The bassist Jason Newsted joined Metallica in 1986, replacing Cliff Burton who had tragically died at the age of 24 in that same year. He remained a member of the band until 2001 when he decided to leave.
Since then he had recorded with many others bands like Voivod, Moss Brothers, Gov’t Mule and more. In an interview with Eddie Trunk (Transcribed by Blabbermouth) the musician talked about his current relationship with the Metallica members.
He recently announced a concert of his project Newsted for the first time in more than a decade, that will happen next May 20 at the Revolution Live in Fort Laurderdale. He will be joined by the original Newsted members: Jesus Mendez Jr. (Drums), Jessie Farnsworth (Guitar) and the new member Humberto Perez (Guitar).
Jason Newsted talks about his relationship with Metallica members
“I’ve texted back and forth with Lars the last couple of days. We try to stay in touch — he and I do — and talk about whatever. He’s interested in [my] art a lot; he’s always been very supportive of that, so I’m grateful. But also with the music stuff… And I know that his sons (Taipei Houston) — I’m a fan of them and they’re fans of my stuff, and that’s a cool thing. It’s an incredible thing, actually.”
“And I’ve got nothing but mad respect. That’s it. That’s what I’ve got. And I’m so frickin’ proud of those guys. Still cutting it like that, man? C’mon now. And taking this big of a bite and going for shows all the way up through — what? — fall of ’24 or something?”
“Frickin’ huge balls, dude. Incredible. How can’t you applaud that? … I’m always surprised. It was obviously meant to be. Who has this kind of staying power? I mean, it’s such a unique thing — such a unique thing,” Jason Newsted said.
Newsted recorded four studio albums with Metallica: “…And Justice For All” (1988), “Metallica” (1991), “Load” (1996) and “ReLoad” (1997).