In a new interview with WZZR (Real Radio 94.3), Jason Newsted talked about his time in Metallica.
He said:
“The stabilization of the band I would like to take some credit for.”
“Yes, it was hard work; yes, it’s not for everyone; but, holy crap, what we were able to accomplish. Because we had the right combination of people at the right time and the right amount of people to go play for in the world. It was all demographics and politics and all those things that got us to where we were.
“The hard work that went into that and the foundation and stability that it created after such a fracturing because of Cliff‘s passing… They would have just as soon not done anything else once that happened.”
“But they didn’t, and they kept going, and I had to come in and be that propulsion, be the new engine that helped this fractured being. ‘Cause it’s a thing that’s bigger than all of [us]. It’s an entity unto itself. So those years that I did it was just stabilizing the whole thing. Fifteen years later, it was stabilization. So that’s what I was able to be. I showed up — the first one in, last one out. I always went with that kind of mentality. That’s why it got to where it got. That’s how the heavy metal of that sharp tooth was able to get on the radio.
Newsted continued:
“We spearheaded that thing.”
“There was bands before us. If there wasn’t AC/DC and there wasn’t IRON MAIDEN, we would not have been able to tour the way we did; we would not have been able to accomplish what we did in these nooks and crannies of the universe. But the thing is that those guys kept flying the flag. They’re 36 years in and they can still sell any stadium in any country — with music that goes [roars aggressively]. You can understand that Whitney Houston can do it, or UB40, or somebody that’s so worldly in that way, or a Bob Marley type of vibe. Black people, green people, purple people, all people that speak all languages across the universe still come and learn their English from our songs.”
On his decision to leave, Jason said:
“They would not be doing what they’re doing now if I hadn’t made that move then and I knew what was best for everybody at the time.”
“Whether I was prophetic and saw these things ahead of time, that I knew the inner rumblings, what would take place and what would unfold… I knew about people’s issues and stuff”
Jason left the band during the turbulent days of Metallica. During the recording of St. Anger in 2001, James went into rehab to address his alcohol usage. He rejoined the band after almost 8 months in rehab and four months recovering with his family. Since then James is clean and sober and was planning to remain so, all of which is featured in Some Kind of Monster. Sadly James couldn’t control it after 18 years. Currently, Metallica have canceled/postponed all the upcoming tours. There are rumors that Metallica will be headlining Download Festival Australia early next year. We don’t have a confirmation yet but once we have more details, we will share soon. We hope James fights it hard and come back sober and clean.