Here’s the first installment of the new Bass Brigade blog by Megadeth bassist and Jackson signature artist David Ellefson. He remarks here, as he will from time to time, on a variety of subjects; this time including the highlights of the Megadeth European Carnage tour and its Jackson meet-and-greet sessions, his new signature model and other Jackson-related topics. Without further ado, then, here he is …
On the highlights of the autograph sessions …
There were many highlights; mostly the overall enthusiasm from the fans for Jackson instruments and what they represent as the prime weapon of choice for playing metal music. Jackson has always been the crème de le crème of metal instruments and, I think, because metal isn’t so trendy in Europe, the brand of instruments holds a deep credibility to the genre’s heritage. A couple of other things that stand out were how many Jackson guitars we signed, usually from fans and often very young musicians and bands that came through the lines at each store. It’s great to see such enthusiasm and passion about metal music and the gear.
On some of the more interesting items he was asked to sign …
There are certainly some longtime uber-fans who bring us every single item we ever released over the past 28 years; everything from singles, EPs, LPs, picture discs, jean jacket patches and more. However, I think signing the banjo at the Moscow in-store takes the cake on this trip. I can’t think of ever signing a banjo before.
On the highlights of the European Carnage tour …
After all these years it’s not so often that you get to new places or see new things. However, this tour took us to Kiev, Ukraine (where Chris and I did a massive debut signing for Jackson); St. Petersburg, Russia; Lodz, Poland and La Coruna, Spain. I usually find that these types of places are new to having big rock concerts in their town, so many people come out to the shows to catch the excitement of a big rock ‘n’ roll show in their town. That, of course, makes for a great night out for the fans and the bands.
On the response to his (and Chris Broderick’s) new Jackson signature models …
Fans are stoked and can’t wait to get their hands on them. I think Chris’s model really offers something unique on the guitar front. There are many seven-string guitar enthusiasts who now have something truly unique and even very forward thinking for Jackson’s guitar line. I think everyone did a great job developing his model, as I know Chris is very particular about his instruments. As for the basses, my signature Concert basses are so intrinsically intertwined with thrash metal and Megadeth history that they are almost like a badge of honor for both players and fans alike. The excitement is really overwhelming on these basses.
On interesting Jacksons finds at European dealers …
In our Barcelona, Spain, signing I saw a white Kelly model guitar with black beveled edges hanging on the rack. That really caught my attention. I always liked that body shape. There was also a great gun metal-colored Warrior at Musik Messe in Frankfurt, Germany, that was a striking instrument. I’m really into colors that pop onstage and have that extra sizzle under the lights, so I’m always attracted to unique colors that give that extra wow factor.
The Big Four play next week in Indio, California—the sole North American appearance of U.S. thrash metal’s four biggest bands. If you have any questions about the show for David Ellefson, post them to the Jackson Facebook page and he’ll answer a few in the days after the show on Saturday, April 23.