Instrument: Bass

Birthday: March 4, 1963

Residence: Battle Creek, Michigan

Stats: 5'9" & 150 lb. (1.75 meters &
68.04 kilos); brown/red hair & blue eyes

Marital status: Single

Drives: '94 Land Cruiser

Fav Foods/Drinks: Anything BBQ-ed / Bordeaux, Barolo, barbaresco wines; Evian

Fav Sports teams: NBA: Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls; NFL: Detroit Lions, L.A. Raiders

Life Before Metallica: Flotsam and Jetsam

Pre-Metallica career: Burger-flipper, pizza-maker, and truck-driver

Likes: Mountain biking, shootin' hoops, playing and listening to music

Listens to: Kiss, Black Sabbath, Tom Waits, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Machine Head, Fugees, Sly and the Family Stone, Sepultura, Wes Montgomery

First concert: Ted Nugent, 1975, South Bend, Indiana

Heroes: Gene Simmons, Al Pacino, B.B. King, my father, Zach Harmen

Describes self as: Energetic, caring, goofy

Quote: "I went to see Metallica when they came to Phoenix.  It freaked me out.  I stood in
front of Cliff in total awe fo teh way he played.  I became a fan instantly."

The Jason FAQ

What guitar equipment does Jason use?

Jason plays bass (and lots of 'em.) He uses Sadowsky Basses, La Bella strings and Ampeg among
other equipment.

Has he recorded for anyone other than Metallica?

Jason has many side projects. His former band, Flotsam & Jetsam, also released two albums with
Jason's work on them.

Why was with Jason saying that he'd rather be in an all Elvis cover band?

Jason's comments were about the lack of bass presence on ...And Justice For All. He has also said
that he would be in Metallica until he is physically (or mentally) unable to be.

What is Flotsam & Jetsam?

Flotsam & Jetsam was Jason's first band, formed in Scottsdale, AZ, who travelled from Phoenix to
L.A. and recorded an album with Jason before he took over the bass duties in Metallica.

When was Jason's last gig with Flotsam & Jetsam?

Oct.31 , 1986--Halloween night.

What was Jason's first show with Metallica?

Jason's first gig with Metallica was opening for Metal Church at The Country Club in Reseda on the
11th of November 1986. His second gig was the very next night at Jezabelle's in Anaheim.

Is Jason's brother really a teacher?

Yes. Jason's brother, Tim Newsted, teaches elementary school, and has since 1978.

Why did Jason cut his hair?

It was fried from concert lighting, smoke, etc. Also, it was just time for a change.

What is Tommy's Joint?

Tommy's Joint is a Hoffbrau (meat, potatoes and beer!) located in San Francisco, and was a hangout
of Metallica's. It is also the place where Jason was asked to join the band.

What's going on at the end of the "Roam" video, and why is Jason being attacked with pies?

When touring, Jason's (and other band members) birthdays are celebrated by drenching with pies
and other available materials.

"I still play music for the same reasons as when I first started; for the energy,
the feeling, the interaction with others. Not for the money, ego or greed."

-- Jason Newsted