Ranking Metallica Bass Players

 

Introduction

In this post, I will rank all the bass players members of Metallica from Ron Mcgovney to Cliff Burton to Jason Newsted to Rob Trujillo. All 4 are great in their own way but only one can be number one. I will also say what all gave to Metallica as a whole. Jason was like a second frontman. Cliff held Metallica well together. Rob does good but does feel more like a bass player, and Ron wasn't in the band that long, but for what he offered wasn't bad as a bass player. All 4 had their periods and I break down what all 4 meant to me for their periods as members of Metallica. 

Link to YouTube video: https://youtube.com/shorts/fNLEDIPAU7M

Jason Newsted

Jason Newsted came in a short period after Cliff Burton died, auditioned, and Metallica thought he was the right fit. But the treatment by James and others was not good. Jason's first album was the garage days 5.99, and played on all albums from and justice for all which is questionable for having his bass for how the studio sounds to Garage inc. Also, played on the I disappear single. Jason last appearance as a member was on November 30th, 2000. But didn't officially leave the band into early 2001. Even though Jason has said he told Metallica he was leaving on the 14-year anniversary of Cliff death in 2000. As Jason has said in past interviews (source unclear), he left on the 14th anniversary. He would play two more times in 2009 at the rock and roll hall of fame and in 2011, at the 30th anniversary. But not as a member of Metallica.

 Why number one? Because when James voice declined, Jason raw energy felt like it held the band up. Also, my favorite period of Metallica was like the late 80s to early 90s. By the mid 90s, Jason was definitely a helping factor with his backing vocals and still has that raw energy up until this day that I do miss in the Metallica sound. 

Cliff Burton

Cliff Burton came in the band after James saw him play with Trauma. Cliff style and headbanging amazed James, to where James invited him into the band shortly after Ron had left. Cliff style was unique, his backing vocals, bass style, and headbanging was awesome. Cliff passing sucked and felt like a missing puzzle piece to Metallica. I prefer more of the Jason era but it's almost like a tie. Because Cliff Burton was awesome.

 How did Cliff Pass? Lars and Cliff played cards for the high bunk and Cliff won with an ace of spades card. Traveling back in late September, on September 27th, 1986, after a Canada concert, the bus slipped and fail over on ice. The accident knocked cliff out of the bunk under the bus and was found dead. James was livid at the bus driver. On the next album, and justice for all, James dedicated to live is to die to Cliff which has been played live once. James's drinking got worst over time after Cliff's death. But Cliff definitely left an impact.

Rob Trujillo

After Jason left, Bob Rock came in the band as a temporarily bass player who was Metallica recording producer to fill the spot. But Bob did do some local concerts and played on St Anger album. But Bob was alright at best. The problem was Bob was temporary and Metallica needed a bass player because Bob Rock wouldn't be able to tour with Metallica. Then Rob Came in, James saw something special in him. Rob came in February 2003 and has been in the band since then. Rob has played on Death Magnetic up until the latest album of 72 Seasons.

 My thoughts? His son is an amazing bass player. Rob is too. But to me Rob isn't bad and fits the modern Metallica sound. More like equal to James. To me, he's number 3 because of that. Unlike Jason or Cliff, who were like their own member and could go on their own like Jason did. 

Ron Mcgovney

Ron Mcgovney played bass with Metallica from October 1981 to December 1982. Ron did play on No Life ’Til Leather demo. He was replaced by Cliff Burton shortly after Ron exit from Metallica. The reason Ron left Metallica is because of his issues with then Metallica member Dave Mustaine, who was the lead guitar player until 1983. After Ron left, he had a band called Phantasm and would retire by the late 80s. Ron other than a member of Metallica, never got his big break in music like James and the band did.

 My opinion on Ron: He's not bad from what i have heard. But I have only heard a little bit of his style like the 30th anniversary and was only around for a short period in music.

Closing Thoughts

All four-members held up Metallica very well for their periods of time. But now you know why I ranked each member this way. That Metallica sound has always been very special and all four definitely contributed to that style in a great way. Jason is the only one to go out and have his own bands like Newsted and his band sounds very good. But in a way James did not treat Jason well, so it got Jason to leave. Sadly, Dave and Ron didn't get along, so Ron left, and Cliff passed in 1986. Rob does a good job for what it's worth in Metallica. So overall Metallica is awesome, and all four members have definitely left an impact in Metallica. 

Let me know you're thoughts below in the comments.

Link to YouTube video:

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