Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted recently visited the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in his hometown of Jupiter, Florida, for a unique live music enrichment session. The iconic musician performed acoustic music for resident animal ambassadors to create a sensory experience intended to reduce stress, stimulate curiosity, and encourage natural behaviors.
The sanctuary shared the results of the visit, noting the positive impact on the residents. “Jason performed calming live music for several of our resident [animal] ambassadors, creating a unique sensory experience designed to stimulate curiosity, reduce stress, and encourage natural behaviors,” the sanctuary stated.
They added: “Every animal responds differently, and it was incredible to watch their individual reactions to the sounds and rhythms throughout the session!”
The facility, which serves as the largest wildlife rehabilitation center in South Florida, relies entirely on donations to care for over 5,000 animals annually.
They expressed gratitude to the musician and his wife, Nicole, for their ongoing support. “A heartfelt thank you to Jason and his wife, Nicole, for not only being such passionate supporters of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, but also for bringing this thoughtful and creative idea to life to help enhance the quality of care we provide to the animals who call Busch home.”
Having grown up on a farm in Michigan, Jason Newsted has long felt a deep connection to animals. In a previous interview, he reflected on how his childhood shaped his perspective. “The farm was where I learned about life — seeing a baby cow born right in front of your eyes when you’re eight years old is pretty intense,” he said.
This summer, the musician will return to the stage with The Chophouse Band for their first-ever North American headlining tour. The 18-date run includes eight headlining performances and ten dates supporting country rock group Blackberry Smoke. The 2026 band lineup features Jesse Farnsworth, Jimbo Hart, Humberto Perez, and Robert John-Tucker.
Although he left Metallica in 2001, Jason Newsted was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 alongside Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, and his successor, Robert Trujillo.
Jason Newsted & The Chophouse Band 2026 North American Tour Dates:
- 01 Jul – Northampton, MA – Iron Horse Music Hall
- 02 Jul – Albany, NY – Empire Underground
- 03 Jul – Lititz, PA – Mickey’s Black Box
- 05 Jul – Wayne, PA – 118 North
- 06 Jul – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere
- 09 Jul – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater*
- 10 Jul – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center*
- 11 Jul – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium*
- 12 Jul – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall
- 15 Jul – Lewiston, NY – Artpark*
- 16 Jul – Utica, NY – Saranac Brewery*
- 17 Jul – Farmington, PA – Timber Rock Amphitheater*
- 18 Jul – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall*
- 20 Jul – Grand Rapids, MI – Pyramid Scheme
- 21 Jul – Newport, KY – Southgate House Revival
- 22 Jul – Knoxville, TN – Open Chord
- 24 Jul – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium*
- 25 Jul – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium*
*Supporting Blackberry Smoke
