How Did Metallica Find Cliff Burton to Join Their Band?

How did Metallica discover bassist Cliff Burton? And how did they get him to be part of their band in 1982?

He wasn’t Metallica’s first bass participant, however he is definitely probably the most legendary. With a extra refined musical background than his bandmates, his data of idea and knack for preparations helped push the band within the songwriting division, which had a everlasting impact on its members.

Now, let’s dive into some early ‘Tallica historical past!

Who Did Cliff Burton Replace in Metallica?

Metallica solely had one different bassist earlier than Cliff Burton — Ron McGovney.

McGovney (featured on the far left within the picture beneath) was in Obsession (not the ability/thrash band Obsession from New Haven, Ct. who launched two albums within the mid-’80s), Phantom Lord and Leather Charm with childhood good friend James Hetfield prior to the formation of Metallica.

He departed the Metallica lineup in 1982.

What Bands Was Cliff Burton in Before Metallica?

While at Castro Valley High School, Burton fashioned the rock band EZ-Street, which featured two different musicians who would later garner fame in Faith No More — Jim Martin and Mike Bordin.

Burton and Martin later fashioned Agents of Misfortune, one other band that carried out on the native degree.

In 1981, the bassist joined energy/pace metallic group Trauma, who have been positioned in San Francisco, the realm that might later give rise to the world’s most notable thrash metallic scene. Burton recorded one 1982 demo with Trauma and the music “Such a Shame” was featured on Metal Blade’s Metal Massacre II compilation, which was the successor to the legendary first comp that included Metallica’s first recording — “Hit the Lights.”

Trauma, “Such a Shame” (Metal Massacre II)

READ MORE: Why Did Jason Newsted Leave Metallica in 2001?

How Did Metallica Approach Cliff Burton to Join the Band?

In November of 1982, Trauma traveled to Los Angeles to carry out on the Whisky a Go Go membership on the now notorious Sunset Boulevard. The space was additionally residence to many aspiring thrash bands, but it surely existed within the shadow of the dominant drive on the Strip on the time — hair metallic.

In attendance that night time have been Metallica’s ironclad duo, James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich.

Burton’s extraordinary skills have been apparent to these within the room, spurring Hetfield and Ulrich to make a personnel change and persuade Burton to be part of their band. It took a while, and after Burton persuaded Metallica to relocate from Los Angeles to San Francisco, he grew to become an official member earlier than the 12 months was over.

On March 5, 1983, Burton performed his first present with Metallica at The Stone in San Francisco.

Cliff Burton’s First Show With Metallica (Audio Only)