Watch Ex-Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson Cover Metallica’s “Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)”
For once, we’ve got a story about a Dave from Megadeth that doesn’t involve him reminding everyone that he was once in Metallica. Hey, did you know Dave Mustaine was a member of Metallica?
No, this time we’re talking about “Little Dave.” David Ellefson. Former and disgraced Megadeth bassist that was ousted over a non-controversy and now a member of a number of different projects. He posted a video of himself covering “(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth” from Metallica’s 1983 debut Kill ‘Em All earlier this morning.
This cover in particular was recorded and released as part of Silver Lining Music’s No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All. It’s the compilation’s second single and Ellefson had this to say about being chosen to participate:
“It was a total honor to be asked to participate in this album, especially to record the iconic bass composition ‘(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth’ by the one and only Cliff Burton [late Metallica bassist]. I was able to borrow one of Cliff’s Aria Pro signature bass guitars and signature Morley fuzz/wah pedal for the session to replicate his sharp-yet-thunderous tone he created on the original recording. It is my hope that this homage will highlight Cliff’s larger-than-life personality and that his music will always live on through this unique and iconic song he gave to the world.”
As you can tell from the video below, Ellefson naturally does a good job at covering the track. He’s always been a hell of a player, so I’m not surprised by that at all. He does ride the wah a little too hard, maybe as an homage to Kirk Hammett, but other than that little nitpick, it’s good. I mean it is Ellefson’s interpretation of the track, so the dude can go ham on the wah if he wants.
No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All will be available as a vinyl, CD, and on digital formats on November 14, but you can preorder your copy today.
f“No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All” track listing:
- Hit The Lights – TAILGUNNER
- The Four Horsemen – THE ALMIGHTY
- Motorbreath – SOEN
- Jump In The Fire – TYGERS OF PAN TANG
- (Anesthesia – Pulling Teeth – DAVID ELLEFSON
- Whiplash – MOTÖRHEAD
- Phantom Lord – SAXON
- No Remorse – DIAMOND HEAD
- Seek & Destroy – TESTAMENT
- Metal Militia – RAVEN
