A petition wants “Cliff Burton Day” in the late Metallica bassist hometown

The petition began earlier this month, with a Metallica fan called Robert Souza, that made an online appeal on Alameda County’s Board of Supervisors to honour Cliff on his birthday in Castro Valley, the place where he was raised.

At the time of writing, the petition has attracted over 3,000 signatures and is on course to hit its target of 5,000.

Read what he said:

“Cliff Burton’s electrifying bass playing made him one of metal music’s most revered, respected and influential musicians. He honed his musical craft while living in CV and attending Castro Valley schools.

“After playing with a number of local bands, Cliff was recruited to join Metallica. It was with that band that Cliff recorded some of the most amazing and ferocious bass playing ever put on tape. On September 27, 1986, Clifford Lee Burton died in a bus accident in Kronoberg County, in southern Sweden, as the band toured in support of the Master of Puppets album.

“Cliff is a Castro Valley legend and we would like the Alameda County Board of Supervisors commemorate February 10 (Cliff’s birthday) as “Cliff Burton Day” in Castro Valley.”

On Monday (22nd January), Souza formally asked the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) to back his back his effort in person.

According to ABC7 News, MAC Board member Mike Crawford said:

“I think it’s a good idea as well. I would support it.”

The MAC Board voted 7-0 in favour of creating a Cliff Burton Day and the vote now forwards the notion on to Alameda County Board of Supervisors. They will hold a meeting on Tuesday 6th February.