Exploring the Childhood of Metallica Bassist, Jason Newsted: The First 72 Seasons of His

As Metallica prepares to release their 11th album, ’72 Seasons,’ on April 14, frontman James Hetfield has shared that the LP’s title and theme delve into the formative years of an individual’s life, spanning the first 18 years that shape one’s true or false selves. In anticipation of the album, UCR takes a retrospective look at the childhoods of both current and former Metallica members.

Jason Curtis Newsted, the third of four siblings, spent his early years on a farm in Bаttle Creek, Michigan, during the 1960s. Reflecting on his rural upbringing, Newsted recalled being part of a strong family that instilled values of strength and pure Americana in him. He described the farm as the place where he learned valuable life lessons, including witnessing the birth of a baby cow at the age of 8.

His daily routine involved waking up at 6:30 a.m. to feed the farm animals before heading to school. Similar to his future bandmates James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett, Newsted was raised in a household with strict Christian parents. The family was involved in raising Arabian Stallions, with Newsted actively participating in riding and horse shows. His parents served as hardworking role models, emphasizing the importance of taking initiative.

In addition to caring for farm animals, Newsted also raised rabbits and chickens, selling them for both meat and pets. At the age of 11, he invested his earnings in a pair of sharkskin boots, showcasing his strong work ethic. Drawing on his father’s background as an accountant, Newsted learned to manage his finances independently. Interestingly, his mother worked for a hearing-aid company, adding a unique aspect to his family background.

Despite a strict Christian upbringing and regular attendance at church, Newsted expressed a desire for a broader education that included learning about figures like Da Vinci and modern heroes like Medgar Evers. He found solace in music, starting to play the guitar at the age of 9 and later switching to the saxophone during middle school. Despite describing his involvement in the high school band as a “cornball” middle-of-Michigan-farmland activity, it provided him with an outlet for his musical interests.

Newsted’s musical trajectory took a significant turn when a classmate introduced him to a record by the rock band Kiss. Captivated by their image and music, he became determined to play the bass and emulate his idol, Gene Simmons. His father fulfilled his birthday wish, providing him with a bass guitar.

Forming a band named Diamond, Newsted admired bassists like Geezer Butler, Geddy Lee, Lemmy Kilmister, and Motown legend James Jamerson. He expressed a deep connection to soul music, attributing his early attraction to the bass to the influence of bass-dominated Motown bands he listened to as a child.

The Newsted family moved to a horse farm in Kalamazoo when Jason was 14, but his passion for music overshadowed his interest in farming and high school life. Joining bands at a young age, he played bass and sang for groups performing songs by Ted Nugent, AC/DC, Riоt, Tom Petty, and others. He often found himself as the youngest member in these bands, playing alongside musicians in their mid-20s.

Three months before his high school graduation, Newsted made the bold decision to quit school and join a hard rock band called Gangster. Despite initial resistance from his parents, he sold part of his record collection to fund his move to Phoenix, where he took on restaurant jobs and played AC/DC covers with Gangster.

Although Gangster disbanded quickly, Jason’s journey continued in 1982 when he responded to a music-store ad from drummer Kelly Smith. Their collaboration led to the formation of Paradox, later renamed Dredlox and then Dogz. With a lineup that included singer Erik A.K. Knutson and guitarists Kevin Horton and Mark Vasquez, Newsted took on additional responsibilities in writing and managing the band.

Jason’s musical endeavors truly took off in 1984 when Dogz underwent a lineup and nаme change, rebranding themselves as Flotsam and Jetsam, inspired by the ninth chapter of J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Two Towers.’