How Dave Mustaine found out Cliff Burton died
Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson has created a new free exclusive Metallica artist biography for Alternative Nation. In the biography, Ellefson tells the entire story of the day Cliff Burton died, and how Dave Mustaine reacted.
“And I don’t remember who answered the phone, but I remember very clearly, sitting over in our living room area of the apartment, seeing Dave on the phone, and it was just heavy. It was quiet. And after that call, Dave picked up his guitar and started playing – and that was the beginning of the song that became In My Darkest Hour.”
He also discusses his new tribute to Burton, “Silver Lining Music has this new Metallica tribute record coming out, called No Life ’til Leather: A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All, where I recorded an homage to Cliff Burton. They asked me to record “(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth,” which is, to me, a coveted piece of material that, up until I recorded it, in my opinion, it was pretty much “off limits.” It’s just not something you go to, y’know? Like, nobody goes and re-records “Eruption” by Eddie Van Halen and puts it on an album. It’s forbidden, it’s sacred, hallowed ground. So, I’m really honored that they asked me to do it. For me, it’s an esteemed brotherhood to our fallen hero, Cliff Burton.
Because Cliff was a little older than me. Obviously, Metallica was established a couple years ahead of Megadeth, but at the same time, we kind of grew up together. [Megadeth] were the younger brother of Metallica. [Laughs] Yet, we’re all a branch off the family tree to a certain degree. So, I was very honored that they that they asked me to do that.”
Ellefson has also created an in-depth Megadeth biography for Alternative Nation and a Pantera biography with assistance from our writer Greg Prato.
