interviews david ellefson from megadeth..

1.- Tell us about " Jesus metal fans " , what abouy your musical biography?
Hmm, never thought about “Jesus Metal Fans”, just fans of metal…Christian or not. I think when we start to lay titles on who is a ‘believer’ or not then that just causes separation so to me your either a fan or your not.

2.- How did you get to play in megadeth ?
I moved to Los Angeles in 1983, five days after I graduated high school in Minnesota. I met Dave Mustaine within a few days after my arrival and that led to us starting the group.

3.- How has the world tour been ?
The world tour has been really good. A lot of positive vibes from the fans and good creative spirit within the band, too.

4.- What memories do you have in your concert in Chile?
I remember every trip there from as far back as our maiden voyage in 1994 on the “Youthanasia” tour. This last time was really big, selling out the Movistar arena.

5.- Talking about your personal life, how did you meet Jesus Christ ?
I think sometimes the Christian community has this thought that I was recently ‘born again’ but in truth I grew up in the Lutheran church so I’ve had the relationship ever since I was baptized at about one month old.

6.- How did you work thing out with Dave Mustaine after having serious problems with him?
I think for us having a strong Christian faith helped us overcome and forgive for any past misunderstandings. I think Matthew and 1 Corinthians make that mission real clear and I’m glad we are both on the same page with that way of life now.

7.- Do you think forgiving each other is important?
If God’s son Jesus would die for sins than us humans asking for forgiveness should be minimal, yet it is hard. In fact, humans really can’t forgive, only God can. That is the point of Grace, is that it is all a gift from God and not something we muster up within ourselves.

8.- How has your Christian life been?
It’s been great and certainly better than the options!! As The Word says, no where is there a clause that says Christianity will be easy but rather that we will have tools to navigate through our time here on earth knowing that salvation has been bought for us. That really takes a lot of pressure off oneself each and every day.

9.- Are you writing new songs?
Yes, we have been working on new songs and look to finish the record over the next few months.

10.- Have you thought about having a christian band? Do you think it's the right time for that?
I’ve lead worship, written several songs in the genre and try to offer my services to play in worship whenever possible. As for actually having a Christian band as a viable creative entity I’m not sure that that is something I will ever do. However, if the Lord leads me there then I will remain obedient to that urging.

11.- We know about your christian project called " Northem light orchesta" are all the project members christian ? how was begining of this wonderful rock project?
Yes, that is a really cool group and some great songs specifically written by Christians for seasonal celebration. Not everyone who played on the record is a proclaimed Christian but then again what better way to witness than to offer a musical outlet for players and fans to hear the Word. Sometimes these things offer a great way to carry the Call without being over the top and annoying about it because music has brought a lot of people to know the Lord, including my renewed passions for Him in the last 15 years, or so..

12.-What's your message for the young people who don't believe in God?
I believe that inside every one of us is the fundamental idea of something bigger than us. To me, that feeling of awe and wonder is in fact God, regardless of what you call it/Him or your cultural understanding of it. With that said, if you’re interested in having a personal relationship with God than just roll with it and be open to the feeling and attraction to it.

Many young people have tried to go at life alone without God, or have been turned off to it by certain people and/or circumstances. Just know that GOD is not the cause of those troubles, but rather sin and self will, either by them or someone else’s deeds. However, God forgives and redeems and if we continue to follow his ways (thoughtful, helpful, forgiving, etc.) then His grace will continue to shine on us, regardless of our life circumstances.

13.-How do you see the christian life of your band friend Dave Mustaine?
I think it is a central part of our relationships and since Dave and I have lived to see how living a life devoid of God really operates, we are most thankful that we have a second chance at this.

14.- Do you participe in a church? do you have active participation in the congration?
I do. I’ve been active in church membership now for about 15 years and about four years ago helped create and start the MEGA Life! Ministires in Scottsdale, AZ (www.megalifeaz.org or www.facebook.com/megalife). Initially I started as the music worship leader and overseer but now that I’m on tour full time I’ve turned that position over to a good friend who is doing a fantastic job. Currently I’m now the director or outreach ministries.

15.- Do you know any famous christian musician ?
Yes, I do. I’ve been quite active with the Christian Musician Summit (www.christianmusiciansummit.com) who also publish Christian Musician and Worship Musician Magazines. I’ve done clinics and various participations with them over the years so I’ve become good friends with some of the best Worship singers, musicians and songwriters. Its really broadened my musical horizons and given me some great tunes to listen to while traveling, too.

16.- What does Jesus mean for you?
He is the son of God who died for our sins and by studying and following his teachings we too can live a life full of hope, faith and love. Regardless of what any of us do for a living while on this earth, that mission is a good thing to live our lives for!

megalifeaz.org
www.megalifeaz.org