JASON NEWSTED
Bassist and occasional song writer for Metallica
Jason Newsted was born on March 4, 1963 in Battle Creek, Michigan. He first got a bass guitar at the age of 13, but then got bored of it and quit. Around five years later, Jason started to play again, and began to take it more seriously. He quit school to play in his first band, Flotsam and Jetsom. His influences as a bassist included Kiss, Rush, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Yes. The group played in clubs and even released one album. In addition to playing in the band, Jason worked as a busboy and as a dishwasher before joining Metallica. Jason's life changed dramatically when James, Lars, and Kirk approached Jason about trying out for Metallica. Their bassist, Cliff Burton had been killed in a bus accident, and they needed a replacement. Tryouts were held, and Jason was asked by James to join Metallica. Jason was so excited that he screamed right in the middle of a restaurant. Hence, Metallica was formed in its current incarnation.
