The David Ellefson Show

This week on The David Ellefson Show, David and co-host Joshua Toomey welcome author Greg Prato to discuss his new book, The Great American Nightmare: An Oral History of The Howard Stern Show. The guys share their individual journeys into becoming Howard Stern fans and break down what makes him one of the greatest interviewers in entertainment. David looks back at Megadeth performing at Howard's birthday show, along with appearances on Arsenio Hall and Seth Meyers, and recalls meeting Will Lee during Megadeth's performance on The Late Show with David Letterman. Greg also discusses Howard's history of championing rock bands like Marilyn Manson, Enuff Z'Nuff, and Sponge. It's a deep dive into radio history, rock and roll, and the cultural impact of the Howard Stern Show.Join the Patreon for early access to episodes and Q and A's with the hosts www.patreon.com/tdesFor David Ellefson Stage Played Basses and Merch www.ellefsonemporium.comFollow David on Social Medialinktr.ee/davidellefsonFollow Joshua on Social Medialinktr.ee/talktoomeypodcast #megadeth #bassplayer #thrash #bigfour

This week on The David Ellefson Show, David and co-host Joshua Toomey welcome Testament frontman Chuck Billy to discuss his new book, "Holding My Breath". Chuck opens up about his battle with cancer and how the experience became a catalyst for bringing Testament back together. David shares how his own decision to go to rehab helped open the door for Testament to tour with Iron Maiden, while the guys look back on their shared history on the road, including touring with Judas Priest. It's an honest conversation about overcoming adversity, second chances, and the experiences that helped shape their careers in heavy metal.Join the Patreon for early access to episodes and Q and A's with the hosts www.patreon.com/tdesFor David Ellefson Stage Played Basses and Merch www.ellefsonemporium.comFollow David on Social Medialinktr.ee/davidellefsonFollow Joshua on Social Medialinktr.ee/talktoomeypodcast #megadeth #bassplayer #thrash #bigfour

David Ellefson and co-host Joshua Toomey catch up on the latest happenings in their worlds, from major rock moments to unexpected reunions. David shares his experience seeing Megadeth perform at Louder Than Life and what it was like watching his former band from the crowd for the first time. Joshua breaks down how Primer 55 landed their appearance on TNA Wrestling and David catches us up on his invitation to the Back To The Beginning screening in Los Angeles, where he saw Jake E. Lee, Sharon Osbourne, and more. The guys also discuss David’s new Jackson Legend Series bass and Joshua’s reunion with longtime friend Fred Coury, who came out to see him at The Whisky. Join the Patreon for early access to episodes and Q and A's with the hosts www.patreon.com/tdesFor David Ellefson Stage Played Basses and Merch www.ellefsonemporium.comFollow David on Social Medialinktr.ee/davidellefsonFollow Joshua on Social Medialinktr.ee/talktoomeypodcast #megadeth #bassplayer #thrash #bigfour

This week on The David Ellefson Show, David and co-host Joshua Toomey welcome Britt Lightning and Tommy London of The Jetsetters. The duo discuss how the band came together, the inspiration behind their latest single “Above The Noise,” and the addition of drummer Valerie Franco. Britt also takes us behind the scenes of her audition for Lady Gaga, sharing stories from her journey as a guitarist in the music industry. It's a conversation about building a band, chasing opportunities, and making noise in the rock world.Join the Patreon for early access to episodes and Q and A's with the hosts www.patreon.com/tdesFor David Ellefson Stage Played Basses and Merch www.ellefsonemporium.comFollow David on Social Medialinktr.ee/davidellefsonFollow Joshua on Social Medialinktr.ee/talktoomeypodcast #megadeth #bassplayer #thrash #bigfour

This week on The David Ellefson Show, David and cohost Joshua Toomey welcome Accept guitarist Wolf Hoffmann to the show. Wolf talks about Accept’s latest release, Teutonic Titans 1976-2026, celebrating 50 years of the legendary German metal band. He looks back at Accept’s incredible history, the evolution of the band’s sound, and what it takes to keep the music moving forward after five decades. Wolf also shares stories from Accept’s career and discusses the legacy of one of metal’s most influential bands.Join the Patreon for early access to episodes and Q and A's with the hosts www.patreon.com/tdesFor David Ellefson Stage Played Basses and Merch www.ellefsonemporium.comFollow David on Social Medialinktr.ee/davidellefsonFollow Joshua on Social Medialinktr.ee/talktoomeypodcast #megadeth #bassplayer #thrash #bigfour

Wednesday 13 joins David Ellefson and cohost Joshua Toomey for a conversation covering everything from horror conventions and Gene Simmons dinner to working with John 5. Wednesday dives into his new live album, Un-Alive from Pol’and’Rock 2025, which captures a massive performance in front of more than 750,000 fans. The guys also get into Wednesday’s take on the new Masters of the Universe movie, along with some great memories involving Dolly Parton and plenty of stories from his career in horror and rock.

