The late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton would have turned 60 this year. It is surreal to think about how long it has been since his passing and all he could have done in these years. Among those we’ve lost way too soon in life, Burton was only 24 when he died after Metallica’s tour bus crashed in Sweden.
In honor of his life, Cliff Burton Day (February 10th) will feature loads of special guests and performances (as reported by Blabbermouth).
Cliff Burton Day started in 2018 and was proclaimed by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors after a fan petition passed. The upcoming event will mark what would have been Burton’s 60th birthday, and will include a livestream scheduled for 7PM PT. The Day will be emceed by Nicholas Gomez and involve special guests such as Charlie Benante of Anthrax, Mike Bordin of Faith No More, Gary Holt of Exodus/Slayer, and more.
Along with watching the event – which you can view here February 10th– there is Cliff Burton merch available for fans to pre-order. This merch has been designed by Charlie Benante and proceeds will go towards the Cliff Burton Music Scholarship Fund.
Burton joined Metallica in time to be part of their debut studio record Kill ‘Em All (1983). He would also contribute his talents to that of Ride the Lighting (1984) and Master of Puppets (1986). After his passing, Burton’s role in Metallica would end up being taken on by James Newsted, who got a blessing from Burton’s mother before joining the band. On Metallica’s following record, …And Justice for All (1998), the band wrote a tribute to Burton titled “To Live Is to Die.” On April 4th, 2009, Burton was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
We miss you every day Cliff and know you’re at peace in Rock ‘n’ Roll Heaven.
Below you’ll find a brief preview of the upcoming Cliff Burton Day 2022
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Words by: Michael Pementel
