Thrash Metal veterans Megadeth have announced James LoMenzo as their permanent new bassist, replacing David Ellefson, who was fired last year. LoMenzo has been the touring bassist for the band since they returned to shows in 2021. LoMenzo was Megadeth’s bass player in the mid-2000s for the touring and two studio albums: 2007’s United Abominations and 2009’s Endgame. He was fired from the band in 2010 and replaced with returning original Megadeth bassist Ellefson. However, James did not perform on the new Megadeth album, The Sick, The Dying, and The Dead (Universal Music Group) that is due out later this year. That role fell to Testament, and former Death bassist Steve DiGiorgio. Lomenzo is now officially back in the band.

Megadeth leader Dave Mustaine commented: “I am thrilled to welcome back James to the Megadeth family. James rejoined the fold as the touring bassist and it’s been a blast having him back. We thought let’s make it permanent.”

James adds: “I’m so excited to rejoin Megadeth and move forward full steam into the next phase of this iconic band’s history! With Dave, Kiko [Loureiro, guitar] and Dirk [Verbeuren, drums], There’s no stopping us! It just feels great to be home again.”