Megadeth cofounder and former bassist David Ellefson is sadden by the state of rock music in the U.S. and shared his belief in a new interview that he agrees with KISS star Gene Simmons that "rock is dead in America."
Ellefson made comment during a new interview with Border City Rock Talk in Canada. He said, "Rock is dead in America, it really is. And I know people will lambaste me for saying that, but it is. When Gene Simmons said it, everybody hated him for it, but he's right.
"Unless you're an established band, unless you're Linkin Park and Metallica and KISS and Slayer, whatever, to start a new rock band - kids aren't into that sh*t. They're into Facebook and Tesla (the car, not the band). Yeah, their lives are on their phones. Being a rock star is not cool anymore, like it was for us growing up.
"So, if you've got it established, you can keep it working. So, for me, I enjoy South America, Latin America, they love rock and roll. Asia, Australia. So, you leave America and, man, rock and roll is very much alive and well. They champion the legacy stuff, they like new stuff."
Megadeth Icon David Ellefson Believes 'Rock Is Dead In America
David Ellefson Rocks Judas Priest Classic And Reveals Bass Warrior Tour Dates
Singled Out: Cathy Rankin's Now You've Gone' (Tribute To Neil Peart)
Cathy Rankin Recruits Megadeth and Alice Cooper Stars For Neil Peart Tribute
On The Record: The Motown Sound Collection, Part 1 The Supremes
A New Album, Ornaments and One Ugly Sweater: Merry Christmas from Joe Bonamassa!
Famed Eagles Collaborator JD Souther Passed Away (2024 In Review)
Blink-182's Mark Hoppus Telling His Story With 'Fahrenheit-182' (2024 In Review)
Jane's Addiction Pulled Plug On Reunion Tour Following on Stage Altercation (2024 In Review)
Ozzy Osbourne Voicing Character For Nickelodeon Animated Series (2024 In Review)
Megadeth Cancelled Concert A Few Hours Before It Was To Start (2024 In Review)
Bret Michaels Wants Tour For Poison's 40th Anniversary (2024 In Review)
Sammy Hagar Recapped The Best Of All Worlds Tour (2024 In Review)
Cheap Trick In The Studio For 'Dream Police' Anniversary (2024 In Review)