Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted holds his previous bandmates in high regard, recently praising Metallica as America’s top live act nearly 25 years after his departure from the group. Newsted shared his thoughts while promoting his own upcoming benefit concerts in Syracuse, New York.
Speaking to Jeff Kulikowsky of 9 WSYR-TV ahead of Metallica‘s April 19th performance in Syracuse’s JMA Wireless Dome, Newsted reflected on the band’s enduring power.
“Yeah, it’s been a while since Metallica played in Syracuse. I was with them there, I think it was ’96, that was the last time we did it,” Newsted recalled (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). “They have been together for 44 years. They have thousands of shows under their belt. I think probably the number one live act from America currently is Metallica. They bring it all every time, and I know that the production this time around is the most fantastical one to date. So, yeah, get your dancing shoes on.”
Newsted himself is returning to Syracuse in July for a pair of benefit shows billed as “Jason Newsted & Friends” at the Everson Museum of Art’s Hosmer Auditorium. These performances align with his long-standing commitment to charitable work, particularly supporting youth programs centered on art and music.
“I’ve been playing benefit shows the last 20 years or so. I choose six or eight a year, and they’re usually affiliated with youth, art and music programs,” he explained.
His involvement began with an organization formerly called “Little Kids Rock“. “They now call it ‘Music Will‘,” Newsted said. “And we have been responsible for putting thousands of instruments in kids’ hands. And so that was my beginning, and ever since that time, I’ve put my energies toward earning the kids — I guess trying to make them aware of art and make them aware of music and get instruments and paintbrushes in their hands.”
Jason Newsted left Metallica in 2001 but was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside the band – including his replacement Robert Trujillo – in 2009. While focused on his charitable efforts and visual art, he occasionally returns to the stage, having performed with his solo project Newsted in May 2023 after nearly a decade-long hiatus.
Ogorthul: Immersed in the bone-shattering world of death metal and beyond. I’m here to excavate the latest news, reviews, and interviews from the extreme metal scene for you.
