In a new conversation with Bass Player, Bob Rock shared why James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich didn’t see Jason Newsted on Cliff Burton’s level.
“With Jason, I always tried to get more of a classic, bass-drum approach where the bass is a rhythm instrument and sometimes counters the guitars,” Rock said of working with Newsted. “That’s kind of what Cliff brought to the band. But since he was one of the forming members, in their eyes, he was always kind of even with them.”
The producer added, “When Jason came along, I don’t know if they gave him the same room as Cliff in the sonic picture. Through working with Jason, I think they now appreciate the value of the bass. The guys in the band have learned to enjoy that.”
After Metallica’s successful albums with Flemming Rasmussen, Rock helped the band become even more famous with the 1991 ‘Black Album.’ When Newsted left in 2001, Rock unexpectedly became Metallica’s bassist and played on ‘St. Anger.’
Last year, Metallica tried to honor Newsted with an Instagram post, but fans were upset. The band shared a photo of the bassist and wrote in the caption, “Now’s your chance to own a piece of history as more than 60 pieces from Jason Newsted’s personal guitar and bass collection are up for grabs on Reverb.com. Check it out at metallica.lnk.to/Newsted-Reverb – LINK IN BIO.”
One individual said in the comments, “Finally acknowledging him?” Another one shared, “Kinda surprised the social media team is allowed to recognize Jason.”
“Jason deserves more than just a post, he is the spirit of hardcore within Metallica,” one other commenter added. A fan also said, “You should do a performance, or a tour with Jason on bass again, Jason was part of a remarkable time for the band, it would be fantastic.”
Newsted joined Metallica in 1986 after the death of Burton. He played on albums like ‘…And Justice for All, Metallica,’ ‘Load,’ and ‘Reload.’ He left the band in 2001 after his last performance at the My VH1 Music Awards.
