Megadeth Has Announced Who's Replacing David Ellefson as Bassist

He's a familiar face to longtime fans of the band.

August 11, 2021

Dave Mustaine of Megadeth. mzagerp/CC BY-ND 2.0/Flickr

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Megadeth announced today that former member James LoMenzo is going to be the band's bassist for their upcoming tour.

“I’m happy to announce that former bassist and Megadeth alumni James LoMenzo has graciously stepped in on the Metal Tour of The Year," frontman Dave Mustaine said in a statement. "Tour rehearsals just began, and we cannot wait to start crushing North America.”

“I’m super stoked to be rejoining Megadeth for the upcoming Metal Tour of the Year," LoMenzo added. "There are no better fans than Megadeth fans, I can’t wait to get out there and shred some Megadeth music with you all.”

LoMenzo was Megadeth's bassist from 2006 to 2010; he played on their albums United Abominations and Endgame.

He replaces David Ellefson, who was dismissed from the band in May after allegations of inappropriate behavior with teenage fans after explicit videos were released on social media. Ellefson, a Valley resident, is pursuing revenge porn charges with the Scottsdale Police Department.

(Coincidentally, Ellefson, the Megadeth's original bassist, replaced LoMenzo in 2010 when he rejoined the band.)

The announcement follows months of speculation as to who Megadeth was going to get to replace Ellefson; rumors mentioned former Van Halen member Michael Anthony and Felipe Andreoli of Angra.

There's no word on whether LoMenzo will stay with the band after the tour concludes. The Metal Tour of the Year is co-headlined by Megadeth and Lamb of God; Trivium and Hatebreed are also on the bill. The tour stops in Phoenix on Sunday, August 29, at Arizona Federal Theatre. Find more info on the tour website.

Jennifer Goldberg is the Senior Editor of Culture at Phoenix New Times. She joined the New Times staff in February 2016. In her role, Jennifer writes and publishes profiles of both local and regional musicians, previews upcoming performances and provides guides on the best of Phoenix’s entertainment scene. She also oversees the Best of Phoenix. Jennifer previously worked for Jewish News of Greater Phoenix. During her career, Jennifer has received awards from the Arizona Press Club, the Arizona Newspaper Association and the American Jewish Press Association. She holds a bachelor’s of arts in English from Arizona State University.

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