Classic Rock

Scott Ian recalls the time he was arrested with Cliff Burton

Published on 01/23/2018

Anthrax’s Scott Ian talked about an adventure he had with the late legendary Metallica bassist Cliff Burton, when he they were arrested.

Read what he said to Loudwire:

“The cops think because we had long hair we must be carrying drugs. Even though we said we’re not, they were like, ‘Well, we could bring you in on suspicion.’

“I’m like, ‘It’s good to see that you obviously have nothing better to do.’ That didn’t help, me being snarky.

“We get taken in and I get thrown into this concrete cell with just a little tiny window in the door, stripped down to my underwear and it’s freezing cold.”

Scott explained that although the boys didn’t have any drugs on them when they were arrested, Cliff had a “giant bag of weed” under the mattress back at the apartment, which the officers forgot to check.

In the jail, Cliff and Ian were brought to see the police captain, with Ian explaining:

“The captain starts apologizing to us. I’m like, ‘Wait a minute, so we’re okay here? Everything’s fine?’ And then I lost my mind, I start screaming at this guy for like three minutes. ‘I’m getting a lawyer!'”

Related Topics:anthrax, CLASSIC ROCK, cliff burton, Featured, hard rock, heavy metal, metallica, scott ian, thrash metal

Rafael Polcaro

I'm a Brazilian journalist who always loved Classic Rock and Heavy Metal music. That passion inspired me to create Rock and Roll Garage over 6 years ago. Music has always been a part of my life, helping me through tough times and being a support to celebrate the good ones. When I became a journalist, I knew I wanted to write about my passions. After graduating in journalism from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, I pursued a postgraduate degree in digital communication at the same institution. The studies and experience in the field helped me improve the website and always bring the best of classic rock to the world! MTB: 0021377/MG