Interview: Megadeth
Pic © by megadeth.com
Rocket Queen talks to: ***David Ellefson***
Hello Dave, I am very exited to have you here talking to me and all my readers of RQP. I thank you so much for taking your time, what a great honor.
1. In September 2009 the new Megadeth Album "ENDGAME" was released and you re-joined Megadeth back in february 2010. Did it take a long time for you to say YES i will rejoin the band... Have you had sleepless nights because of that? I am sure that you and David resolved your former disputes amicably back then. Or was it hard to get back to the old days in lets say some days/weeks?
David: Dave and I had been talking for several years and that helped us form a friendship we never really had before, mostly because we weren’t in a band together during that time and distracted by the business of running a band. I guess that just took what it took for it to transform and happen.
2. Lots of things are going on with Megadeth at the moment. So letz start with your thoughts on the latest album ENDGAME? What are your identations on this album? And which song do you like most on this album and why?
David: It has some really good material on it and it is produced and played really well. It has a modern edge which is a good progression for the band’s sound. I’m looking forward to recording the next disc this year and seeing how that modern sound evolves with the vintage aspect the fans have come to know of how Dave and I play together, too. I think it will capture a classic sound and create yet another new chapter for the band moving forward now.
3. I know that you are on the road most of the time with your bands and projects. You got various projects. Also building bass signature models for Jackson now. So how do you manage all this stuff? Cause I think it is all a question of time.
David: I’m quite energetic!! I have a lot of thoughts running through my brain each day and I’m very fortunate to have all these different outlets for my creativity.
4. Also you are doing a bass clinic with Frank Bello (Anthrax) also this february. And produced a little video clip where you interviewed Frank and he interviewed you on the new bass guitar models.
David: Yes, those clinics will be fun as both of our bands are doing so many things together these days, like the recent Jagermiester “Clash of the Titans” tour lineup, as well as the BIG 4 dates.
Clinics are fun because fans get to be up close and personal with us and the musicians can get a much closer and more in depth view of how we play and operate as musicians ourselves. I learn a lot from the questions and interaction with the audience at clinics so it is a two way street that is beneficial for everyone.
5. You all attended NAMM this year. So I am sure you met many of your musician friends and had a great time. What was the most special moment for you at this years NAMM, David?
David: There were many; the performance at The Grove was really fun, very relaxed and easy. Certainly rolling out my new Jackson signature model basses was a high point as was the interaction and signings with all the great bassists at the Hartke booth.
6. Also you were at NAMM 2010 and met Rudy Sarzo and my good friend Mr. Craig Gruber (which I am doing promotions in Europe for).... see the pic: http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m103/vzkool/IMW/NAMM%202 /lunapic_126453319433294_16.jpg so 3 bass players and one fantastic pic. So are you friends with Craig and Rudy or did you just met and took a photo together at this last years NAMM?
David: Yes, fun times indeed. Craig is a staple at WNAMM these days and Rudy is wonderful, both as a gentleman and certainly as a bassist. I’m happy to have gotten to know him well these past few years at WNAMM.
7. So Megadeth is touring with THE BIG 4 (Anthrax, Slayer, Metallica,) also. The DVD has reached doubleplatinum. As you played your set in Bulgaria it was really raining cats and dogs. But we see the crowd didnt care.. they are as fanatic as it can be. WOW. So what are your personal memories of this event in Bulgaria?
David: The rain is definitely one of the memories! That was really something to see. Many of those big outdoor festivals throw some challenging performance obstacles at you that you have to quickly adapt to and overcome on the spot. Things like weather (rain, cold or hot, blazing sun), sound issues and a whole plethora of stuff that really forces you to be focused on your songs and performances. Probably most important is to be really connected to your band mates to not let these other issues distract you and throw you off your game….and in this case while filming it for the world to see forever!! I love the colorful rain coats the fans are wearing…probably THE most colorful heavy metal audience anywhere in the world during our portion of the show.
Pic © by megadeth.com
8. My readers and all your fans want to know: Are you planning to do another Megadeth CD after all those touring? Or haven´t you had thoughts
on a new CD yet?
David: Yes, we are well on our way and working on it as we speak. We have a lot of ideas and the process is moving along well. We definitely have A LOT to work with, which is great after all these years.
9. Are there some secrets of Megadeth you want to share with us on here? Maybe some
tour memories you have which weren`t told many times.. or something like that?
David: If I tell you then they won’t be my secrets any longer!!
10. How would you describe your style of bass playing?
David: I have always been a very aggressive bass player. I like getting into the thick of a riff or a technical musical part. At the same time, the longer I’ve been playing it has taught me to really listen to the song and what is going on musically so I can compliment the tune, rather than just being so anxious to jump all over the bass part to ‘express myself’.
11. And what is your favourite bass guitar? And which one do you mostly play at concerts?
David: Right now I’m really diggin’ these Jackson Concert basses. They are all Custom Shop models made to my specs and they’ve really done a great job with them. They are based on the traditional Jackson’s I used from 1987-1993 but are much more advanced in terms of specs, woods, production and features, which makes them up to speed with modern tones and my touring applications.
For recording, I have a my special arsenal of axes that never go on the road so they stay in top shape for the studio. I'm always adding to that stock pile as well, which is good fun as a player.
12. Have you got any good tips and tricks on learning the bass guitar? Which would be a
perfect bass guitar to start with?
David: I suggest getting the bass that fits YOU, first and foremost. For me, my approach and style determine the gear I use NOT the other way around!
I also don’t think you have to spend a fortune on a good bass, especially if you are just getting started. Get something you like to look at, is comfortable to play, sounds good to your liking and is an instrument that inspires you to pick it up and want to jam on it. WANTING to play is half the battle, especially early on when it’s easy to get discouraged when the going gets tough and then possibly hang it up and quit. Often, a little extra juice from just the look or sound of the bass will help you soldier through those moments and keep you motivated. Sounds simple but I’ve found it to be effective.
13. Have you got some good advice for young musicians who would like to enter todays metal scene and want to created a metal band?
David: Fortunately, for metal I don’t think the rules have changed that much. You get together with musicians you can hang with, you write, record, play out as much as possible and simply do it for the love of that feeling you get when you jam together. I’ve found that for metal bands it’s not good to make it much more complicated than that. Fans will either dig it, or they won’t.
14. Please leave a final message for all your fans and friends last but not least.
David: Well, it’s been one heck of a ride! To look out from the stage after all this time at the fans who have been so supporting for so many years, it is really an incredible sight to see. They are having so much fun and really enjoying the music, the shows and cool vibe that we have in our genre.
You hope that things like this will happen in your lifetime but I think this past year watching it actually come to fruition with these big events, like the BIG 4, the Carnage Tours, “Rust In Peace” and the general good will from everyone is something that you realize is beyond even your best planning or efforts. I’m truly blessed and thankful to everyone for this.
David, I thank you from the heart for answering my questions again. I wish you a super weekend. Take great care and hopefully we will talk again soon,SUSI
David: You’re welcome. Blessings to all and rock on in 2011!
www.megadeth.com
www.davidellefson.com
© 1 2011 by Rocket Queen *Promotion*