"This might sound very immature, but when a bass looks cool, you want to play it," said Megadeth bassist David Ellefson in this exclusive interview with Jackson. "It’s been like that since I was a kid and when I walk in and I see these basses, I’m like, 'I wanna play that bass.' That feeling just resonates throughout and I think most musicians are like that."

Watch as Ellefson talks more about the design, pickups, tone controls and other key features of his new for 2016 USA signature Concert Bass models:

For more info on Ellefson’s bass models visit Jackson Guitars.

Greek metal website Rock Overdose caught up with Ellefson. An excerpt below:

Rock Overdose: Do you believe that music industry is still interested in thrash metal bands?

David Ellefson: “The industry is interested in whatever sells. But, as an artist, I think we’ve proven that Thrash has a massive global fan base and we will play it one way or another, and however we can take it out to our fans. I’d say right now it’s in a pretty healthy state worldwide.”

Rock Overdose: Which new thrash metal band do you consider to be the most talented?

David Ellefson: “Havok was out with on the last North American tour and they are really a great band. There are also two bands I signed to my EMP Label Group who I think are terrific as well: Arise In Chaos and Green Death.”

It was announced recently that Soilwork drummer Dirk Verbeuren will sit in for Chris Adler on Megadeth’s upcoming live dates while Adler is out with Lamb Of God. Fan-filmed video of his first show with the band on May 20th at the Rock On The Range festival in Columbus, OH is available below.

Verbeuren commented prior to his run with Megadeth: “I can't thank Chris Adler enough for his kindness. It's truly a huge honour to fill in for Chris in Megadeth, a band I grew up listening to. I'm so very grateful to Dave Mustaine, David Ellefson and Kiko Loureiro for their warm welcome. First show is tonight at Rock On The Range in Columbus, OH.

“Filling in for me in Soilwork is the amazing Bastian Thusgaard of The Arcane Order who also happens to be a student of mine. I know Bastian will do a fantastic job behind the kit!

“I will perform with both Soilwork and Megadeth at Sweden Rock and Graspop, and I'll rejoin Soilwork on June 26th in Italy and throughout the rest of The Summer Majestic. See you on the road!”

Find Megadeth’s complete live itinerary at this location.