David Ellefson (born 1964 in Jackson, Minnesota) is an American bassist who co-founded Megadeth in 1983 and spent nearly two decades in the band across two stints, helping shape some of thrash metal's most enduring records. Albums like Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? (1986) and Countdown to Extinction (1992) cemented his standing as one of the genre's most recognisable bass players. Beyond his solo work, he currently plays bass in Metal Church and tours Europe regularly with his Bass Warrior Tour.
Ellefson announced his Bass Warrior Tour for December 2026, during which he will play Countdown to Extinction in full in cities such as Rome, Frankfurt, Dublin, Belgrade and Zagreb.
Countdown to Extinction re-entered the British album charts after Ellefson performed the album live on his Bass Warrior Tour.
Metal Church, of which Ellefson is the permanent bassist, released the album Dead to Rights.
Ellefson announced the fall 2025 edition of his Bass Warrior Tour, with shows in Belgium, Germany, Austria and Italy.
Ellefson released a cover version of the Judas Priest song 'Metal Gods' together with James Durbin, produced by Ellefson and Andy Martongelli.
David Ellefson brings his Bass Warrior Tour to Den Haag with a complete performance of Megadeth's 'Countdown To Extinction' and highlights from his solo career.
American bassist David Ellefson, former Megadeth member, performs an evening of bass music and career stories.
Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson performs at Poppodium Iduna.
