‘At that moment, I almost felt like giving up,’ Robert Trujillo reflects on the turbulence of his early METALLICA performances

Robert Trujillo, renowned for his bass mastery, shared an intriguing glimpse into his early days with Metallica during a recent interview with Nikki Blakk on 107.7 The Bоne. Trujillo recounted the tumultuous and high-pressure environment he faced during his initial performances with the band in 2003.

Picture this scenario: stepping into Metallica as the new member, entrusted with filling the shoes of a beloved bassist. Not only did Trujillo have the daunting task of proving himself to the band, but he also grappled with the unpredictability of nightly setlists and the challenge of mastering intricate songs on the fly. Such was the reality for Trujillo during those formative days.

Reflecting on that period, Trujillo recalled, “What I remember most about that in 2003 was not knowing what the setlist was gonna be each night. It was like really sort of loose.” Whether due to intentional spontaneity or overwhelming circumstances, the uncertainty prevailed, leaving Trujillo to adapt on the spot. “So I was learning songs like ‘Phantom Lord’ on the spot,” he explained. “And they hadn’t played ‘Phantom Lord’ in a very long time. So there was just all this energy around me and my head was sort of swimming with the pressure of the show, the pressure of being the new bass player.”

Navigating through Metallica’s demanding repertoire added another layer of complexity. Trujillo remarked, “Metallica songs are challenging, but then, I believe around that same time we were playing at the legendary San Quentin prison. So there’s just a lot of stuff going on all at once.” It was an overwhelming introduction to his new reality.

Yet, Trujillo’s determination to excel propelled him forward. “I did Һit the ground running,” he affirmed. “And when I got caught up a couple of years later, I said, ‘I am gonna go out of my way to learn songs that we’re not even playing that aren’t even on the radar.'” This proactive approach enabled him to ease the pressure of learning songs last minute and fully immerse himself in the band’s repertoire.

Trujillo’s recounting of those early days serves as a testament to his resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. It was a period of intense learning and growth, ultimately shaping his journey as an integral member of one of rock’s most iconic bands.