On this episode of The David Ellefson Show, David Ellefson and cohost Joshua Toomey are joined by Thomas “Bones” Hewson of rising heavy metal band Tailgunner. Bones discusses working with Judas Priest legend KK Downing, who produced the band’s latest album Midnight Blitz, and what it was like collaborating with such an iconic figure in metal. The conversation dives into the formation of Tailgunner, finding like-minded younger musicians, and intentionally creating a modern throwback sound inspired by bands like Def Leppard and Judas Priest. Bones also opens up about his role as the band’s primary songwriter, writing on guitar, and stepping into the leadership role that keeps the band focused and driven.Today's episode is brought to you by Rockabilia.com, Use code: DAVID10 for 10% Off your order. 100% authentic band merch since 1987!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

In this special 2025 recap episode of The David Ellefson Show, David Ellefson and cohost Joshua Toomey look back on how the podcast came together and reflect on some of the standout moments from the year. The guys discuss David’s involvement in the Metallica tribute project “No Life ’Til Leather,” celebrating the legacy and influence of the band’s early era. They also take a quick look at author Martin Popoff’s book “KISS at 50” It’s a relaxed, behind-the-scenes conversation that sets the stage for what’s ahead in 2026.Today's episode is brought to you by Rockabilia.com, Use code: DAVID10 for 10% Off your order. 100% authentic band merch since 1987!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 cohost Joshua Toomey welcome Valerie Franco from Spinal Tap 2. Valerie talks about landing the role of Didi Crockett and shares behind the scenes stories about auditioning for Spinal Tap. Valerie talks about what she learned from working with Rob and her dinners with Michelle Reiner, calling them her on set parents. She also discusses how seeing Rush live inspired her to start playing drums and shaped her musical path. Additionally, Valerie reflects on Gwen Stefani as a role model for women in rock and their shared roots in Orange County.

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Author and music journalist Greg Prato joins The David Ellefson Show with cohost Joshua Toomey to discuss his latest book, Talk To Me: Conversations with Ace Freely. The conversation dives into Ace’s massive influence on guitarists across generations and his irreplaceable role in shaping the sound and identity of KISS. The guys break down Ace’s unique personality and how his humor provided the perfect counterbalance to Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley’s seriousness. David also shares personal stories about his last dinner with Ace Frehley and the memorable conversations they had together.Today's episode is brought to you by Rockabilia.com, Use code: DAVID10 for 10% Off your order. 100% authentic band merch since 1987!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 #acefrehley #thrash #bigfour

David Ellefson and Joshua Toomey sit down with Michael Gilbert and Steve Conley of Flotsam and Jetsam, along with John Aquilino of Icon, for a deep dive into the Arizona metal scene. John shares the wild story of Icon being replaced by Poison at Capitol Records, reflecting on the shifting tides of ’80s rock. David looks back on Megadeth’s move to Phoenix. The guys also revisit the moment Jason Newsted joined Metallica—and why David originally didn’t think the pairing would work out.

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Join David Ellefson and cohost Joshua Toomey as they sit down with Kurdt Vanderhoof of Metal Church for a deep dive into the band’s past, present, and future. David talks about officially joining Metal Church and what fans can expect from the band’s new album. Kurdt shares stories from the early days, including Metal Church touring with Megadeth during the Killing Is My Business era and his longtime friendship with Lars Ulrich. The guys get into classic Metallica tour memories, Michael Alago signing Metal Church to Elektra Records, and what’s ahead for the band’s touring plans.Today's episode is brought to you by Rockabilia.com, Use code: DAVID10 for 10% Off your order. 100% authentic band merch since 1987!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 Joshua Toomey sit down with Tye Trujillo of OTTTO and Suicidal Tendencies for a wide-ranging conversation that spans metal history, family legacy, and the future of one of rock’s most exciting young bands. Tye dives into his love of Black Sabbath and hanging out with David at the Back To The Beginning concert. He also talks about his experience working on Stranger Things, contributing to one of the show’s most iconic musical moments. The guys dig into the brand-new OTTTO track and the creative direction the band is chasing next. Tye shares what he’s learned from Ben Weinman of The Dillinger Escape Plan and how that mentorship has shaped his musical approach. They wrap with a look at what’s coming next for OTTTO and why the future of the band is brighter (and heavier) than ever.

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

The David Ellefson Show welcomes Kenny Hickey of Type O Negative fame. Kenny joins David Ellefson and co-host Joshua Toomey to talk about his brand new project Sun Don’t Shine, featuring Johnny Kelly Type O Negative and Kirk Windstein and Todd Strange of Crowbar. He dives into how the band came together, their rollout plans, and what fans can expect from upcoming live shows. Kenny also once again addresses the big question — will Type O Negative ever play again?The guys also take a moment to reflect on the life and legacy of Ace Frehley, sharing stories and thoughts on his massive influence on generations of musicians.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, hosts David Ellefson and Joshua Toomey sit down with legendary vocalist John Bush of Armored Saint and Category 7. John talks about hitting the road with Armored Saint, and shares his excitement for performing his Anthrax-era classics with Category 7. David and John look back on the early days of Megadeth and Armored Saint coming up together in the Los Angeles metal scene. The conversation also dives into the realities of touring with family, the importance of balance, and why taking time off can sometimes be the best move for longevity and creativity.

