Cliff Burton - about

Joining Metallica in 1982, a year before the release of 'Kill 'Em All,' former bassist Cliff Burton's impact on the metal band couldn't be more significant. From his signature finger-picking style to the energy and passion he brought to the band, Burton will forever remain a major part of Metallica's history and will always be in the hearts of fans across the world.
Burton was born on February 10, 1962 in Castro Valley, California to Jan and Ray. At the age of 13 picked up the bass guitar and started plucking away.

The first band Burton created was known as EZ-Street, which included Jim Martin and Mike Bordin, both of whom would later play with Faith No More. In 1982, while playing a gig with Trauma in Los Angeles, James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich saw Burton perform live and were immediately hooked.
Burton's first major foray into the ears of rock fans came in the form of a shredding bass solo in '(Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth,' from 'Kill 'Em All.' His use of effects while playing bass combined with his fast, guitar-like shredding made his sound an important part of Metallica.

He was an integral part of 'Ride the Lightning,' letting his style shine on songs like 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' and 'The Call of Ktulu.' The next album, 'Master of Puppets,' contained the bassists' favorite Metallica tune. "My favorite song is 'Master.' 'Master,' I think, is the best Metallica song yet," Burton said in a 1986 interview. "The lyrics are getting a lot better ... Everything's kind of growing a bit. It's progressing."

During the European tour in support of 'Master of Puppets,' the future of Metallica would be changed forever. After playing a show in Stockholm, Sweden, Burton had the opportunity to pick where he got to sleep on the band's tour bus. After picking guitarist Kirk Hammett's bunk, Burton settled in for what he thought would be another routine night on the road. In the early morning of Sept. 27, 1986, Metallica's tour bus skidded off the road in southern Sweden. Burton was ejected from the bunk and flew through a window. As the accident spiraled on, the bus landed on Burton, leading to his death. No charges were filed against the driver, whom Hetfield initially claimed was drunk, but later a court decided he was not at fault for the accident or Burton's death.



Following the death of Burton, Jason Newsted joined Metallica as the new bassist and would stay with the band through 2001.
  

Cliff shreding!!!

And again!!