# “The gift he gave lives on”: the one bassist Flea called “a masterpiece of a human being”

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-gift-he-gave-lives-on-the-one-bassist-flea-called-a-masterpiece-of-a-human-being/
- Published: 2026-08-02T22:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-08-02T23:13:00+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/bassist-flea-called-a-masterpiece-of-a-human-being/
- Topics: Art, Culture, Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Flea reflects on diverse musical influences across jazz, punk, and metal that shaped his artistic philosophy centred on authenticity and emotional commitment
- He credits Cliff Burton as a transformative bassist whose sophisticated harmonic approach transcended typical heavy metal bass roles
- Burton's innovations continue shaping Metallica's compositions decades after his 1986 death, exemplifying lasting artistic legacy

## Summary

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