Ellefson: Back where he belongs

Original Megadeth bassist David Ellefson has rejoined the band after he and mainman Dave Mustaine shared one phone call – and Ellefson it's "the right thing at the right time for the right reasons."

He's back in time to play on the twentieth anniversary tour of landmark album Rust in Peace, which they'll play in full across the US in March. And it means he'll be part of the long-awaited Big Four thrash gatherings, which will see Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax share the same stage for the first time ever at some Sonisphere festivals in Europe this summer.

Ellefson was part of the first lineup in 1983 and remained until 2002, when Mustaine split the band after an arm injury seemed to signal the end of his career. After intense medical attention he reformed Megadeth in 2004, but Ellefson refused to rejoin as the pair's former close relationship dissolved into a barrage of negative press statements and legal action.

Now Ellefson reveals everything was resolved in one conversation. He tells Classic Rock Magazine former bassist James LoMenzo was set to leave the band anyway, and drummer Shawn Drover got in touch. "It literally happened over the weekend. I got a text from Shawn and it said, 'If ever there was a time for you and Dave to talk, now is it.' It's one of those messages you act on immediately - typically of Megadeth, things happened big and fast.

"Talking to Dave again was wonderful. All the feuds, all the arguments we've been having over the years just melted away. It just goes to show what direct contact can achieve. It was the right thing at the right time, done in the right spirit."

In an official statement Mustaine says: "This shows the power of brotherly love and forgiveness. David Ellefson belongs in Megadeth. Next, we're going to show you the power of getting you asses kicked hard!"

The lineup is completed with guitarist Chris Broderick. LoMenzo, who's previously worked with White Lion, Black Label Society, David Lee Roth and Tim Ripper Owens, leaves with Mustaine's "best wishes." He's yet to comment on the split, although just before the announcement was made he tweeted "Wait... for... it..."

Megadeth will appear at this year's Download Festival at Donington on June 11-13.

Meanwhile, Black Label Society mainman Zakk Wylde has revealed the band is looking for a new drummer. "Craig Nunenmacher has quit the band," he says, "But we'll have a new drummer very soon."

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