Home News Classic Rock News Metallica Bassist Cliff Burton Died 30 Years Ago Today

Metallica Bassist Cliff Burton Died 30 Years Ago Today

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Krasner/Trebitz /RedfernsToday marks the 30th anniversary of Metallica bassist Cliff Burton‘s death. September 27, 1986, Burton was killed in a freak bus accident in Sweden while the band was touring Europe in support of their album Master of Puppets. He was 24.

Before the crash, Burton and guitarist Kirk Hammett drew cards to decide who got to sleep where on the bus, because the vehicle was very uncomfortable. As Hammett explained on Metallica’s episode of Behind the Music, Burton won the draw, and chose to sleep in the guitarist’s bunk, while Hammett slept up front. On the morning of September 27, the driver lost control of the bus, which careened off the road and flipped onto its side. Burton was thrown from the window and crushed by the overturned bus.

Burton played bass on Metallica’s first three albums: 1983’s Kill ‘Em All, 1984’s Ride the Lightning and 1986’s Master of Puppets. He was known not only as a very technically proficient musician, but also for his very melodic style, especially in the context of heavy metal music.

In honor of the Burton, Metallica today shared a photo of the bassist, along with the caption “We miss you, Cliff!”

Following Burton’s death, bassist Jason Newsted joined Metallica and played with the band until 2001. Metallica then recruited Robert Trujillo, who’s been the band’s bassist ever since.

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