Former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson is gearing up for an electrifying European tour in spring 2025,expanding his “Bass warrior” trek with additional dates. The tour promises an intimate yet powerful experience, featuring a mix of MEGADETH classics, solo material, and hard rock anthems that have shaped his four-decade career.
When the “Bass Warrior” tour was first announced, Ellefson shared his excitement: “I’ve approached my career as that of a musical warrior, always accompanied by my bass guitar.I eagerly anticipate bringing these songs back to the stage, while sharing introspective and entertaining anecdotes about their creation. It’s been a wild ride of low notes and high stakes.” This tour is an evolution of his earlier ‘Basstory’ concept, which he described as “an archival journey through the history of my career.”
The “Bass Warrior” tour will take Ellefson to smaller, more intimate venues across Europe, allowing fans to connect with the music and stories behind it. ”I’m taking it over into some places that I haven’t even been to in a while that are a little harder to get to with big bands,” he told Eonmusic. “So this is a little smaller and nimble where I could go into more intimate venues, and it’s intentionally designed to be that.”
here’s a breakdown of the confirmed tour dates:
| Date | Venue | Location |
|————|————————|——————-|
| March 06 | Kill Joy | Roma, Italy |
| March 07 | Il Peocio | Trofarello, Italy |
| March 08 | Del Vino | Orchamps-Vennes, France |
| March 09 | 7er club | mannheim, Germany |
| march 12 | Roxy | Flensburg, germany |
| march 13 | Bergkeller | Reichenbach, Germany |
| March 14 | Stary Dom | Domecko, Poland |
| March 15 | Bluesiana | Velden, Austria |
| March 16 | dart Rock Bar | Trieste, Italy |
| March 18 | Reigen Live | Vienna, Austria |
| March 20 | Kino Regis | Bochnia, Poland |
| march 21 | Eden Underground Club | Broumov, Czech Republic |
| March 22 | Kino klub | Svatoborice, Czech Republic |
| March 23 | Mlyn | Vrutky, Slovakia |
| March 29 | Music Factory Live | Cremona, Italy |
Fans are encouraged to check basswarriortour.com for the latest updates on ticket availability, as some shows are walk-up or email-only.
Ellefson’s journey has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. He was a founding member of MEGADETH in 1983 and remained with the band until 2002, rejoining in 2010 before his departure in 2021 following a controversial incident involving explicit content on Twitter. His career also saw legal battles, including an $18.5-million lawsuit against Mustaine in 2004, which was eventually dismissed.
Despite these setbacks, Ellefson continues to embrace his role as a “Bass Warrior”, delivering unforgettable performances and connecting with fans on a deeper level.Don’t miss the chance to experience this legendary bassist live in 2025.
David Ellefson on his “Bass Warrior” Tour: A Conversation with Expert Aaron Stevens
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Former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson is set to embark on an electrifying European tour in spring 2025, expanding his “Bass Warrior” trek with additional dates. The tour promises an intimate yet powerful experience, featuring a mix of MEGADETH classics, solo material, and hard rock anthems. We sat down with music historian and bass expert Aaron Stevens to delve into the importance of this tour, Ellefson’s career, and what fans can expect.
The Evolution of the “Bass Warrior” Tour
Senior Editor: Aaron, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with the tour itself.This isn’t Ellefson’s first time doing a solo tour—it’s an evolution of his ‘Basstory’ concept.How does the “Bass Warrior” tour differ?
Aaron Stevens: great question. The ‘Basstory’ tour was more of a retrospective,a deep dive into Ellefson’s career with anecdotes and stories behind the music. The “Bass Warrior” tour, on the other hand, is a festivity of resilience and evolution. It’s not just about looking back; it’s about showcasing Ellefson’s growth as an artist and his ability to connect with fans on a deeper level. The smaller, more intimate venues are key here—they create a space for genuine interaction and storytelling.
The Significance of Intimate Venues
Senior Editor: You mentioned the intimate venues—why is that such a big deal for this tour?
Aaron Stevens: Intimate venues allow fans to experience the music in a way that larger venues simply can’t replicate. For Ellefson, this tour is about stripping things back to their essence. It’s just him,his bass,and the stories behind the songs. These smaller spaces foster a sense of community and connection, which aligns perfectly with the theme of being a musical warrior. It’s about raw, unfiltered energy and authenticity.
Ellefson’s Career: Triumphs and Challenges
Senior Editor: Ellefson’s career has been marked by both astounding highs and notable challenges. How do you think his past experiences have shaped this tour?
Aaron Stevens: Ellefson’s journey is a testament to resilience.from co-founding MEGADETH and shaping thrash metal to facing controversies and legal battles, he’s never shied away from adversity. This tour feels like a culmination of those experiences. It’s not just about the music; it’s about sharing the lessons he’s learned along the way. The “Bass Warrior” concept is a metaphor for his career—always fighting, always evolving, and always staying true to his craft.
What fans Can Expect
Senior Editor: For fans planning to attend,what can they expect from the “Bass Warrior” tour?
Aaron Stevens: Fans are in for a treat.They’ll hear a mix of MEGADETH classics, solo material, and maybe even some unexpected covers. But beyond the music, they’ll get a glimpse into the man behind the bass. Ellefson is known for his engaging storytelling, and this tour will be no different. He’ll share behind-the-scenes anecdotes, personal reflections, and insights into his creative process. It’s a rare chance to see a legendary musician in such an intimate and candid setting.
The Legacy of david Ellefson
Senior Editor: how do you think this tour contributes to Ellefson’s legacy?
Aaron Stevens: This tour solidifies Ellefson’s legacy as a true pioneer of heavy metal and a versatile artist. It’s not just about his technical prowess on the bass; it’s about his ability to connect with audiences and adapt to changing times. The “bass Warrior” tour is a reminder that Ellefson is more than just a musician—he’s a storyteller, a survivor, and an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere.
