Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted (center) with current Metallica bassist Rob Trujillo and Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea

Jason was Cliff Burton’s successor after his untimely passing in a bus accident during the European leg of the Damage, Inc. Tour in September 1986. Consequently the band involved Burton’s parents in the decision to choose Newsted as their late son’s replacement. After the surviving members broke the news, Burton’s mother hugged Jason and said, “You are the one. Please be safe.”

He left Metallica in January 2001 after 14 years to pursue other projects but remains on good terms with his former bandmates, who took two years before deciding on Rob as his replacement.