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Why did Megadeath fire bassist David Ellefson?
MEGADEATH is “officially parting ways” with co-founder and bassist David Ellefson amid sexual misconduct allegations.
The band has rotated through several members during its 38 years but have not yet named a replacement bassist.
David Ellefson of Megadeth performing live on stage on day 3 at Bloodstock Festival[/caption]
Why did Megadeath fire bassist David Ellefson?
Heavy metal band Megadeath has fired bassist Ellefson amid sexual misconduct allegations.
Ellefson has been accused of grooming an underaged girl through messages and videos online, which have now circulated around social media.
Co-founder and lead guitarist Dave Mustaine released a statement on Twitter writing, “We are informing our fans that David Ellefson is no longer playing with Megadeth and that we are officially parting ways with him.”
Dirk Verbeuren, David Ellefson, Dave Mustaine, and Kiko Loureiro attend the Loudwire Music Awards[/caption]
He went on to explain, “We do not take this decision lightly. While we do not know every detail of what occurred, with an already strained relationship, what has already been revealed now is enough to make working together impossible moving forward.”
“We look forward to seeing our fans on the road this summer, and we cannot wait to share our brand new music with the world. It is almost complete.”
What has David Ellefson said about the allegations?
Ellefson denied the allegations on his Instagram account, writing that the clips were “private, adult interactions that were taken out of context and manipulated to inflict maximum damage to my reputation, my career and family.”
He explained that the videos were “released with ill intention by a third party who was not authorized to have them or share them.”
Ellefson shared a screenshot of a statement allegedly from the woman in the clips, who claimed that she was not underage at the time and that the incident has been taken out of context.
The woman went on to clarify that she “was always a consenting adult… In the end, it was all consensual and all online.”
Ellefson’s Instagram account has been made private since these posts.
Ellefson signs autographs at the 2019 NAMM Show[/caption]
When did Ellefson play with Megadeath?
Megadeath was formed in 1983 by Mustaine and Ellefson in Los Angeles and has come to be known as one of the “big four” American thrash metal bands with Metallica, Anthrax, and Slayer.
The “big four” are known for creating and popularizing the genre.
The band released their first album Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! in 1985.
Ellefson was a member of the band until 2002, then rejoined in 2010.
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Megadeth issued their first statement about the allegations against Ellefson on May 10.
The statement read, “We are aware of the recent statements regarding David Ellefson, and are watching developments closely. As it relates to creativity and business, we are all familiar with one another.”
“However, there are clearly aspects of David’s private life that he has kept to himself. As this situation unfolds, it is important that all voices be heard clearly and respectfully. We look forward to the truth coming to light.”
