The drama never seems to stop in the world of rock. And now it’s Megadeth’s turn once again to get the spotlight.
About a month ago a video broke of original bassist David Ellefson was seen in an online video whacking it with some 19 year old gal. Apparently the story is they were having some sort of consensual, online relationship. Ellefson cut it off and she posted recorded footage of their intimate moments. Her story is that she was being groomed and was being taking advantage of by some rockstar, smooth operator situation. His story is that she took a video as some sort of revenge porn. And has filed suit. However, the story is ongoing and new developments seem to be coming out weekly. Unfortunately, Megadeth leader Dave Mustaine feels that this issue is what broke the camel’s back. As Mustaine fired Ellefson permanently from Megadeth. The bassist claims the decision was made before any public persona knew about the scandal. Megadeth issued the following statement.
It would seem that, even before the events that took place, Mustaine and Ellefson were already at odds. They’re different people, with obviously different values. Megadeth has existed without Ellefson and it will again. But if I’m being honest, I have to agree with ex-Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing’s opinion that firing Ellefson was a bit pre-emptive. It’s true, if this had happened in the 70’s or 80’s, it would simply be chalked up to being a rock star. Of course, the age difference is unsettling and the fact that Ellefson is married and has a family makes the situation much worse. Not trying to defend what he did, it’s not good, it’s embarrassing and wrong. But to fire someone from a band for something that never broke the law on their end? That’s a little steep. Certainly a leave of absence is in order. Let the guy off for the upcoming tour and reconvene if he’s got his shit in order after the tour and then move forward appropriately.
But what I really think is shitty is the new development that Mustaine announced. David Ellefson’s bass parts will be replaced before the new album is out. I mean, at least give the guy one last album to be on. It’s really an underhanded move. I mean, it’s not like Mustaine is some choir boy. He may be now, but his actions between 1979 and 2004 can seriously come into question. Even after that, during the ‘Dystopia’ tour he said some pretty f’ed up things about Sandy Hook and churned up other damaging conspiracy theories during live events. I know that Mustaine is trying to save face for Megadeth, but I feel like this move could really backfire. There’s going to be a significant amount of the fanbase that feels this is unjust. I don’t want to say that Mustaine is out of touch with his fanbase, but…it’s kind of hard not to considering who they are and what they care about. And a cyber affair that was totally legal might not fall into the concerns of Megadeth fans. Again, not defending Ellefson’s actions. Frankly, I think it’s pretty gross. And unfaithful. But it’s still his family’s business and not really anyone else’s. It’s sad to see David Ellefson leave the Megadeth stage. But it probably would have happened eventually anyways. Just wish Mustaine could give Ellefson a pinch more dignity on his way out.
