David Ellefson, Former Bassist Of Megadeth Calls Rock Music Dead In The United States

David Ellefson, the bassist of Megadeth (Instagram @davidellefsonbass)

JAKARTA - David Ellefson, the former bassist of Megadeth, prefers to tour in other parts of the world rather than the United States (US). The reason is, he saw that rock music was dead in his home country.

In this case, Ellefson confirmed Kiss's Gene Simmons statement, which also called rock music dead.

"Rock is dead in America, really dead. And I know people will criticize me for saying that, but that's it. When Gene Simmons says it, everyone hates it, but he's right," Ellefson said, during a recent interview with Ernest

"Unless you're an established band, unless you're Linkin Park, Metallica, Kiss and Slayer, whatever, to start a new rock band - kids don't like things like that. They love Facebook and Tesla. Yes, their lives are on their phones," he continued.

The 60-year-old bassist sees a big difference between his generation and the current generation. Young people in the US don't see being a rockstar is something cool.

"So, for me, I enjoy South America, Latin America, where] they love rock n' roll, as well as Asia, Australia," he said.

And you look at the statistics, like Spotify, you see them globally, (rock is more in demand) outside America, and that's stronger.

The bassist did not shut himself up to appear in the US, but he said the source of his main income as a musician came from outside the US.

"And they appreciate it, especially when going to many places in Eastern Europe," said Ellefson.

"At our place in North America, you get into the car, you drive on the expressway, you go to another city that is far away to watch a concert. It's not that easy for other people in other cultures. So I feel special being able to bring my music to them."