Former Megadeth and current Kings of Thrashbassist David Ellefson discussed how he ended up getting into Rush’s music as a kid and how he was incredibly impressed by Geddy Lee vocals.
**David Ellefson Discusses His Journey Into Rush’s Music and His Admiration for Geddy Lee’s Vocals**
David Ellefson, the legendary bassist best known for his work with Megadeth, is not only a skilled musician but also a passionate music fan who has often spoken about the profound influences that shaped his musical tastes and career. While most fans know him for his contributions to thrash metal, Ellefson’s musical journey is rich, diverse, and influenced by a variety of genres and artists. One of the most significant and formative musical experiences for Ellefson came from a source that many might not immediately associate with the aggressive, high-octane world of metal: Rush. Specifically, Ellefson has spoken at length about how the music of Rush, especially the iconic vocals of Geddy Lee, left an indelible mark on him as a young musician.
As a bassist, Ellefson’s influence can be traced back to some of rock and metal’s most technical and innovative players, but it was Rush’s progressive rock sound and Geddy Lee’s unique approach to vocals and bass that made an outsized impact on him. In a world often dominated by raw aggression and speed, Ellefson’s appreciation for Rush highlights the depth and nuance of his musical journey, revealing the diverse range of influences that have shaped his artistry.
This article explores David Ellefson’s early exposure to Rush, his evolving admiration for their sound, and how Geddy Lee’s distinctive vocal style became an important inspiration to Ellefson’s musical development, both as a bassist and as a songwriter. The relationship between a young Ellefson and Rush’s music is a story that reveals the unexpected, multifaceted nature of musical influence and the role that personal taste plays in the development of an artist’s identity.
### Early Life and Musical Exposure
Born on November 12, 1964, in Jackson, Minnesota, David Ellefson grew up in a musical household. From an early age, he was immersed in the sounds of rock and roll, learning how to appreciate the nuances of different musical genres. Like many kids in the ’70s, Ellefson was drawn to the radio-friendly rock of bands like Kiss and AC/DC, but it was the more intricate and thought-provoking sound of progressive rock that would leave a lasting imprint on him.
Rush, a band that had emerged from the Canadian music scene in the early 1970s, was known for their fusion of hard rock and progressive rock, blending virtuosic musicianship with complex arrangements and intellectual lyrics. While many young listeners gravitated toward mainstream rock bands, Rush’s distinct sound—characterized by layered compositions, intricate time signatures, and philosophical lyricism—stood out. For Ellefson, Rush wasn’t just a band that made great music; they were an ensemble that offered something deeper, something that resonated with his growing desire for musical complexity and substance.
At the time, Ellefson was just beginning to understand the power of bass guitar and its role within a band. While the spotlight in many rock groups was often on the guitarist or lead singer, Ellefson recognized the crucial role that bass played in shaping the band’s overall sound. Rush’s bassist and vocalist, Geddy Lee, became a key figure in Ellefson’s musical education, not just as a bassist, but as a vocalist whose unique style was integral to the band’s identity.
### The Rush Discovery: Finding a New Sound
Ellefson’s first encounter with Rush came at a pivotal time in his life when he was transitioning from a budding musician playing in local bands to someone who sought to understand the deeper elements of musicianship. In interviews, Ellefson has shared that he first came across Rush’s music when his older brother introduced him to their albums. For Ellefson, this was an eye-opening experience.
“When I first heard Rush, it was like discovering a whole new world of music,” Ellefson reflected in interviews. “At the time, I was already really into the harder rock stuff, but when I heard the intricacy of their arrangements and the depth of the lyrics, it was like they opened a door to another dimension of what music could be. There was so much going on in their songs—it wasn’t just about loud guitars or catchy choruses. It was about musicianship, composition, and thinking outside the box.”
Rush’s music was everything Ellefson was looking for at the time—complex, layered, and challenging, yet incredibly melodic. The band’s early albums like *2112* (1976), *A Farewell to Kings* (1977), and *Hemispheres* (1978) resonated with Ellefson because of their ability to combine technical precision with emotional depth. These albums were not just collections of songs; they were concept pieces, full of intricate musical ideas, lyrical exploration, and a sense of musicality that demanded not only attention but deep listening.
