Former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson is midway through his 2026 "Bass Warrior" European solo tour, performing selections from his extensive MEGADETH catalog alongside solo material — with a notable centrepiece: MEGADETH's landmark 1992 album "Countdown To Extinction" played in its entirety.
Ellefson is backed by a tight band for the run: guitarist and musical director Andy Martongelli, second guitarist Walter Cianciusi, drummer Alessio Palizzi, and vocalist Mattia Fiagolo. At the time of a recent interview, the band was performing in the Netherlands.
Adding to the challenge, Ellefson is touring on a broken foot — though characteristically, he isn't letting it slow him down. On the question of why he continues to perform at this stage of his career, Ellefson offered a simple answer: "Why would you quit doing something that people wanna hear you keep doing?"
On the meaning of these live experiences, he spoke of the rare generational connection that great music creates: "People of older and younger generations come together to be in a room to celebrate as one — that's a cool gift."
Ellefson was a founding member of MEGADETH, serving from 1983 to 2002 before a reunion from 2010 until his firing nearly five years ago following an online controversy. The "Bass Warrior" tour gives fans a chance to hear MEGADETH's classic material performed live — including the multi-platinum "Countdown To Extinction," one of the defining thrash metal albums of the early 1990s.