Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson recently shared insights on turning down an offer to join Alice Cooper’s touring band. Ellefson and Piggy D, ex-Rob Zombie/current Marilyn Manson bassist, discussed career opportunities on a podcast episode of The David Ellefson Show.
Reflecting on his post-Megadeth journey, Ellefson recounted the period following Megadeth’s disbandment in 2002. He reminisced about the meaningful conversations he had with Alice Cooper during a tour across South America, where they discussed sobriety and faith while flying together.
Ellefson revealed that shortly after Megadeth’s dissolution, he received an invitation from Cooper’s camp to join his touring band. However, Ellefson was not mentally prepared for such a significant career move, still reeling from the shock of Megadeth’s end.
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Instead of Ellefson, Cooper enlisted Chuck Wright as his bassist, later replaced by Chuck Garric, who continues to perform with Cooper to this day. Ellefson ventured into forming the band F5 and contributed to Soulfly’s 2004 album Prophecy, among other musical endeavors.
In 2004, Megadeth regrouped, and Ellefson rejoined the band in 2010 until his departure in 2021. Since then, Ellefson has remained active in various projects, including collaborating with former Megadeth guitarist Jeff Young on Kings of Thrash.
The ‘Big 4’ thrash bassist’s decision to decline the opportunity to tour with Alice Cooper’s band sheds light on the complexities of navigating post-band career paths and the importance of timing and personal readiness in seizing new opportunities.
Ellefson’s journey serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability required in the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, where musicians often face pivotal career crossroads that shape their artistic trajectories and professional legacies.
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