The legendary metal world was shaken recently after MEGADETH officially confirmed that their upcoming farewell tour in 2026 would mark the end of the band’s historic career. The announcement also came with news that their next studio album will serve as their final LP, effectively closing a chapter on one of the most influential thrash metal bands of all time.
While the metal community continues to process the news, one voice that fans were especially eager to hear from was that of David Ellefson, the band’s longtime bassist and co-founder. In a new interview with AlternativeNation.net, Ellefson shared his candid thoughts on the decision — and his words were both reflective and respectful.
Ellefson’s Calm Response To MEGADETH’s Final Chapter
Transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
“Honestly, I don’t think about it that much. I think probably everybody else thinks about it more for me than I do for me,” Ellefson said.
Despite spending decades in MEGADETH, Ellefson explained that he’s moved on since parting ways with Dave Mustaine in 2021. His tone wasn’t bitter — rather, it carried the voice of someone who has made peace with his journey.
“It’s been a rocky road, for sure, obviously, and there have been moments sublime and there have been moments that I just scratch my head over,” he reflected. “But at the end of the day… Look, Dave said four and a half years ago he doesn’t wanna play music with me anymore, so I just left it there and just moved on. I’m not sitting around waiting for a call. I’ve already offered, if it should come my way, I’d be happy to participate on some level.”
This statement highlights Ellefson’s professionalism and maturity — a stark contrast to the turbulence that has sometimes surrounded MEGADETH’s internal relationships. Even though the bassist was dismissed under difficult circumstances, he continues to express goodwill toward Mustaine and the band’s legacy.
Drawing Inspiration From BLACK SABBATH’s Farewell
During the conversation, Ellefson cited BLACK SABBATH’s 2024 “Back To The Beginning” event as a perfect example of how a legendary act should conclude its story.
“What we saw in Birmingham [at BLACK SABBATH’s ‘Back To The Beginning’ event], in my opinion, was 100% on point the right way to say goodbye,” Ellefson explained.
“You bring back the O.G.s — Geezer [Butler], Tony [Iommi], Bill [Ward] and Ozzy [Osbourne]; the four O.G.s — ’cause, obviously, they went through their… Look, they fired Bill [at some point earlier in their career], they fired Ozzy, and at some point they’re back together. The four guys that started it all get to say goodbye together, to each other, to the fans, the fans say goodbye to them. So, to me, that is the model of how it’s done. I mean, that is a hundred percent the right way to do it.”
Ellefson’s admiration for how BLACK SABBATH handled their farewell speaks volumes. The legendary heavy metal pioneers reunited their original lineup to bring closure not only to themselves but also to millions of fans who had supported them since the beginning.
In a way, his comments subtly encourage MEGADETH to take a similar route — to reunite the original members, or at least key figures, one last time for a proper, dignified goodbye.
“Do It With Dignity And Grace”
Returning to the topic of MEGADETH, Ellefson emphasized that if Dave Mustaine’s decision to retire the band is genuine, then it deserves to be respected — but it should also be handled with honesty and authenticity.
“If it really is a farewell, if it really is, and it’s not just an attempt to boost ticket sales, ’cause we’ve seen this movie before — boost ticket sales, go away, then the bigger offers come after everybody’s gone away for a couple years; I mean, we’ve seen how this works,” Ellefson said.
In an era where many “farewell tours” end up being temporary pauses rather than true endings, Ellefson’s words ring true. He made it clear that if MEGADETH is truly ready to call it a day, he hopes they do so with full sincerity.
“But, look, if Dave needs to shut it down and call it quits because he is just had enough and he’s been through it all, then hey, you know what? As a still friend to him, even we haven’t spoken almost five years — you know what? God bless you, brother. Put it away with grace and go enjoy the rest of your life.”
That closing sentiment is both heartfelt and mature — a clear sign that Ellefson harbors no ill will toward his former bandmate. Instead, he encourages Mustaine to take pride in the band’s legacy and close it respectfully.
“So if he really is shutting it down and he’s really gonna put it away, then please do so with dignity and grace and do what you say and mean what you say. ‘Cause I think that farewell thing has been thrown around so much by so many people that it doesn’t have much weight to it. We’ve just seen it over and over again. So, if you’ve really gotta shut it down, shut it down and put it away and go enjoy the rest of your life.”
The End Of An Era
MEGADETH’s farewell marks the end of one of the most storied careers in metal history. From their groundbreaking 1985 debut “Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!” to modern classics like “Dystopia”, Dave Mustaine and his bandmates helped define and refine the thrash metal sound.
Their contributions have influenced generations of musicians — from the Bay Area scene to the European metal movement — and have cemented their place alongside the “Big Four” of metal: METALLICA, SLAYER, ANTHRAX, and MEGADETH.
Ellefson’s words remind fans that behind the riffs and records are human beings who have lived through the highs and lows of decades in the spotlight. His message — that Mustaine should “put it away with grace” — resonates as both a farewell and a blessing.
As MEGADETH prepares for their 2026 tour, fans around the world are left wondering: will this truly be the end, or just another pause before the next act? Whatever happens, Ellefson’s thoughtful perspective offers the perfect tone for how legends should bow out — with respect, integrity, and love for the music that brought them together in the first place.
