When former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted talks about his old band, there’s no bitterness — just respect. Nearly a quarter-century after he left the group, Newsted still sees Metallica as a benchmark in live music.
Speaking ahead of his upcoming July performances at the Everson Museum of Art’s Hosmer Auditorium in Syracuse, New York, Newsted reflected on both his past with the band and the mission that drives him now.
The benefit shows, billed as Jason Newsted & Friends, are a continuation of two decades of charitable performances. "I've been playing benefit shows for 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 shared.
While Newsted’s days with Metallica ended in 2001, his contributions to the band are undeniable. He was on stage with them when they last played Syracuse in the mid-90s — a moment he recalls clearly.
"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," he said (via 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 added.
Beyond the stage lights and massive tours, Newsted's post-Metallica path has taken a quieter, more personal direction. He got his start in youth music advocacy through a program once called Little Kids Rock, now known as Music Will.
"We have been responsible for putting thousands of instruments in kids' hands," he said. "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."
Despite leaving the band over two decades ago, Newsted was honored alongside James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and his successor Robert Trujillo when Metallica was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.
