‘All our sorrow and grief were channeled towards him’: James Hetfield explain reason why Metallica hazed of Jason Newsted in the 1980s

In a revealing interview from 2018, Metallica’s frontman James Hetfield delves into the reasons behind the hazing experienced by bassist Jason Newsted during his early days with the band, following the tragic passing of Cliff Burton. Hetfield acknowledges the complexity of Newsted’s situation, describing it as a mix of fulfilling a dream while stepping into irreplaceable shoes.

The singer/guitarist suggests that the band’s grief and sadness were inadvertently directed at Newsted, making him an easy target for pranks and disrespect. Hetfield offers insights into their motivations, citing Newsted’s enthusiastic fandom and adaptability as both positive attributes and reasons for their attempts to toughen him up and shape his playing style to emulate Burton’s.

Despite the challenges, Hetfield acknowledges Newsted’s contribution to the band’s live performances, noting his energy and willingness to engage with the audience. Although Newsted’s songwriting credits during his tenure were limited, he became a beloved figure among fans. His departure in 2001, partly due to creative differences and restrictions imposed by Hetfield, marked a tumultuous period for Metallica, as depicted in the documentary “Some Kind of Monster.”

However, time has healed wounds, and Newsted and the band, now with Robert Trujillo on bass, have reconciled. Reflecting on his departure, Newsted expresses contentment with his decision and admiration for Metallica’s continued success, indicating a positive relationship with his former bandmates in recent years.