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David Ellefson and Joshua Toomey sit down in person for the first time for this special episode of The David Ellefson Show. The guys talk about Kings of Thrash and Primer 55 both hitting the same venues on tour and their recent stop in Cadillac, Michigan to visit the legendary KISS monument. David shares memories from the 1995 Megadeth canned food drive and what it meant to give back to fans. They wrap up with some great stories from the Alice Cooper Fantasy Camp and what it’s like to jam with rock legends.Today's episode is brought to you by Rockabilia.com, Use code: DAVID10 for 10% Off your order. 100% authentic band merch since 1987!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 and Joshua pay tribute to the one and only Spaceman, Ace Frehley.

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On this episode of The David Ellefson Show, hosts David Ellefson and Joshua Toomey welcome Billy Graziadei of Biohazard. Billy joins the guys to talk about Biohazard’s return and their new album "Divided We Fall". The conversation dives into reuniting with Evan Seinfeld, signing with BLKIIBLK, and the band’s early days of being too hardcore for the metal crowd and too metal for the hardcore scene. Billy also shares stories from the road, including touring with Onyx and how Biohazard continues to bridge genres and defy labels.Today's episode is brought to you by Rockabilia.com, Use code: DAVID10 for 10% Off your order. 100% authentic band merch since 1987!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 co-host Joshua Toomey break down Joshua’s behind-the-scenes interviews at Louder Than Life. David gives his take on the next generation of festival headliners and shares stories from his recent jam with Gus G. The guys dive into the grind of practice, keeping your chops sharp, and never stopping the hunt for new bass lines. Plus, they tease what’s ahead with Kings of Thrash and the return of Primer 55 to the road.

Today's episode is brought to you by Rockabilia.com, Use code: DAVID10 for 10% Off your order. 100% authentic band merch since 1987!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 Joshua Toomey sit down with Gregor Mackintosh of Paradise Lost. Gregor joins the show to talk about the latest Paradise Lost album "Ascension" and how the band continues to evolve after decades in the scene. He shares his thoughts on the recent Ozzy “Back to the Beginning” concert and reflects on his classic 1994 interview with Peter Steele that still circulates online. Gregor also gives insight into his writing process and the way Paradise Lost approaches recording their albums, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at the band’s creative journey.Today's episode is brought to you by Rockabilia.com, Use code: DAVID10 for 10% Off your order. 100% authentic band merch since 1987!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, hosts David Ellefson and Joshua Toomey welcome Chuck Billy of Testament to the podcast. Chuck discusses the band’s new single “Infanticide A.I.” from the upcoming album Para Bellum and reflects on how James Hetfield continues to inspire his vocals with the mantra, “What would James do?”. He recalls Testament’s early showcase for Jonny Z and Megaforce the day after Cliff Burton’s tragic passing, sharing the surreal atmosphere of that moment. David and Chuck swap stories of touring together with Judas Priest, including the time Dave Mustaine wouldn’t allow Testament to use their full stage production. Chuck also gives insight into Testament bassist Steve Di Giorgio’s work on a Megadeth record, cementing his reputation as one of metal’s most versatile players.Today's episode is brought to you by Rockabilia.com, Use code: DAVID10 for 10% Off your order. 100% authentic band merch since 1987!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, David Ellefson and Joshua Toomey sit down with Recurrence, a rising band making waves in the metal scene through a completely DIY approach. The guys dig into what it takes to build momentum without a label, the realities of touring as an unsigned act, and how Recurrence has managed to bring in big names—including members of Soilwork—for their latest release. From hustling on the road to collaborating with established artists, this conversation is a blueprint for the modern independent band.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, David and Joshua sit down with former Overkill guitarist Bobby Gustafson for a deep dive into his legendary career. Bobby takes us back to his early days, joining Overkill at just 17 and landing a deal with Megaforce Records. He shares stories from the road, including touring with Megadeth on the Peace Sells tour and witnessing firsthand the explosive argument between Dave Mustaine and Gar Samuelson that led to Gar’s departure from the band. Bobby also reflects on the moment Mustaine offered him a spot in Megadeth — and why he ultimately turned it down. Plus, Bobby opens up about his time with Skrew, Vio-lence, and more in this candid and unfiltered conversation.

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Join hosts David Ellefson and Joshua Toomey as they welcome OJ and Ryan of Byzantine to the show for a deep dive into their brand-new album Harbingers. The guys look back on their history, including what it was like working with Chris Adler back in 2003, and share the chaos of losing a van while touring in Canada. They also talk about their upcoming run with Cavalera and Fear Factory, and revisit the time they teamed up with Nick Menza to cover “Tornado of Souls.” To top it all off, OJ delivers a wild story about moving to Waco, TX and starting a band with some Branch Davidians. Today's episode is brought to you by Rockabilia.com, Use code: DAVID10 for 10% Off your order. 100% authentic band merch since 1987!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 #byzantine

David Ellefson and co-host Joshua Toomey welcome Laura Guldemond and Courtney Cox of Burning Witches to discuss their crushing new album Inquisition. The conversation dives into the making of the album’s videos, the band’s signature twin-guitar attack of Courtney and Romana Kalkuhl, and Laura’s reflections on Ozzy’s passing alongside their cover of “Shot in the Dark.” The group also compares the energy of American festivals versus the legendary European metal fests. Plus, Laura talks about her special guest appearance on the upcoming Ellefson-Soto record.Today's episode is brought to you by Rockabilia.com, Use code: DAVID10 for 10% Off your order. 100% authentic band merch since 1987!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 #burningwitches #megadeth #ozzy