Former Metallica bassist Ron McGovney recently made a self-deprecating comment about his role in the band’s history. He shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter).
McGovney posted a photo from Metallica’s 2011 concert at The Fillmore in San Francisco, CA, which brought together original band members. He made a statement downplaying his own contributions to the group.
“Too many bass players. Well, not really. Rob is the real bassist in this photo,” McGovney said.
The post sparked responses from fans who defended McGovney’s legacy with the band. One fan commented on McGovney’s post, saying they were “the first” and that “without you, they had no ride.” The fan also noted that “they treated you poorly and I hope they apologized.”
Another supporter wrote: “Rob is great, but if it wasn’t for you, then the band wouldn’t have gotten beyond playing bars, potentially. Don’t put yourself down, Ron.”
McGovney’s humble perspective on his role reflects a complex chapter in Metallica’s early history that many fans still remember fondly.
Wikipedia reported that McGovney joined Metallica in 1982 as a replacement for original bassist Dave Ellefson, who had left to focus on his own band. His tenure with the group lasted approximately 10 months. During this time, he contributed to some of the band’s earliest recordings and helped establish their initial sound.
Riff Life documented that McGovney was instrumental in the creation of Metallica’s demo tape “No Life ’til Leather” during his time with the band. This demo became crucial in building the band’s early fanbase and securing their first record deal. The demo featured McGovney’s bass work on tracks that would later become classics.
McGovney’s departure from Metallica came amid internal tensions and creative differences. Metal Archives noted that his exit paved the way for Cliff Burton to join the band. This move would significantly shape Metallica’s musical direction and cement their place in heavy metal history.
Despite the brevity of his time with Metallica, McGovney’s contributions during the band’s formative period helped lay the groundwork for what would become one of the most successful metal bands in history. His recent social media post demonstrates a gracious acknowledgment of the band’s evolution and current lineup.
You can watch Metallica’s reunion with original members for their 30th birthday show via YouTube below.
