Cliff Burton (Metallica)

Name: Clifford Lee Burton
Born/Died: 10th February, 1962 (Castro Valley, California, USA) – 27th September, 1986

Profile: He was an American bassist best known as the bass player of American heavy metal band "Metallica". As a bassist he made heavy use of distortion and effects (several of which are usually associated with non-bass guitars).

History: Cliff's interest in music began when his father introduced him to classical music and he began taking piano lessons. In his teenage years, Cliff had an interest in rock, classical and eventually heavy metal. He began playing the bass at age 13, after the death of his brother. His parents quoted him as saying, "I'm going to be the best bassist for my brother." He practiced up to 6 hours per day. Along with classical, jazz, southern rock, country and blues.

While still a student at Castro Valley High School, Cliff formed his first band called "EZ-Street", other member of the band was guitarist "Big" Jim Martin (Faith No More). Cliff and Big continued their musical collaboration after becoming students at Chabot College in Hayward, California.

Their second band, "Agents of Misfortune", entered the local "Battle of the Bands" contest in 1981. Their audition was recorded on video and features some of the earliest footage of his trademark playing style. Cliff joined his first major band, "Trauma" in early 1982.

Late in 1982, he joined "Metallica" and performed on their debut album, "Kill 'Em All". Cliff's early influence was essential in creating the unique musical style for which "Metallica" became famous. Cliff performed on two more albums, "Ride the Lightning" and "Master of Puppets", both of which met with major commercial and critical success.

He was known for his "lead bass" approach, in which the bass played a melodic, soloistic role in addition to holding down the harmonic and rhythmic foundation of the band.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Rickenbacker 4001, Aria SB-1000 and Mesa Boogie amplifiers

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O9zMnwD65Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=B_HmN4cHkvk&feature=related