songs, including some rarities which have never been performed live.”

“People are excited about live shows again so we’re approaching these events like a traveling pop-up experience where you can catch a show, see a flick, buy some merch, and even break bread with the band at the VIP dinners. So, get ready for a full night out!”

Tickets and VIP dinner packages can be found HERE.

Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson’s Award-Winning Horror Film “Dwellers” To Receive Home Release In October

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Ellefson Films, the film production company ran by Megadeth’s David Ellefson and music/film producer and industry exec Thom Hazaert, have announced that their award-winning horror film “Dwellers” will be released on Blu-ray/DVD/Digital on October 12. The movie, which was written and directed by musician, filmmaker, and actor Drew Fortier, will also be screened virtually on March 20 as part of the HorrorHound Film Festival’s “Midnight Madness” feature. That event will also include a Q&A with members of the cast. More info can be found HERE and the film’s plot can be found below:

“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 Bassist David Ellefson’s Fiction Novel “The Sledge Chronicles: Rock Star Hitman” Is Now Available As An Audiobook

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Megadeth bassist David Ellefson has announced that his fiction novel “The Sledge Chronicles: Rock Star Hitman” is now available as an audiobook. You can purchase the book on the platform of your choice HERE. Here’s a description of the novel:

“The Sledge Chronicles: Rock Star Hitman is the first chapter in the action-packed saga of Sledge; an up and coming musician who uncovers a startling quid pro quo: in exchange for achieving his dreams of Rock stardom, he must enlist as a ruthless killer for a clandestine agency. Filled with twists, turns, screams, and even laughs, Rock Star Hitman is the cult thriller you’ve been dying for.”