When it comes to Megadeth, the music has always been as intense as the drama behind the scenes. And former bassist David Ellefson just pulled back the curtain on one of the biggest tension points in the band—money and songwriting credits.
In a fresh interview with The Metal Voice, Ellefson got candid about the inner financial wars of Megadeth, revealing how who gets paid what was always a major sticking point. According to him, songwriting credits and royalty splits have been the silent killer of many bands, including Megadeth.
“Publishing and how the money is split—that’s a sure way to either make a band stay together or split up,” Ellefson explained. He recalled how drummer Nick Menza once suggested an equal split on Youthanasia to keep things fair and remove ego from the equation. The plan worked—for one album. But according to Ellefson, Mustaine shut it down after that.
“At some point, it’s an argument you’re gonna lose,” he admitted, adding that Mustaine has always fiercely protected his songwriting rights—something likely rooted in his early Metallica-era trauma.
But song splits weren’t the only financial beef between Ellefson and Mustaine. Fans will remember the 2004 legal showdown when Ellefson sued Mustaine for $18.5 million, claiming he was owed back royalties. That lawsuit got thrown out in court, but the bad blood ran deep. Mustaine later admitted that he was gutted by Ellefson’s betrayal and figured their friendship was over for good.
Then came an unexpected twist: a reconciliation over dinner in Phoenix.
“I wanna tell you, it was the stupidest thing I ever did suing you,” Ellefson reportedly told Mustaine. To which Mustaine replied, “Dave, I forgive you. I love you.” Just like that, years of animosity vanished.
That peace didn’t last, though. Fast forward to 2021, and Ellefson was booted from the band following a scandal involving explicit video leaks. While he denies any wrongdoing, it was the final nail in the coffin for his time in Megadeth.
Now, with Ellefson co-producing the upcoming Nick Menza documentary, fans are wondering if Mustaine will take any heat. But Ellefson insists the film is fair. “There’s absolutely nothing slanderous toward Dave at all in it. I made sure of that.”
Even after all the lawsuits, public feuds, and business drama, Ellefson still believes that Megadeth’s success was built on a balance of power—until that balance broke.
“The more fair you can be on all of it, the better,” he said. But as history has shown, fairness in a legendary metal band is easier said than done.
