Cliff Burton

American bassist (1962-1986)

Cliff Burton was the bassist for the heavy metal band Metallica from 1982 until his tragic death in 1986. He was renowned for his incredible musicianship and influence, and is considered one of the greatest bassists of all time. Despite his short career, Burton left an indelible mark on the band and the world of heavy metal music.

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About the Cliff Burton

Clifford Lee Burtonwas an American musician who served as the bassist for the heavy metal band Metallica from 1982 until his death in 1986. He is renowned for his musicianship and influence.

Burton’s early musical ventures include performing in bands such as EZ-Street and Agents of Misfortune, and frequently collaborating with guitarist Jim Martin. He was discovered by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich while performing in Los Angeles, who asked him to replace bassist Ron McGovney in Metallica. After the release of their first two albums Kill ‘Em Alland Ride the Lightningfor the song “To Live Is to Die”. He was posthumously inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Metallica in 2009. He also appeared in a 2011 reader poll from Rolling Stone recognizing the greatest bassists of all time, and on Rolling Stone’s list of the 50 greatest bass players of all time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cliff Burton was an American musician who served as the bassist for the heavy metal band Metallica from 1982 until his death in 1986.

Before joining Metallica, Cliff Burton performed in bands such as EZ-Street and Agents of Misfortune, and frequently collaborated with guitarist Jim Martin.

Cliff Burton was discovered by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich while performing in Los Angeles, and they asked him to replace bassist Ron McGovney in Metallica.

After joining Metallica, Cliff Burton and the band achieved their worldwide breakthrough with the album Master of Puppets in 1986, which is often cited as both the band’s best work and one of the best metal albums of all time.

Cliff Burton died in 1986 following a bus crash while Metallica was touring to support the Master of Puppets album.

Cliff Burton received posthumous writing credits on Metallica’s album …And Justice for All, and was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Metallica in 2009.

Cliff Burton’s incredible musicianship and influence on Metallica’s sound have led to him being recognized as one of the greatest bassists of all time, appearing on Rolling Stone’s list of the 50 greatest bass players.