Question
Scorpion,
With David Ellefson having now played with all the drummers in Megadeth, I was wondering how he approached each musical situation with each new drummer? Is there a way that David best finds best to create the Megadeth rhythm section? Also, can you ask him if there is a different "feel" he has with Shawn versus any of the past drummers in Megadeth?
Thanks,
Steve Jock
Buffalo, NY
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Answer
Hi Steve, I went to David with your question and he was happy to reply...
Each drummer has created a totally different feel and sound for Megadeth over the years. I liked Gar's inventive style just as I appreciated Nick's bombast, flare for style and out-of-the-box creativity. Jimmy was really solid and was someone I could count on every night and he played really tight.
To me, Shawn provides a super steady tempo for us now and I can always count on him to not make mistakes either. He was a real joy to play with when I came back on the "Rust In Peace" 20th Anniversary tour because those songs have to be played 'in the pocket' or else they can sound like mush in the large venues. I think because Shawn is also a songwriter and guitarist he really understands the components of the songs on a musical level, not just from a drummer's perspective. It helps that he's been a huge fan of the music, and all of the drummers over the years, so he can really cherry pick the best of the best from each one's style. This helps him really optimize the music for the band today.
David Ellefson
