So, apparently, Dave Ellefson, the guy who got booted from Megadeth faster than you can say “leaked nudes,” and Burton C. Bell, the dude who abandoned Fear Factory like a sinking ship, decided to grace us with their combined wisdom on musician infighting. Hosted by some dude named Jack Mangan, because who else would want to deal with this level of drama? 🙄 It’s the SLAM Summit, because apparently, musicians fighting is now a spectator sport.🍿
Ellefson, bless his heart, decided to reminisce about the good ol’ days when Megadeth was basically a democracy until some evil manager came along and told him he was just part of the E Street Band. Can you imagine? Being compared to Bruce Springsteen’s backup dancers? The horror! 😱 Apparently, his wife was ready to commit assault with a frying pan. Sounds about right. He claims this was the beginning of the end, all thanks to some “chirping” outsider. I bet that outsider is loving this.😂
Then Dave, in his infinite wisdom, started doling out advice on how to deal with “abusive” behavior in bands. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and talks like a duck, it’s probably Dave Mustaine, am I right? 😂 He suggests having a drug and alcohol counselor, like Metallica did. Because everyone wants to be Metallica, right? Or maybe do “check-ins” before and after shows, like some other “famous band.” Who are they talking about?🤔 Sounds like a therapy session disguised as a band meeting. He claims that supporting each other leads to success. I’m sure Mustaine would agree… NOT.🤣
He then went on a tangent about personalities being set early in life, which is probably why he thought sharing his private life on the internet was a good idea.🤷 He says fame and money aren’t evil, but they sure do amplify existing issues. He even brought up Geddy Lee from Rush, saying they split everything equally to avoid money squabbles. Yeah, because that totally works in every band. NOT.🙄 He basically says, “Have that money talk before the money shows up.” Groundbreaking advice, Dave!💡
Ellefson, in case you forgot, was in Megadeth from the beginning until Mustaine got a boo-boo and couldn’t play. Then, 21 years ago, Mustaine decided to reform Megadeth, but without Ellefson, initially. Talk about a snub! 🔥 He even had the audacity to hire studio musicians for what became Megadeth’s “comeback” album. Ouch!
And let’s not forget the epic lawsuit where Ellefson sued Mustaine for $18.5 million! 💰 Allegedly, Mustaine owed him royalties. The case was dismissed, but five years later, Ellefson crawled back to Megadeth. Talk about awkward!😬
In his book, Ellefson admitted he became a salaried employee upon his return. He was just a sideman! 🎸 He said it absolved him from being involved in “all the other stuff.” Yeah, like lawsuits and public humiliation. He said it helped retain a friendship. I’m sure Mustaine is sending him a friendship bracelet right now. NOT.😂
In the lawsuit, Ellefson claimed Mustaine met his offers with “verbal abuse, threats, lies, and continued invective.” Sounds like a normal Tuesday in Megadeth, doesn’t it?😂 He also said Mustaine resented him for getting sober. Because misery loves company, right? Mustaine then posted on Megadeth.com that Ellefson was trying to extort him. The drama! 🍿
Mustaine gave his side of the story, claiming Ellefson missed deadlines to accept his offer, which included a measly 20% of the artist royalties and a $2,500-a-week salary. Cheapskate! 🤑
And finally, the pièce de résistance: Ellefson got fired from Megadeth because of sexually tinged messages and an explicit video. I’m sure he regrets that now. NOT.🤣
So, there you have it. A masterclass in band drama, courtesy of two guys who probably should have stayed off social media. 🎤 Drop mic!
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
