In the annals of heavy metal, the rivalry between **Megadeth** and **Metallica** is legendary—a decades-long tension fueled by **Dave Mustaine’s** infamous 1983 dismissal from the latter. While Mustaine spent years fueled by a “revenge” mindset to out-thrash his former bandmates, his long-time partner and co-founder **David Ellefson** recently revealed that he didn’t always share that singular animosity. In a candid look back at the band’s formative years, Ellefson admitted he was a secret fan of the very band Mustaine was trying to eclipse.
Changing the Channel in the Car
The dynamic between the two “Daves” was often defined by Mustaine’s fierce loyalty and equally fierce grudges. Ellefson recalled that during the mid-80s, when Metallica released the genre-defining *Master of Puppets*, he found himself caught between his musical tastes and his bandmate’s volatile history. To avoid triggering a confrontation, Ellefson resorted to some creative radio management.
“I’d change the channel when he got in the car,” Ellefson shared, describing the lengths he went to hide his appreciation for Metallica’s output. For Ellefson, the music was undeniable, but the risk of upsetting the Megadeth frontman—who was “out for blood” following his exit from the Bay Area titans—was too great to ignore. This clandestine listening habit provides a rare glimpse into the internal tightrope Ellefson walked as Mustaine’s right-hand man for nearly 40 years.
A Rivalry Built on High Stakes
The tension wasn’t just about personal feelings; it was professional fuel. Mustaine’s drive to “kick Metallica’s ass” resulted in some of the most technical and aggressive music in the thrash subgenre. However, Ellefson’s admission suggests that while the mission was serious, the younger bassist recognized the brilliance of the competition.
In recent interviews reflecting on the band’s final years and his 2021 departure, Ellefson has been more vocal about the “separate lanes” the two bands occupied. He noted that while Mustaine often felt slighted by his former bandmates, Ellefson viewed Metallica’s success through a more objective lens, even as he helped Mustaine build the “perfect beast” that would become Megadeth.
The Legend of the “Two Daves”
As Megadeth navigates its 2026 farewell tour, these stories add a layer of human complexity to a band often characterized by its steely, aggressive exterior. The image of a young Ellefson frantically fumbling with a car radio to hide a Metallica riff from an approaching Mustaine is a reminder that even the most legendary feuds have their quiet, domestic comedies.
Ultimately, Ellefson’s secret love for *Master of Puppets* didn’t hinder Megadeth; if anything, it underscores the discipline he brought to the partnership. By keeping the peace in the car, he ensured the focus remained on the stage—where the two Daves would go on to create a legacy that rivaled any of their peers.