Lars Ulrich has described late bassist Cliff Burton as someone who was always meant to be part of Metallica, calling him central to the band’s legacy. The article reflects on Burton’s lasting importance to Metallica’s sound and identity, despite his career with the group being cut short by his death in 1986.

Burton joined Metallica in 1982 and played on the band’s first three studio albums: *Kill ’Em All*, *Ride the Lightning* and *Master of Puppets*. His classical and progressive influences helped broaden the group’s musical range, while Ulrich’s comments underline the enduring place Burton holds in Metallica’s history.