How Jason Newsted saved Metallica from themselves
Jason Newsted’s impact on Metallica cannot be underestimated. Here we look back at how his 15-year stint in metal’s biggest band changed both parties forever…
Words: Nick Ruskell
On January 17, 2001, Jason Newsted looked like the maddest man on Earth. After almost 15 years as bassist in what would become the biggest metal band in history, ‘Newkid’ suddenly, and very unexpectedly, announced that he was out. Gone. Walking off.
At the time, a statement from Jason listed his departure was down to “private and personal reasons and the physical damage I have done to myself over the years while playing the music that I love”. Some of these would later turn out to be, in part, a difference of opinion on whether the bassist should be allowed to do his side-project, Echobrain. Though small fry next to the day job, and despite the band’s management being on board with the idea during downtime, James Hetfield ne