Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted has picked which of his old band's thrash tracks he would rework in a country or roots style, as he tours America with his Chophouse Band supporting Southern rock act Blackberry Smoke. Speaking on Rolling Stone's Nashville Now podcast, he ruled out the obvious choice of "Mama Said" from 1996's Load and instead suggested faster, heavier songs from before he joined Metallica, arguing they would work well stripped of distortion while keeping their intensity.

Newsted named "Battery" from 1986's Master of Puppets and "Fight Fire with Fire" from 1984's Ride the Lightning as his picks, saying he'd want something "super fast and challenging" reimagined without the heavy amplification. Blackberry Smoke's Charlie Starr, also featured on the podcast, chose "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)," envisioning a "spooky, Johnny Cash" treatment. Newsted, who left Metallica in 2001, also said he'd be interested in attending the band's upcoming Sphere residency in Las Vegas. His tour with Blackberry Smoke continues through the end of July, including two shows at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium on 24 and 25 July.