David Ellefson has had his hand in a lot of great songs. As the longtime bass player in Megadeth, he’s laid down the low end in many of the Big 4 thrashers’ most revered cuts, including writing and playing the iconic opening bass line to “Peace Sells.” And as a member of the supergroup duo Altitudes & Attitude — with fellow thrash O.G. four-stringer Frank Bello of Anthrax — he gets to exercise his songwriting muscle even more, as heard on the band’s recently released debut full-length, Get It Out. Considering his impressive résumé, we caught up with Ellefson to find out what he listens to when he’s not making his own music. Read on to find out everything the bassist extraordinaire enjoys for every mood, from his wake-up jams to what he turns to when he’s looking to get romantic.
WHEN I’M PISSED OFF:
S.O.D – “KILL YOURSELF”
Because it’s funny…
WHEN I’M FEELING DEPRESSED:
GHOST – “DANCE MACABRE”
It’s a great story by one of my favorite bands.
WHEN I GET UP IN THE MORNING:
KISS – “SHOCK ME”
Nothing puts you in a better mood than Ace Frehley and Kiss!
WHEN I GO TO BED:
THE SONG OF SILENCE.
Not the song, but actual silence.
WHEN I’M GETTING IT ON:
ANY SONG BY POST MALONE.
He’s the modern-day Barry White.
SONG I MOST WANT TO BE REMEMBERED FOR:
MEGADETH – “PEACE SELLS”
I think fate has already given me this one with the bass-line intro to “Peace Sells.” Thank you, MTV!
SONG I WISH I WROTE:
IRON MAIDEN – “THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST”
It’s still the ultimate metal song — and written by a bass player!
SONG I WANT PLAYED AT MY FUNERAL:
QUEENSRŸCHE – “SILENT LUCIDITY”
I’ve asked Geoff Tate to sing it at my funeral, if he outlives me!