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On this week's episode, David and Joshua catch up with the latest happenings in Metal Church and Primer 55. The guys look forward to both bands playing Louder Than Life and talk about the routing for each tour. They talk set lists, winding down Kings of Thrash and what 2027 looks like for Ellefson and Metal Church.

Join the Patreon for early access to episodes and Q and A's with the hosts www.patreon.com/tdes

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On this episode of The David Ellefson Show, David and cohost Joshua Toomey welcome acclaimed composer and musician Bear McCreary to discuss his new album, The Singularity: Ekleipsis. Bear talks about how Back to the Future inspired his love of film scoring, his creative process on projects like The Walking Dead, and his approach to using music to create emotion. The guys also dive into the music business, the differences between scoring and making music as an artist, and the freedom of creating something personal. The episode wraps with plenty of praise for Bear’s brother Brendan McCreary, whose vocals and musical contributions are a huge part of The Singularity.Join the Patreon for early access to episodes and Q and A's with the hosts www.patreon.com/tdesFor David Ellefson Stage Played Basses and Merch www.ellefsonemporium.comFollow David on Social Medialinktr.ee/davidellefsonFollow Joshua on Social Medialinktr.ee/talktoomeypodcast #megadeth #bassplayer #thrash #bigfour

On this episode of The David Ellefson Show, David and cohost Joshua Toomey welcome Jade Etro and Federico Mondelli of Frozen Crown to talk about their highly anticipated new album, “The Legend of the Six Kings.” The band dives into the songwriting, inspiration and evolution behind the new record, as well as what fans can expect from their latest chapter. They also discuss hitting the road with Kamelot, playing bigger stages and bringing Frozen Crown's music to audiences around the world. The conversation takes a delicious turn as David, Jade and Federico compare the culinary traditions of Southern Italy vs. Northern Italy, from regional dishes to the ingredients that make each style unique. It's a wide-ranging conversation covering new music, touring, Italian metal and, of course, the very important subject of food!Join the Patreon for early access to episodes and Q and A's with the hosts www.patreon.com/tdesFor David Ellefson Stage Played Basses and Merch www.ellefsonemporium.comFollow David on Social Medialinktr.ee/davidellefsonFollow Joshua on Social Medialinktr.ee/talktoomeypodcast #megadeth #bassplayer #thrash #bigfour

This week on The David Ellefson Show, David and co-host Joshua Toomey welcome Flotsam and Jetsam vocalist Eric A.K. for a conversation spanning more than four decades of thrash metal history. Eric joins the show to discuss the band’s new album, Rats in the Temple, how Flotsam and Jetsam approach songwriting today, and the major impact drummer Ken Mary has had on the band’s sound and recording process.Eric also takes a trip down memory lane, remembering Flotsam and Jetsam’s history with Megadeth, including touring together during the Peace Sells...But Who’s Buying? era and the camaraderie that developed on the road. The conversation also turns to the 1995 tour with Megadeth, Fear Factory and a then-up-and-coming Korn, with Eric sharing stories about meeting Korn before they became one of the biggest bands in metal. From the early days of thrash to the evolution of Flotsam and Jetsam and the making of Rats in the Temple* this episode is packed with metal history, road stories and a look at what keeps Flotsam and Jetsam moving forward.

Join the Substack for David's Megadeth stories, Metal Church updates and substack only questions for the guests at DavidEllefson.substack.com

Join the Patreon for early access to episodes and Q and A's with the hosts www.patreon.com/tdes

For David Ellefson Stage Played Basses and Merch www.ellefsonemporium.com

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#megadeth #bassplayer #thrash #bigfour

