INTERVIEW: David Ellefson pays tribute to Nick Menza in new film
Photo: David Ellefson is the narrator of a new documentary about his old bandmate, the late Nick Menza. Photo courtesy of the artist / Provided by press rep with permission.
The annual show held by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) kept bass guitarist David Ellefson quite busy a couple of weeks ago. He was at the event promoting his beverage company, Ellefson Coffee Co.; playing some live shows; and talking about a new documentary that centers on a dear friend who died too young. That film, This Was My Life: The Story of Nick Menza, showcases the life and work of Menza, who was the drummer of Megadeth for a decade, from the late-1980s into the 1990s. That gig is the reason he became close with Ellefson, who was the longtime bassist of Megadeth.
The bass guitarist pulls double duty for the new documentary. His new film company, Ellefson Films, is producing with Screaming Butterfly Entertainment, and he also narrates the film.
Keeping track of Ellefson’s many musical projects can be dizzying. He has toured with Metal Allegiance, Kings of Thrash and other groups, and the live debut of The Lucid is coming this September. He’s also gearing up for a Bass Warrior tour with Andy Martongelli in Europe in a few days. The bassist took some time after NAMM to share his thoughts with Hollywood Soapbox about Menza and these many projects. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
Why is this documentary project so important to you?
I think most importantly it’s the story of my friend Nick and the fun and musical life he led. Not only did we spend 10 years together in the band, but even a couple years before that while he was a drum tech. Nick graciously invited me into his home, as did his family from as far back [as] 1989. Nick was there for me, when I was transitioning into a new sober lifestyle from 1989 to 1990. He got me into healthy activities like tennis and mountain bike riding. I can honestly say my life wouldn’t be the same if Nick hadn’t been there for me during those years.
And I think it’s important that his story be told through this documentary, so that it’s forever cemented in the legacy of his family as well.
What are your memories of Nick?
Nick was a real friend and someone you could always count on. Although his larger-than-life persona on the stage made a name for him professionally, he remained a warm-hearted man who always had an open door for his friends to stop by and hang out. That’s exactly the way I grew up on the farm in Minnesota, and I think I always appreciated how close Nick remained to his family. Even though his star rose to great fame during his professional career, he always kept his feet firmly planted on the ground.
How did this coffee company come about?
It developed around 2017, mostly as a way to just have a beverage that celebrated my lifestyle. As I saw a lot of other artists putting out wine and beer and CBD and things of that sort, coffee was always my beverage of choice … and no better beverage for the long hours in the studio and on the road.
You have so many projects happening all at once. How do you keep track of everything?
I think the trick to all of it is to have a great team of people around me so I can focus on the creative side. There’s no way I could do all this by myself, and they deserve just as much credit as I do. That’s why I think in reality it’s all about “Team Ellefson.”
Do you miss being in Megadeth?
I have great memories of my years with that group, but I think now is the season of my life to make new memories. And that’s exactly what I’m doing. There’s no reason to look back with any regret, and there’s no reason to look back and long for something that’s no longer in my life. I think it’s more important to be present for what’s going on now because I’m certainly very happy with where I’ve landed.
Will American audiences get a tour from one of your projects in 2024?
Well, one year ago, we did the Kings of Thrash USA tour, which was a real blast. The next thing up to bat for me is the Bass Warrior tour of Europe, which starts mid-February. I’m no longer chasing things, but rather letting things unfold as they’re meant to. It keeps things a lot less stressful and way more enjoyable.
Did you start on the bass as a child, or did you try other instruments first?
My first musical experience was taking lessons on my family’s Wurlitzer organ. From there I moved to playing tenor saxophone in orchestra band around age 10, and I continued that through high school. The bass guitar came to me around age 11, and that was the instrument that I really felt drawn to the most and the one that would provide real career opportunities for me.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Click here for more information on David Ellefson.
