My Life with Deth

Discovering Meaning in a Life of Rock and Roll

By: David Ellefson, Joel McIver

Narrated by: David Ellefson

Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Faith, hope, and heavy metal

In My Life with Deth, cofounder and bassist of Megadeth David Ellefson reveals the behind-the-scenes details of life in one of the world's most popular heavy metal bands. If you're looking for revelations, they're here, including the drug habits that brought the band members to their knees. You'll learn of David's unsuccessful attempts at rehab and the period when he was strung out on methadone, cocaine, and heroin - all at the same time.

But My Life with Deth is far more than just another memoir of debauchery. Ellefson also shares the story of his faith journey, which began when he decided his only choice for survival was to get free from his addiction. In his recovery, he returned to his childhood roots in the Lutheran church and embraced his Christianity, which continues to inform his life and work today.

In the pages of this book, you'll find insightful comments from some of the biggest names in heavy metal, along with life lessons for every listener. Whether religious or not, you'll be enthralled, informed, and inspired by this tell-all book on discovering meaning in a life of rock and roll.

©2013 Howard Books (P)2014 David Ellefson

Informative and inspiring

Dave writes with honesty and conviction. He tore down the wall between religion and heavy metal. This is an eye opener. Great read and great listen to. I love the fact that he reads his own story for the Audible edition.

MEGA Life! Music, Passion and Faith!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I am a huge Megadeth fan! I didn't know what to expect from the book, but wanted to hear it in his own words! I read along with the book as I listened to the audiobook. I really enjoyed it. I totally recommend this book to Megadeth fans and music lovers because David Ellefson gives a human perspective to what it is really like being in a heavy metal band. It is not all sex, drugs and rock n roll (even though you are surrounded by it). It is also hard work, sacrifice and a clear vision of what you want to accomplish in your life/band. Mustaine had the vision David Ellefson had the discipline and work ethic to help Megadeth reach its goal. This book teaches life lessons everyone can apply to their owns lives and the book is easily relate-able no matter who you are. We all struggle with sin, and making the right decision. No one is perfect, but each day is an opportunity to make the right decision and David shows that through his life experiences.

What other book might you compare My Life with Deth to and why?

This book can be compared to other autobiographies of rock stars. It is a first hand experience of what happened in the beginning, middle and present of the band with some inside perspective.

What about David Ellefson’s performance did you like?

David does a great job of telling his experience in the band and how he fell and picked himself back up again in his life. What I truly applaud him for is he never once bad mouths anyone in this book. He never complains or makes you think he is bitter. He admits at times, he was upset and not fun to be arund, but he does it in a way that keeps it classy and respectable. He is very honest with himself and to the reader. He talks about his addiction and his recovery. You don't have to be an addict to relate to his story, nor do you have to be a die hard Christian., He just tells you that good, orderly direction (G.O.D)can help you get through obstacles in your life and unfavorable situations. He doesn't preach, he talks to you through his thoughts and scriptures in the Bible that we can all learn from. He talks a lot about his faith, but it is a huge part of his life so you have to respect that. It was a fun read and enjoyable to listen to his calming voice.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"Trust"

Just like the Megadeth song in their album "Cryptic Writings"

I named it this because you need to trust in God and yourself.

Any additional comments?

David Ellefson's book was uplifting, motivating and gives me hope. Like most musicians that go through a downward spiral after getting kicked out of a band, David regroups and focuses on what is important. His sobriety, family and faith. He gets pushed up against a wall and fights back. He is an example that being a good person, having humility adn faith can get you through any challenge in life. I will be a fan of Megadeth for life and I look forward to see what the future holds for David Ellefson and Megadeth!!!!

Started good, then got too religious

I consider myself a fan of Megadeth, at least their first 4 albums, and I had read Mustaine's bio so I naturally wanted to hear Ellefson's. Overall a brisk and interesting read. My main contention is I would have liked to hear more about the band's golden age period and Ellefson's turmoil with Mustaine shortly thereafter. He kind of glossed over these eras and focused instead on spiritual enlightenment. These passages, while inspirational, weren't as interesting, and toward the end of the book got repetitive.