David Ellefson and co-host Joshua Toomey welcome Kamelot founder and guitarist Thomas Youngblood to the show for an in-depth conversation about the band's highly anticipated new album, Dark Asylum. Thomas discusses the creative process behind the new record and collaborating with Ignacia Fernandez (Miss World Chile). He also previews The Dark Asylum Tour featuring Visions of Atlantis and Frozen Crown, along with the band's own two-day destination festival, KamFest, and what fans can expect from these upcoming live events. The conversation also takes a nostalgic turn as Thomas reflects on growing up in the Tampa Bay area during one of heavy metal's most influential eras. He shares memories of the region's rich musical history, the bands that helped shape the scene, and how those experiences continue to influence Kamelot's sound today. The guys wrap things up by talking about the evolution of live performances, creating immersive stage productions, recording albums from home studios, and balancing modern technology with the epic theatrical experience Kamelot fans have come to expect. It's a fascinating discussion covering songwriting, touring, and the future of one of symphonic metal's most enduring bands.Join the Patreon for early access to episodes and Q and A's with the hosts www.patreon.com/tdesFor David Ellefson Stage Played Basses and Merch www.ellefsonemporium.comFollow David on Social Medialinktr.ee/davidellefsonFollow Joshua on Social Medialinktr.ee/talktoomeypodcast #megadeth #bassplayer #thrash #bigfour

David Ellefson and co-host Joshua Toomey welcome guitarist and vocalist Ira Black to the show to discuss his explosive new project, APOCÆLYPSE. Known for his incredible versatility and years as one of metal’s most dependable fill-in guitarists, Ira opens up about stepping into the spotlight as the frontman of his own band and embracing the challenge of becoming a singer. The conversation dives into Ira’s impressive career, from shredding with Dokken to I Am Morbid, and how he built a reputation as the guitarist bands call when they need someone to step in and deliver. The guys also explore how APOCÆLYPSE came together, the creative vision behind the project, and the process of writing and recording new music. Ira discusses the band’s early momentum, shooting videos, and what fans can expect from this exciting new chapter in his career.

Join the Substack for David's Megadeth stories, Metal Church updates and substack only questions for the guests at DavidEllefson.substack.com

Join the Patreon for early access to episodes and Q and A's with the hosts www.patreon.com/tdes

For David Ellefson Stage Played Basses and Merch www.ellefsonemporium.com

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#megadeth #bassplayer #thrash #bigfour

David Ellefson and co-host Joshua Toomey welcome Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist Chris Caffery to the show for a deep dive into the newly released live album, Madness Reigns From The Gutter. Chris shares the incredible story behind the 1990 recording, why it remained in the vault for decades, and what finally brought it to fans. He also reflects on joining Savatage at just 19 years old, hitting the road with Megadeth early in his career, spending time with Chuck Schuldiner at Morrisound Studios in Tampa, landing his first gig in Heaven at only 17, and the humorous story of becoming the first "Chris Caffery" in Savatage. It's a conversation packed with metal history, unforgettable tour stories, and a look back at one of heavy metal's most influential eras.Join the Patreon for early access to episodes and Q and A's with the hosts www.patreon.com/tdesFor David Ellefson Stage Played Basses and Merch www.ellefsonemporium.comFollow David on Social Medialinktr.ee/davidellefsonFollow Joshua on Social Medialinktr.ee/talktoomeypodcast #megadeth #bassplayer #thrash #bigfour

On this episode of David Ellefson Show, David and cohost Joshua Toomey take a break from guest interviews and catch up on everything happening in their worlds. David talks about stepping on stage for his first gig with Metal Church, shares his thoughts on the growing use of amp modelers in modern live rigs, and reflects on how getting to tour the world is still one of the greatest privileges of being a musician. Joshua recaps the latest Primer 55 run alongside Spineshank and Hed PE, including the incredible experience of performing in front of a massive crowd at Welcome to Rockville. It’s a laid-back conversation filled with road stories, gear talk, and a reminder of why heavy music and live performance continue to connect fans all over the world.

Today's episode is brought to you by Rockabilia.com, Use code: DAVID10 for 10% Off your order. 100% authentic band merch since 1987!

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On this episode of The David Ellefson Show, David Ellefson and co-host Joshua Toomey sit down with acclaimed filmmaker Wes Orshoski to discuss his powerful new documentary Di'Anno: Iron Maiden's Lost Singer, chronicling the life and legacy of original Iron Maiden frontman Paul Di'Anno. Wes shares how the documentary first came together, what story he set out to tell, and the many challenges and obstacles he faced while bringing Paul’s complicated journey to the screen. The conversation dives deep into Paul’s serious health struggles over the years and the emotional reunion between Paul and Steve Harris. Wes also breaks down the involvement of James Hetfield and what it took to grab time with one of metal’s biggest icons for the film. This is an incredible behind-the-scenes look at a documentary every heavy metal fan will want to see.Join the Patreon for early access to episodes and Q and A's with the hosts www.patreon.com/tdesFor David Ellefson Stage Played Basses and Merch www.ellefsonemporium.comFollow David on Social Medialinktr.ee/davidellefsonFollow Joshua on Social Medialinktr.ee/talktoomeypodcast #megadeth #ironmaiden #thrash #bigfour

