Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted recently opened up about his throat cancer diagnosis and recovery journey in an interview on the Let There Be Talk podcast.
Newsted revealed details about his cancer treatment and the positive impact it has had on his life. He discussed the timeline of his diagnosis and the changes he made during his recovery process.
“If I could have been there, I would’ve been there. And so I will talk about this a little bit. I decided that this week, as I’m beginning to roll out the promotion for the shows and stuff and let everybody know I’m gonna be back around, and you already know it — you’re, probably, in the 24 people that I told,” Newsted said.
“So, let’s see — in one week, it’s gonna be a year. So one week from today, it’ll be a year. On May 8th of 2025, I underwent a procedure for throat cancer. And so they took a bunch of shit outta here and then they went in with lasers this way and took a bunch of shit out. So the cavern inside my head is different from it was, but we got it early. And I got my ‘free and clear’ about three weeks ago. So I beat it.”
The bassist also reflected on how the diagnosis forced him to make significant lifestyle changes and take time to rest for the first time in his adult life.
“I promised myself I was going to rest, and that was the first time I’ve done that in my life. I’m usually just on or off. And so I promised myself I was gonna take the gravity off and lay down for the right amount of hours. And there’s no way, with my arrogant, spoiled ass that I would’ve stopped smoking weed, that I would’ve stopped drinking, that I would’ve stopped doing all the things,” he continued.
“But the great spirit got my attention and said, ‘That’s not good right now, man.’ And so it pulled me off it. And so now I’m more clear-headed than I’ve been in my entire adult life. And so there’s blessings within everything. The lemonade I’m making this summer, bro — mm. Sweet. Ooh.”
Newsted’s revelation comes as he prepares to return to public appearances and promotional activities following his successful treatment.
The 63-year-old musician’s cancer battle represents a significant chapter in his post-Metallica career. He has pursued various musical projects since leaving the iconic metal band.
Louder Sound reported that Newsted underwent laser surgery to remove the tumor. He received his cancer-free diagnosis just weeks before making the announcement public. The early detection of the cancer proved crucial in his successful treatment and recovery.
The Music noted that Newsted currently performs with The Chophouse Band. He has upcoming tour dates planned as part of his return to active performing. This marks his first major public engagement since beginning his cancer treatment journey.
The bassist’s openness about his health struggle comes at a time when he is actively promoting his musical activities and reconnecting with fans. Metal Injection confirmed that Newsted shared these personal details during his conversation with Dean Delray. He emphasized his gratitude for the early detection and successful treatment.
Newsted’s experience highlights the importance of early cancer detection and the transformative power of facing serious health challenges. His decision to share his story publicly demonstrates his commitment to transparency with fans who have supported him throughout his decades-long musical career.
