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The one musician Lars Ulrich knew always belonged in Metallica: “Part of our legacy”
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.
In short
- Ulrich says Cliff Burton always belonged in Metallica.
- Burton remains central to the band’s legacy.
- He played on Metallica’s first three albums.
Explained simply
Metallica is one of the world's most influential heavy metal bands, which rose to prominence in the 1980s. Cliff Burton was their bassist from 1982 until his death in a coach accident in 1986, a period that encompassed the band's most creatively formative work.
During his brief time with the group, Burton played on three influential albums: Kill 'Em All, Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets. He brought classical and progressive rock influences to the band's music, helping shape the distinctive sound that would define Metallica's identity and musical approach.
Burton's career with Metallica lasted less than four years, yet his contributions to the band's early work have remained significant to how the group is understood and remembered. His influence on the band's musical direction and sonic possibilities has long been recognised as integral to Metallica's development as artists.
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