David Ellefson Says a ‘Big 3’ Concert Is More Likely Than a ‘Big 4’

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James Hetfield Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Global Citizen / David Ellefson Photo: Christophe Gateau/dpa (Photo by Christophe Gateau/picture alliance via Getty Images) / Joey Belladonna Photo by Medios y Media/Getty Images
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The last Big Four concert – featuring Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax – took place in 2011; with all those bands taking to the stage, the concert was not only an awesome time, but it also cemented itself as one of the greatest shows in heavy metal history.

In the decade-plus since then, and even though Slayer has retired, some have wondered if there will ever be another Big Four concert. Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine has been vocal about how he would be down for another concert, and as of more recently, ex-Megadeth bassist David Ellefson was asked about the potential of another Big Four show.

During a conversation with BODS Mayhem Hour, Ellefson reflected on the past Big Four show he took part in, and spoke about whether he thinks another concert like it could happen again. (The following was transcribed by Loudwire):

“Look, Slayer’s retired, so at this point, no. It’d be a ‘Big 3’ [show], you know?

“I think what made that one so cool back [then] – I mean, I had just come back to Megadeth [and] Joey Belladonna had just come back to Anthrax. Dave Lombardo just came back to Slayer.

“You know, there was little mini family reunions with all of us, and then there was the big family reunion . . . of all of us doing it together. So, it really was a special moment.

“[Deceased Slayer guitarist] Jeff Hanneman‘s no longer here, so a lot of things have changed since that. If you think about it, it was over a decade ago [2010 – 2011]. That’s already 10, 11, 12 years ago now. A lot has changed in that time, and fortunately, we were all still alive and healthy.

“I mean, look, even Gar [Samuelson, late Megadeth drummer] and Nick Menza [deceased Megadeth drummer] weren’t around anymore, you know what I mean? Fortunately, we caught that at a moment when we were still viable and healthy and able to do it.”

If a Big Four concert was not possible – given that Slayer is retired – would you be into the idea of a Big Three show?

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