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."
Ex-KISS and Megadeth Stars Reveal Best And Worst Moments With The Bands
David Ellefson and Bruce Kulick Guest On Marina V's New Single
David Ellefson Teams With Chip Z'nuff and More For 'Ah! Leah!' Cover
Megadeth Icon David Ellefson Believes 'Rock Is Dead In America
International Women's Day 2025: We Salute You!
Root 66: Chris Berardo, Slaw, Wonderly and More
Sites and Sounds: Cheap Trick to Headline Pure Imagination Festival in Arizona
Road Trip: A Music Fan's Guide to Clarksville, Tennessee
Harakiri for the Sky - Scorched Earth
Halestorm Announce U.S. Tour Dates With Volbeat
Mastodon's Bill Kelliher Shares New L. A. Project Track 'My Way Space Fuzz'
Thornhill Premiere 'TONGUES' Video
Krooked Tongue Go DIY For 'Let 'Em Loose' Video
Balu Brigada Rock Jimmy Kimmel LIVE
Neurosis' Steve Von Till Announces Solo Album With 'Watch Them Fade'
The Doors Fans Can Visit Historic Locations With New Maps Guide
Guns N' Roses, Linkin Park, Slipknot, A7X Lead Rock For People Lineup