No, Ex-Metallica Bassist Jason Newsted Is Not Joining Megadeth

Dave Mustaine & co. split with co-founder David Ellefson last week

BY Calum SlingerlandPublished May 31, 2021

Last week, Megadeth officially split with David Ellefson after the co-founding bassist become wrapped up in a sexual misconduct scandal, and in terms of possible replacements, ex-Metallica bassist Jason Newsted will not be among them.

Those hyping up the possibility of Newsted following in the footsteps of Megadeth founder Dave Mustaine will be disappointed to learn that the bassist has no plans to join a second outfit in thrash metal's Big Four after spending time with another.

The news comes from Newsted's wife, Nicole, who clarified that the bass player does not maintain social media accounts. She confirmed on Instagram, "Hi guys! Two things: 1. Jason is not joining Megadeth. Peace to them. Listen to metal."

She added: "2. Jason does not have social media accounts; this includes but is not limited to TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Onlyfans and Tinder. If you are receiving DMs from the Jason Newsted music account or any other account claiming to be Jason please know this is not Jason, and proceed at your own risk."

Ellefson's departure from Megadeth came two weeks after the bassist denied allegations of grooming, after a video circulated online that showed the 56-year-old interacting inappropriately with a woman many thought to be underage.

In a subsequent statement of their own, Megadeth wrote that they were "watching developments closely," adding, "As it relates to creativity and business, we are all familiar with one another. However, there are clearly aspects of David's private life that he has kept to himself."

In announcing Ellefson's departure last week, Megadeth wrote, "We do not take this decision lightly. While we do not know every detail of what occurred, with an already strained relationship, what has already been revealed is now enough to make working together impossible moving forward."

Megadeth now currently features Mustaine, guitarist Kiko Loureiro, and ex-Soilwork drummer Dirk Verbeuren. The band plan to hit the road in August on their rescheduled 2021 tour with Lamb of God.

Megadeth's most recent album remains 2016's DystopiaIts follow-up — expected to see release this year — currently has the working title The Sick, The Dying… and The Dead!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by nicole (@nicolenewsted)

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