How Metallica’s James Hetfield Still “Channels” The Spirit of Late Bandmate Cliff Burton

Most heavy metal fans would likely count Metallica among the greatest of all time (if not the greatest.) And it’s fair to say that the classic lineup of James Hetfield, guitarist Kirk Hammett, bassist Cliff Burton, and drummer Lars Ulrich cemented that legacy within their first three albums. Tragically, Burton’s shredding skills were only on display for Kill ‘Em All, Ride the Lightning, and Master of Puppets. It’s been 38 years since the 24-year-old bassist died in a tour bus accident in Sweden. However, Metallica co-founder James Hetfield says that Burton’s influence has never truly left.

James Hetfield Still Channels Cliff Burton While Writing Songs For Metallica

Metallica is still making new music more than 40 years after releasing their scorching debut Kill ‘Em All. And during the songwriting process, co-founder James Hetfield always asks the same question: “Would Cliff like this?”

“That, to me, is a pretty high standard,” Hetfield said during a Sept. 25 appearance on The Metallica Report podcast. “We already have high standards for ourselves, but you know, if I could impress Cliff, it was a good day.”

Burton “still lives in all of us,” Hetfield said.

“The way he lives in me is I get to channel, you know, ‘Cliff, what would be really cool right here?’” said Metallica’s legendary vocalist/rhythm guitarist, 61. “And I do — I do hold him in such high regard that I ask for his help still.”

The Band Relocated To San Francisco To Join Cliff Burton

In late 1982, Metallica co-founders James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich headed to Los Angeles nightclub Whisky A Go Go, where they watched a band called Trauma perform. Taken back by then-unknown bassist Cliff Burton’s “amazing shredding,” the pair recruited him to join Metallica.

[RELATED: Behind the Tragic Death of Cliff Burton]

Believing Trauma was “starting to get a little commercial,” Burton agreed—on the condition that the band relocate to his hometown of San Francisco. Eager to bring Burton onboard, Metallica left Los Angeles for the Bay Area.

In September 1986, the band was on their way to a concert in Sweden when their tour bus skidded off the road and flipped onto the grass. Sadly, Burton was killed instantly.

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