History
Jason Curtis Newsted (born March 4, 1963) is an American bassist and songwriter best known for his 15-year tenure with the heavy metal band Metallica. Beyond his work with one of the most successful acts in music history, Newsted has maintained a prolific career as a member of Voivod, Flotsam and Jetsam, and his own eponymous project, Newsted.
Early Career and Flotsam and Jetsam
Born in Battle Creek, Michigan, Newsted began his musical journey in the burgeoning thrash metal scene of the early 1980s. He was a founding member and the primary songwriter for the Arizona-based band Flotsam and Jetsam. He performed on their 1986 debut album, Doomsday for the Deceiver, which earned critical acclaim and established him as a formidable presence in the underground metal community. However, his trajectory changed later that year following the tragic death of Metallica bassist Cliff Burton.
The Metallica Years (1986–2001)
Newsted auditioned for Metallica in late 1986 and was selected to fill the vacancy left by Burton. His first recording with the band was The $5.98 E.P. - Garage Days Re-Revisited in 1987. Despite his technical proficiency and high-energy stage presence, Newsted's early years with the group were marked by significant hazing from his bandmates, who were still grieving the loss of Burton.
Studio Contributions and Challenges
His first full-length studio album with Metallica, 1988's ...And Justice for All, became a point of controversy due to the nearly inaudible bass tracks in the final mix. Despite this, Newsted remained a cornerstone of the band's live performances and contributed to their massive commercial breakthrough with the self-titled "Black Album" in 1991, as well as the subsequent releases Load (1996) and Reload (1997).
Departure from Metallica
Tensions within the band reached a breaking point in the early 2000s. Newsted sought to pursue a side project called Echobrain, a move that was met with resistance from frontman James Hetfield. This conflict, combined with years of internal friction and the physical toll of the band's relentless touring schedule, led Newsted to officially depart Metallica in January 2001. His final performance as a member took place at the VH1 Music Awards.
Post-Metallica Projects and Voivod
Following his exit from Metallica, Newsted stayed active in the metal scene. In 2002, he joined the Canadian progressive metal band Voivod, contributing to three studio albums: Voivod (2003), Katorz (2006), and Infini (2009). During this period, he also performed with Ozzy Osbourne's touring band and participated in the reality television-based supergroup Rock Star Supernova.
The Newsted Band and Recent Activity
In 2012, after a period of relative quiet and recovery from shoulder injuries, he formed the heavy metal band Newsted. The group released the Metal EP in January 2013, followed by the full-length album Heavy Metal Music later that year. The project was well-received by fans for its return to a classic thrash and old-school metal sound.
Outside of performing, Newsted is an avid painter and continues to operate The Chophouse, his personal studio and production space in California. While he has occasionally reunited with Metallica for special anniversary events, such as the band's 30th-anniversary shows at the Fillmore in 2011, he remains focused on a variety of diverse musical and artistic endeavors.