On November 13, 2023, former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson celebrated his 59th birthday in style, attending METALLICA’s “No Repeat Weekend” shows at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.

Sharing snapshots from the Friday and Sunday concerts on his social media on Monday, Ellefson expressed gratitude to his “dear friend Lars Ulrich & the METALLICA camp” for the special birthday celebration, which included All Access passes. In his post, Ellefson enthused about the fantastic way to commemorate his birthday, surrounded by great music and longtime friends, thanking everyone for their warm birthday wishes.

In a recent interview on the Mike Nelson Show, Ellefson discussed his attendance at one of the shows on METALLICA’s “M72” tour. He praised METALLICA as the gold standard in metal, commending their ability to achieve and maintain unparalleled success in the touring business. Ellefson emphasized the positive impact METALLICA’s success has on the entire genre, likening them to the Apple computer of metal.

Reflecting on METALLICA’s evolution since the Black Album, Ellefson shared his pride in the band’s current performance, citing it as their best since that iconic release. He complimented their sound, play, and song selection, expressing happiness for their continued success.

When asked about attending a METALLICA show 30 years ago, considering the acrimonious history between MEGADETH’s Dave Mustaine and METALLICA, Ellefson revealed he had always been a METALLICA fan. He recalled going to see them with Mustaine during the “Kill ‘Em All For One” tour and praised their groundbreaking approach to tempos and showmanship.

Ellefson acknowledged METALLICA’s role in transcending the metal genre, breaking down barriers, and becoming a household name. He credited their authenticity and refusal to conform, drawing a parallel with the working-class ethos of heavy metal fans who admired their rebellious spirit.

Ellefson’s comments reflected the lasting influence of METALLICA on MEGADETH and the broader metal community. He recognized METALLICA’s pivotal role in paving the way for heavy metal’s mainstream success, along with other bands like IRON MAIDEN and DEF LEPPARD.

The bassist also mentioned the “Big Four” shows in 2010 and 2011, describing the camaraderie among bands and METALLICA’s gesture of celebrating their shared history. Ellefson emphasized the significance of METALLICA’s contributions to the metal genre, describing them as the “800-pound gorilla” that carved the path for others.

Ellefson’s journey from being a fan attending METALLICA shows to celebrating his birthday with All Access passes highlights the interconnectedness and mutual respect among metal musicians, underscoring the impact of iconic bands like METALLICA on the genre’s evolution.