Jason Newsted was Metallica's third bass player. An unfortunate bus accident left the band without Cliff Burton, the band opened audtions for a new bass player. Jason was selected after 2 days of often fierce auditions to become Metallica's bass player after the loss of Cliff. Jason remained in Metallica for 14 years, he left the band in early 2001.

Prior to Metallica Jason was a member of Dogz and Flotsam & Jetsam, where he served as band lyricist, bassist and makeshift manager. He recorded works include 2 albums with his Flotsam & Jetsam.

Before joining the band he saw Metallica in Phoenix, where he stood and watched Cliff. His favorite song was 'Whiplash.' Jason's first gig with Metallica was opening for Metal Church at The Country Club in Reseda in the first week of November 1986.

Jason left the band due to the physical price he's paid playing live. Jason has damage to his cervical spine - probably from years and years of playing a very heavy bass guitar and headbanging (Jason cited his old windmill style). Some people also suggest he left the band due to difference between him and James and Jason wanting to release his side projects.

Currently, Jason is working on Chophouse Records, his own record label which he plans to release many of the side prjects he has recorded over the years. He is also releasing and promoting Echobrain, a project much in the same vein, described as "Radiohead meets Stevie Ray Vaughn." Jason states he will still be playing live music, although his injury forbids the same extensive touring that Metallica demanded.

Besides sandwiches, Jason loves BBQ food and fine, thick red wine.

Other Interests
Jason follows The Phoenix Suns, the Chicago Bulls in the NBA, The Detroit Lions and the Raiders in the NFL.

You can also find him busy mountain biking, playing basketball or jamming any type of music.

Jason recently started his own record company named Chophouse Records. Chophouse is the nickname for his home studio-rehearsal space.

Influences
Jason sites Kiss, Rush, Black Sabbath and Ted Nugent as influences.

Before Metallica
Jason worked many jobs before joining Metallica notably as a truck driver and at Subway Sandwich shop, he was a founding member of the Phoenix based band Flotsam & Jetsam.