On this episode of The David Ellefson Show, David Ellefson and cohost Joshua Toomey welcome Alan Robert of Life of Agony alongside Terry Welty of Welty Concepts to talk all things bass gear and heavy music history. Alan dives into the creation of his brand-new bass pedal, the “Fuzz Off and Die,” discussing the inspiration behind the tone, the design process, and why it delivers the perfect mix of grit and chaos for bass players looking to stand out.Terry Welty shares stories from his years working as Geezer Butler’s bass tech, offering behind-the-scenes insight into working with one of metal’s most iconic players. The conversation also turns to touring memories as Alan reflects on hitting the road with Ozzy Osbourne and Megadeth during some unforgettable eras of heavy music.Join the Patreon for early access to episodes and Q and A's with the hosts www.patreon.com/tdesFor David Ellefson Stage Played Basses and Merch www.ellefsonemporium.comFollow David on Social Medialinktr.ee/davidellefsonFollow Joshua on Social Medialinktr.ee/talktoomeypodcast #megadeth #bassplayer #thrash #bigfour

David Ellefson and Joshua Toomey welcome Jon Donais for a conversation covering new music, classic tour stories, and major career milestones. Jon talks about the latest single from Living Wreckage, shares updates on the upcoming Anthrax record, and reflects on the 30th anniversary of Shadows Fall. He also looks back on memorable moments including playing Japan with Pantera, stories from Ozzfest 2003, and seeing Megadeth at Ozzfest 1998. From thrash metal history to what’s next, Jon delivers a great mix of insight, nostalgia, and behind-the-scenes stories.Join the Patreon for early access to episodes and Q and A's with the hosts www.patreon.com/tdesFor David Ellefson Stage Played Basses and Merch www.ellefsonemporium.comFollow David on Social Medialinktr.ee/davidellefsonFollow Joshua on Social Medialinktr.ee/talktoomeypodcast #megadeth #bassplayer #thrash #bigfour

On this episode of The David Ellefson Show, David Ellefson and Joshua Toomey welcome the unmistakable Dani Filth of Cradle of Filth. Dani dives into his upcoming acting role in a new horror film and how stepping in front of the camera compares to life on stage. The conversation shifts to writing new music, the band’s relentless touring schedule, and what fans can expect when they hit the road across the U.S. and the Danny Wimmer Presents festival circuit. The guys also rewind to the wild days of Ozzfest, swapping stories from the road, including the unforgettable moment Dani crossed paths with Gene Simmons while fully decked out in makeup and costume.Join the Patreon for early access to episodes and Q and A's with the hosts www.patreon.com/tdesFor David Ellefson Stage Played Basses and Merch www.ellefsonemporium.comFollow David on Social Medialinktr.ee/davidellefsonFollow Joshua on Social Medialinktr.ee/talktoomeypodcast #megadeth #bassplayer #thrash #bigfour

On this episode of The David Ellefson Show, David and cohost Joshua Toomey sit down with Richie Faulkner to talk about the latest music from Elegant Weapons and what’s ahead for the project. Richie dives into the writing and recording process, the musicians involved, and how the band continues to evolve. The conversation also looks at Richie’s journey with Judas Priest, reflecting on his growth as a guitarist, songwriter, and performer since joining the legendary metal icons.

Join the Patreon for early access to episodes and Q and A's with the hosts www.patreon.com/tdes

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On this episode of the The David Ellefson Show, David Ellefson and cohost Joshua Toomey welcome guitar virtuoso Gus G.. Gus dives into his latest solo album Steel Burner. The conversation covers working with powerhouse vocalists including Doro, Dino Jelusick, and Ronnie Romero, plus how these collaborations shaped the album. David and Gus also talk about their involvement in the mobile game Rock Kommander and the growing connection between music and gaming. Gus looks back on how he landed the legendary gig with Ozzy Osbourne. The episode wraps with a gear discussion about his signature guitars with Jackson Guitars and how his tone has evolved over the years.Join the Patreon for early access to episodes and Q and A's with the hosts www.patreon.com/tdesFor David Ellefson Stage Played Basses and Merch www.ellefsonemporium.comFollow David on Social Medialinktr.ee/davidellefsonFollow Joshua on Social Medialinktr.ee/talktoomeypodcast #megadeth #bassplayer #thrash #bigfour