Megadeth Bassist Hopes for Reunion Ahead of Farewell Tour

David Ellefson wants to rejoin the band, but frontman Dave Mustaine seems unlikely to invite him back.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson has expressed his desire to reunite with the band for their upcoming 2026 farewell tour. Ellefson, who was with the band from its inception in 1983 until 2002, and then again from 2010 to 2021, was removed from the group after allegations of sexual misconduct. Ellefson maintains his innocence and hopes to reconcile with his former bandmates, but Mustaine has indicated that inviting past members back is unlikely.

Why it matters

Megadeth's farewell tour is a significant event for the heavy metal community, and the potential for a reunion with former members like Ellefson would generate a lot of interest and excitement among fans. However, the unresolved tensions and allegations surrounding Ellefson's departure make his involvement a complex and sensitive issue.

The details

Ellefson was removed from Megadeth in 2021 after frontman Dave Mustaine released a statement saying that Ellefson had been accused of alleged sexual misconduct with an underage fan. Ellefson has continued to deny the allegations, and the other party has also denied that they were underage at the time. Despite this, Mustaine has indicated that inviting past members like Ellefson back for the farewell tour is unlikely, calling it a "huge undertaking" that he doesn't want to take on.

  • Megadeth's global farewell tour kicks off on Tuesday in Abbotsford, Canada, and is expected to end on Sept. 29 in San Antonio, Texas.
  • Ellefson was removed from Megadeth in 2021 after the allegations of sexual misconduct.

The players

David Ellefson

The former bassist of Megadeth, who was with the band from its inception in 1983 until 2002, and then again from 2010 to 2021. Ellefson has expressed his desire to reunite with the band for their upcoming farewell tour.

Dave Mustaine

The frontman of Megadeth, who released a statement in 2021 saying that Ellefson had been accused of alleged sexual misconduct, leading to Ellefson's removal from the band.

Marty Friedman

The former guitarist of Megadeth, who left the band in 2000 but was invited to perform with the band during two different live concerts in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“I have always said that I am available for that. And I would do it because I think any reason that I'm not there now is unfounded. It's untruthful and it's unfair because clearly there's nothing wrong.”

— David Ellefson (UnDinamo – La última Radio de Rock)

“That would be a huge undertaking. I don't think I want to do that. I'd rather keep doing what we're doing and let the fans [experience] Megadeth music and be happy about it. It's not 'puppet show Megadeth.'”

— Dave Mustaine (Guitar World)

What’s next

The likelihood of Ellefson being invited back to perform with Megadeth on their farewell tour remains uncertain, as Mustaine has indicated he is unlikely to invite past members to participate.

The takeaway

The potential reunion of Megadeth's former members, particularly Ellefson, highlights the complex dynamics and unresolved tensions within the band. While fans may desire to see a full-fledged reunion, the band's leadership seems focused on moving forward with their farewell tour without revisiting past issues.