David Ellefson Discusses Kings of Thrash, Metal Church, and Back to the Beginning

On Thursday, August 6, David Ellefson made a guest appearance on Loudwire Nights, where he shared insights about his current musical endeavors, including the band Kings of Thrash, his experience with Metal Church, and reflections on the Back to the Beginning event.

Joining Back to the Beginning

Ellefson recalled the moment he was invited to participate in the Back to the Beginning event, revealing that it was K.K. Downing who reached out to him. He expressed enthusiasm upon hearing that Tom Morello would also be involved:

“So I said, ‘Dude, totally, I’m in.’ The details were not revealed yet, really what it was. I’ve learned that the phone rings, here’s a thing, it could be this, it might be that, are you interested? Absolutely. My answer is always yes, 100-percent, I’m in.”

Reuniting with Fellow Artists

During his conversation with host Chuck Armstrong, Ellefson reflected fondly on reconnecting with past collaborators like Lzzy Hale and David Draiman, noting the electric atmosphere they bring to the stage:

“I love the Disturbed guys, they’re cool dudes, good friends. Lzzy Hale, same thing. I jammed with her on ShipRocked…there’s certain people, when they get on the stage, the room changes.”

Catching Up with Mike Inez

Ellefson also shared a memorable interaction with Mike Inez, the bassist known for his work with Alice In Chains and Ozzy Osbourne. He recounted their conversation after Inez had rehearsed with Ozzy:

“He goes, ‘Dude, it’s great. Oz is in a great mood. He’s super pumped.’ I hadn’t seen Ozzy since we toured together in 2013 in South America, so it was great to hear that everyone was excited.”

Highlights from the Interview

• Watching Ozzy’s Final Solo Set: Ellefson described the experience of watching Ozzy’s last performance at Back to the Beginning, sharing that he was with Whitfield Crane and Robert Trujillo’s family during the show.
• Forming Kings of Thrash: He revealed that he wanted to start Kings of Thrash with Jeff Young to incorporate deep cuts from Megadeth into their setlists, something he had previously struggled to do in his last years with the band.
• Playing with Metal Church: Ellefson expressed his excitement about playing in Metal Church, emphasizing the joy of performing songs he loves and his longstanding friendships with the band members.

Listen to the Full Interview

For those interested in hearing the full conversation, David Ellefson’s interview on Loudwire Nights is available in the podcast player below. The show airs live every weeknight at 7 PM ET, and fans can also listen on the Loudwire app or through their local radio stations.

Conclusion

David Ellefson continues to be a pivotal figure in the rock and metal scene, with his involvement in Kings of Thrash and Metal Church showcasing his dedication to honoring musical legacies while creating new experiences. His reflections on past collaborations and current projects reveal a passionate artist who remains deeply connected to both his roots and the vibrant community of musicians around him.

FAQs

Who is David Ellefson?

David Ellefson is a renowned bassist and co-founder of the heavy metal band Megadeth, known for his impactful contributions to the genre.

What is Kings of Thrash?

Kings of Thrash is a band formed by David Ellefson and Jeff Young, focusing on performing deeper cuts and celebrating the legacy of Megadeth.

What was Back to the Beginning?

Back to the Beginning was an event featuring various artists, including K.K. Downing and Tom Morello, aimed at celebrating rock and metal music.

How can I listen to Loudwire Nights?

Loudwire Nights can be listened to live every weeknight at 7 PM ET, online, or through the Loudwire app, with past episodes available on-demand.