Following the recent departure of longtime Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, rumors began circulating of who could replace Ellefson for the band’s upcoming U.S. tour. Not to anyone’s surprise, at the top of the list was ex-Metallica bassist Jason Newsted, who’s since denied any rumors or speculation that he’s joining the band. While Newsted himself doesn’t have any personal public social media accounts, his wife took to social media and stated the following:
“Hi guys! Two things: 1. Jason is not joining Megadeth. Peace to them. Listen to metal.
2. Jason does not have social media accounts; this includes but is not limited to TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Onlyfans and Tinder. If you are receiving DMs from the Jason Newsted music account or any other account claiming to be Jason please know this is not Jason, and proceed at your own risk.”
It would certainly be a cool twist to have a former Metallica member join Megadeth, considering the two bands have been subtle rivals since the early 80’s — Dave Mustaine was kicked out of Metallica in 1983 leading him to form his own thrash metal band, Megadeth. However, in addition to the rumors being denied, over recent months Newsted has also made clear his physical playing capabilities are not what they used to be. In an interview with the Florida Daily Post, Newsted stated "I know for a fact I cannot play the way that I would want to play in Voivod, Metallica, or any of those bands. I don't have the physicality to do that anymore. I only do six shows a year [with the Chophouse band], and I do them right."
Disregarding the post by Newsted’s wife and seeing Newsted’s own comments on his playing and physicality, it leaves there no question that he will not be joining Megadeth or any metal act as it stands. But at the same time, there could still be another heavyweight-iconic bassist player who fills in for Megadeth. While this is only speculation, ex-Pantera bassist Rex Brown has popped up in a number of comment sections and videos that discuss Megadeth ‘fantasy bass player lists.’ It seems unlikely though that Rex would join Megadeth considering his outspoken abstinence with regards to touring, but it could make for another neat super-group lineup.
Overall, Megadeth will likely want to go with someone who’s a bit younger and that they can also count on as being a longtime member for the band. And based off Mustaine’s statement on the matter, it doesn’t seem David Ellefson will ever be returning to his role in the band, so they’re definitely eyeing for a permanent replacement.
