Bleak Facts About Cliff Burton, Metallica’s Bedeviled Bassist
He Shredded—Until He Was Shredded
Cliff Burton was the revolutionary bassist for the metal band Metallica. However, a freak fatal accident ended his career—and his life—before he had the chance to truly shred.
1. He Had An Inauspicious Childhood
For one of the most influential bassists of all time, Cliff Burton had an inauspicious beginning. He was born in Castro Valley, California, onFebruary of 1962 to Raymond “Ray” and Janette “Jan” Burton. He was the youngest of three siblings, his elder brother and sister being Scott and Connie.
Burton’s quiet California childhood was, however, slightly unconventional.
2. He Was Easygoing
When Burton burst onto the heavy metal scene, he captivated rockers everywhere with his “unconventional” playing style. The truth, however, is that he was always kind of unconventional. His parents were, allegedly, hippies who raised him to be “easygoing”.
That wasn’t the only influence they had on him.
3. He Had A “Classical” Introduction To Music
Growing up, Burton’s house wasn’t exactly a musical one. That is, until his father delved into the world of classical music. Burton was so fascinated by the sounds of Bach and Beethoven that he began taking piano lessons.
It was his gateway to a much more rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle.
4. He Developed A Taste For Metal
Burton’s interest in music grew as he did. By the time he was a teenager, he had developed a love for all genres, not just stuffy classical music. He gravitated towards country, rock, and, of course, heavy metal. Little did he know, a family tragedy was about to drastically alter the course of his life.
