Jason Newsted Reflects on His Key Strength in Metallica

The era of Metallica featuring Jason Newsted has been extensively scrutinized by the band’s dedicated fanbase, particularly as he stepped into the shoes of the beloved Cliff Burton. After some contemplation, Newsted has shared what he believes was his main “strength” during his time with the iconic metal band.

In a recent episode of The Metallica Report podcast, the bassist delved into his reflections, stating, “My forte, my strength in Metallica in my time, was the live show. That is all that mattered to me, everything else came second.”

According to Newsted, his primary focus was delivering an electrifying live performance. He emphasized his commitment to leaving every ounce of energy on the stage, making the live show his top priority. “Whatever I could do to go all the way and leave every f***ing ounce on the stage, that was part of the program for that particular stage set,” he explained. This dedication involved vigorous stage antics, such as sweating profusely, contributing background vocals, and executing energetic movements like spinning windmills.

Newsted, known for his high-energy performances, recounted moments where fans would question the tоll on his physical well-being. Reflecting on old footage, he expressed surprise at the intensity of his stage presence. “You look back, like, ‘Dude, what the f***,'” he remarked, acknowledging the occupational hazards and physical strains he endured, including shoulder issues.

While Newsted admitted in 2021 that he no longer possessed the physicality to play Metallica material, he clarified that he was not ruling out playing with the band if invited. He explained that his previous comments referred to the challenges of committing to extensive tours and playing his old material for over two hours every night, a feat limited by his shoulder surgeries over the years.

Having joined Metallica from Flotsam and Jetsam, Newsted played a crucial role in four studio albums over a 15-year span, including notable releases like “…And Justice for All” and the self-titled “Black Album.” In recent years, he has divided his time between his self-titled band and performing with his Chophouse Band.