This Day In Metal History

I can’t believe it’s been 25 years since Metallica bassist Cliff Burton was taken from this world and way too soon.  They say that death makes you a legend but Cliff was a living legend in his own right.  The first time I ever heard Cliff’s bass solo “Anesthesia Pulling Teeth” back in 1984 I knew that I was hearing a bassist like none other.  He played his bass like Eddie Van Halen plays a guitar and he had a style that was all his own.  He infused his Steve Harris (Iron Maiden bassist) with elements of jazz and classical that was the backbone of the Metallica juggernaut.

During the European leg of the Damage Inc. tour in support of Master of Puppets, the band complained that the sleeping cubicles on their tour bus were unsatisfactory and uncomfortable. To decide who received pick of the bunks, Kirk Hammett and Burton drew cards. On the evening of September 26, 1986, Burton won the game with an Ace of Spades, thereby getting the first choice of bunk and pointed at Hammett and exclaimed “I want your bunk!” Hammett replied “Fine, take my bunk, it’s probably better up there anyway”. He was asleep when shortly before 7 am (on the 27th), according to the driver, the bus skidded off the road and flipped onto the grass in Ljungby Municipality, near Dörarp in rural southern Sweden. Burton was thrown through the window of the bus, which fell on top of him. They tried to save him and managed to lift the bus a little, but before they could retrieve him, the weight of the bus became too much and was dropped. (from Wikipedia)

Cliff to this day is held in the highest regard by musicians of all calibers.  Long after his death, the legacy of music he left behind will continue to inspire many a young man and woman who ever wants to pick up a bass guitar and play with that same passion, fire and integrity that he did.  Rest In Peace Cliff!  We miss ya!

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