Ellefson became particularly fascinated with how Geddy Lee was able to merge bass playing with his distinctive vocal style. As a bassist, Lee had a unique approach—his basslines were complex and often stood out as a lead voice within the music, rather than just providing rhythm or foundation. This was an important realization for Ellefson, who, at the time, was still shaping his own identity as a bassist. Lee’s playing was a revelation—his combination of virtuosic basslines and soaring, sometimes ethereal vocals demonstrated the power of a multi-faceted musician. Geddy Lee was able to blend technical ability with a sense of melody and phrasing, making his bass work integral to the composition, not just an accompaniment.
### Geddy Lee’s Vocals: A Source of Inspiration
In addition to Lee’s bass skills, Ellefson was equally captivated by his vocals. Lee’s voice is one of the most distinctive in rock music—a high-pitched, almost operatic tenor that has often been the subject of polarizing opinions. For some, Lee’s voice is an acquired taste, while for others, it is a signature element of Rush’s sound. Ellefson, however, was immediately drawn to Lee’s vocal style.
“I was so impressed by Geddy’s vocals,” Ellefson explained. “He has a range that no one else has, and his ability to carry the melody while still playing intricate bass lines was something that I admired deeply. He doesn’t just sing the song—he *becomes* part of the song, and his voice adds to the power of the music in a way that’s completely unique.”
In the context of progressive rock, where many vocalists emphasize technique or power over emotional depth, Geddy Lee stood out because of his ability to convey both. His voice could soar through high registers and deliver powerful melodies, yet it was always clear that the emotion behind his delivery was just as important as his technical ability. For Ellefson, Geddy Lee’s ability to juggle multiple musical roles—leading the melody with his voice, providing the rhythmic backbone with his bass—was a profound source of inspiration.
In particular, songs like “Tom Sawyer” from *Moving Pictures* (1981) and “La Villa Strangiato” from *Hemispheres* left a lasting impact on Ellefson. On “Tom Sawyer,” Lee’s voice perfectly complemented the song’s blend of hard rock and intricate time changes. Meanwhile, “La Villa Strangiato,” a sprawling instrumental, demonstrated not only Lee’s mastery of bass but also his ability to work in tandem with drummer Neil Peart and guitarist Alex Lifeson to create a musical experience that felt seamless and unified.
Ellefson would later reflect on how Lee’s ability to multitask on stage had an effect on his own approach to performing. Rush’s ability to create such intricate, layered music without losing the sense of the song’s melody was something Ellefson internalized and worked to incorporate into his own playing. This idea of not just being a “supporting player” but also contributing to the melody as a bassist is something that he would bring into his own musical endeavors, particularly with Megadeth.
### The Influence of Rush on Ellefson’s Bass Playing
As a bassist, David Ellefson was drawn to Geddy Lee’s ability to be both a rhythm and lead instrument. The bass guitar, while often relegated to a supporting role in rock and metal bands, was used by Lee in a manner that made it integral to the song’s overall composition. For Ellefson, this approach to bass playing had a profound influence on how he would approach his instrument.
In interviews, Ellefson has spoken about how Rush’s basslines, particularly those crafted by Lee, inspired him to be more ambitious in his playing. “With Rush, the bass was often a leading instrument. Geddy wasn’t just playing root notes or following along with the rhythm section. He was creating melodies and counter-melodies on the bass. That was a huge influence on how I approached my own playing, especially in the early days of Megadeth,” Ellefson shared.
Ellefson’s work in Megadeth, particularly during the band’s early years, showcased his ability to blend complex basslines with aggressive thrash metal. While his playing was distinctly different from Lee’s in terms of tone and genre, the principle of making the bass more than just a rhythm instrument stayed with him. Just as Lee’s basslines were an essential component of Rush’s overall sound, Ellefson sought to make his bass an integral part of Megadeth’s musical identity. Whether it was the complex, galloping basslines in “Peace Sells” or the fast-paced thrash patterns in “Holy Wars…The Punishment Due,” Ellefson took inspiration from Rush’s approach to musicality and layered, multidimensional composition.
### Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy
David Ellefson’s appreciation for Rush, and specifically Geddy Lee’s bass and vocals, is a testament to the diversity of his musical influences. While Ellefson is known primarily for
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