Jason Newsted is the only Non-Californian member of Metallica, born in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1963. After being inspired by Kiss, he got himself his first bass at the age of 13. He didn't really find much interest in it until he turned 18, when he joined a band of older guys.

The band decided to go to California to seek their fortunes. Jason quit school and went along. They only got as far as to Arizona. Everyone except Jason hit back home again. Jason got in touch with drummer Kelly Smith and the pair formed "Flotsam & Jetsam". They recorded an album called "Doomsday For The Deciever", before Jason was asked to join Metallica after the band had lost their bass-wizard Cliff Burton in a tragic busaccident in 1986.

The thrilled Jason gladly accepted the offer and joined Metallica immediately. The comparison being made between Jason and Cliff was unavoidable, but Jason didn't mind as Cliff had been a great source of inspiration as a bassist a long time for him.

Jason never tried to imitate Cliff but complemented the band with his own musical style. He is sometimes called Mr 100% Energy, which is really his most charctaristic feature.

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