Nice listen

Having listen to Dave Mustaine’s book prior to this one it was nice listening to David Ellefson‘s thoughts and opinion’s on his career with Megadeth specifically the ups and downs.

Really great read/listen

When I first started listening I thought “ah geez, what did I get myself into?” I thought it was going to be a preachy god book.
But, I soldiered on because I love memoirs and Megadeth.
And David’s basslines.
A great life history and personal journey.
The “god thing” never turned me off because he states it all in a way very carefully to include everyone. I’ve never tried Peavey stuff, but now I just might since he’s trusts them.
I like the “good orderly direction” mentality, you don’t need a christian faith to follow that logic.
I’d even want to have a coffee at Starbucks, chat with him next time I’m visiting friends in Mesa.
Great book from a grounded guy.

Was everything I hoped it would be!

Really enjoyed Dave's story. He's lived a life given much grace through addiction and recovery, and to stay humble after reaching the pinnacle of rock stardom is something only God can do. I pray he continues to walk the walk and let the Light of Christ shine as he is sanctified through Godly living. Rock on!

Good perspective

It was very rushed due to the obvious editing. had to slow it down to .90 I liked hearing his perspective on things. It did get a little bit preachy toward the end. A bit repetitive at some point throughout. Still a great book for any true Megadeth fan!

Great book!

Loved it, David! Great job and great narration. Looking forward to listening to/reading the next one. :)

Amazing history by the greatest bass player

David wrote this amazing masterpiece of metal, spirituality and success! This audiobook is a must listen for anyone needing some direction and resiliency.

What can I say? It’s an inspiration!

Dave tellS the story of his life with a down to earth grounded interpretation that is refreshing.
While other memoirs tell of carnal debauchery David tells about survival and growth. His faith is uplifting to hear and an inspiration for those of us who are believers and still love Megadeths music.

Too much Good Orderly Direction

I love the history of Megadeth, and loved Dave Mustaine's book, but there was too many god references in this one for me.

Don't get me wrong, I still think Megadeth are awesome, and for me personally, always were the best of the big 4, and I still have a lot of respect for Mustaine and Ellefson, but as someone who believes in nothing more than nature, and no "higher beings" I found the references to lines from the bible a bit to much like a Dot Cotton autobiography.

Fair play to David Ellefson though, he does not pretend to be something he is not. He wears his heart on his Sleeve, and he clearly truly believes in his God. It was certainly interesting hearing David telling us how he met Mustaine and joined Megadeth.

What I did like, was that David narrates the book himself, which is the only thing I wish Mustaine had done in his book (which I highly recommend).

To sum up, if you are interested in David Ellefson, and his lifes journey with and without Megadeth, his addictions, and then sobriety, and of course his faith, then this book is for you.
If however you are looking for more in depth info about the history of Megadeth, then Dave Mustaine's book is definitely the one to go for.

Not the greatest listen from mustaine's right hand man

Quite boring really .
Could have been a better effort , from one of the main bass players of thrash metal.
I'm no longer a fan of his , due to recent revelations . Just think; he has gone from being mustaine's right hand man , to using his right hand too much . Sweating bullets indeed.
If I had known about this , I would not have purchased this at all .
Save your money and avoid !

Pastor Dave tells all?

I was a little worried that this book might be , understandably, coloured by Dave obviously passionately held beliefs. By half way through I thought I'd got away with it , a fairly in-depth account of Megadeth's beginnings and trials and tribulations of life on the road. Towards the end this all de rails and Dave tells of life outside the and and to be perfectly honest , I lost all interest, the in and out of seminary study etc are not what I wanted to read.

So maybe the issue is with me, if you want a story of a man's fall from grace and eventual redemption by his saviour this I'm sure is a great read,