When the bass player for an iconic band says “I’m going to go out on a solo tour”, it doesn’t typically grab you by the ear and get you out to the venue. But when that bass player happens to be Grammy Award winner David Ellefson of Megadeth, it certainly piques some interest.
David kicked off his “Basstory” tour last evening in Portland, OR and we were in the house to see how this tour was going to pan out. After all, what does 25% of Megadeth sound like solo?
Basstory was advertised as an “Intimate Evening Of Riffs And Repartee With David Ellefson”. I imagined it more like a bass clinic. It turns out that it was more of a “sit in a small room with one of the most awesome musicians to ever pick up the bass and chat while he shreds.”
David would take the stage alone with his Macbook and play along with several songs from the extensive Megadeth catalog. Between songs, he shared some of the history of each song. Afterall, with over 35 years of history, there was a lot to talk about. He was open to suggestions from the crowd as well. And with a small room, everyone was able to be heard and share their suggestions. After his set, David spent some time at the merch table talking with guests, signing autographs, and taking selfies.
Here’s a clip of David talking about a song that Megadeth wrote for a sequel to the film Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.
This Basstory tour is really one-of-a-kind; an opportunity to get up close and personal with one of the pioneers of the American thrash bass sound. And on stage, David doesn’t hold anything back. He opens the night throwing down Holy Wars before taking you on a bass journey into the deepest recesses of Megadeth’s rich and dark past. I’m sure that there are those of us that have been up front at a Megadeth show knowing you couldn’t meet the band, and maybe hoping to catch a pick or drum stick. Well, now you have the chance to get out and meet him and take in some Megadeth history from one of the coolest cats to pick up the bass.
Oh, and he might play Peace Sells.
