The Death Of Cliff Burton.
On September 27, 1986, Metallica suffered a devastating loss that would change the band forever. Cliff Burton, the group’s groundbreaking bassist, tragically died in a bus accident while the band was touring in Sweden. At just 24 years old, Burton’s death sent shockwaves through the metal world and marked the end of an era for Metallica, a band that had just ascended to the top of thrash metal. Here, we’ll delve into the details of that fateful day, the events leading up to it, and the lasting impact Burton’s death had on his bandmates and the world of heavy metal.
Metallica in 1986: On Top of the Metal World
By 1986, Metallica had reached unprecedented heights, solidifying their position as leaders in the thrash metal scene. Their third album, Master of Puppets, had propelled them to the forefront of metal music. This album was more than just a commercial success; it was a defining moment in heavy metal history. As Metallica’s bassist, Cliff Burton brought a unique musical style that helped transform the band’s sound, pushing the boundaries of what a bass guitar could contribute. His contribution helped elevate the record, and Master of Puppets became Metallica’s first gold-certified album, eventually selling over six million copies.
The band’s rise to prominence was also marked by their relentless touring schedule, playing sold-out shows across Europe and the United States. It was during one of these European tour legs, however, that the band’s journey would come to a heart-wrenching end.
The Night of the Crash: September 26, 1986
As Metallica travelled between tour stops in Sweden on the night of September 26, 1986, the mood was relaxed after a successful run of shows. Exhausted from the gruelling tour, the band members settled into their bunks for the night. To decide who would sleep where, Cliff Burton and guitarist Kirk Hammett drew cards, as they often did on long road trips. In what would later feel like a moment of dark irony, Burton drew the Ace of Spades, giving him the choice of bunks. He opted for Hammett’s, who, in turn, took a different bunk towards the front of the bus.
As the band members slept, none of them could have anticipated the horror that awaited in the early hours of the next morning.
The Accident: September 27, 1986
At approximately 7AM on September 27, Metallica’s tour bus was involved in a catastrophic accident. The driver later claimed that the bus had hit a patch of black ice, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. As the bus careened off the road, it flipped onto its side. Tragically, Cliff Burton—who had been asleep in the top bunk—was thrown through the window, and the bus landed on top of him, killing him instantly.
In the immediate aftermath, attempts were made to lift the bus and free Burton from beneath it. A crane was brought to the scene, but as it hoisted the bus, the vehicle slipped, crashing down on Burton again. It’s unclear whether Burton died upon the initial impact or during the second collapse of the bus, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The accident left the remaining members of Metallica in shock and disbelief. James Hetfield, the band’s frontman, later recalled walking barefoot in his underwear along the road, desperately searching for signs of the black ice that the driver claimed had caused the crash. Hetfield, however, found no evidence of ice, and to this day, he and other band members have expressed doubts about the cause of the accident.
The Autopsy: Cliff Burton’s Final Moments
Following the accident, Cliff Burton’s body was transported to a local Swedish hospital for an autopsy. The results confirmed that he had died from multiple traumatic injuries sustained during the accident. His death was ruled accidental, and no signs of foul play were found. Burton had not consumed drugs or alcohol prior to the crash, a fact that silenced some initial speculation surrounding the cause of the accident.
The bus driver, who was later investigated, was cleared of any wrongdoing, though fans and band members alike have continued to question whether the crash could have been the result of driver fatigue or negligence rather than black ice.
The Aftermath: A Band in Mourning
Cliff Burton‘s death marked a dark chapter in Metallica’s history. The band members were devastated by the loss of their friend and musical comrade. Burton’s body was later cremated, and his ashes were scattered at Maxwell Ranch in California. During the funeral service, Metallica’s instrumental track “Orion”—one of Burton’s standout contributions to Master of Puppets—was played in his honour.
On Burton’s memorial stone, lyrics from “To Live Is to Die” were engraved: “Cannot the Kingdom of Salvation take me home.” This was a touching tribute to a musician whose brief but extraordinary career left an indelible mark on metal music.
Legacy: The Lasting Impact of Cliff Burton’s Death
Cliff Burton’s death sent shockwaves through the metal community. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 alongside his bandmates, and his legacy as one of the greatest bassists in rock history continues to endure.
His death also left a lasting impact on Metallica. After a period of mourning, the band made the difficult decision to move forward. They eventually hired Jason Newsted as Burton’s replacement, and while Metallica went on to achieve even greater success, Burton’s influence remained a vital part of their sound and identity.
Songs like “Orion” and “To Live Is to Die” serve as musical tributes to Burton’s genius, while Dave Mustaine, former Metallica guitarist and current frontman of Megadeth, wrote the song “In My Darkest Hour” in response to Burton’s death. Fellow thrash pioneers Anthrax dedicated their album Among the Living to his memory, highlighting the broad influence he had on the metal scene.
Metallica After the Crash: The Road Ahead
Despite the tragedy, Metallica persevered. The band went on to record …And Justice for All in 1988, their first album without Burton. Though Jason Newsted filled the role of bassist, many fans and critics alike agree that Cliff Burton’s absence was felt in the band’s evolving sound.
While Metallica became one of the biggest bands in the world, selling millions of albums and touring stadiums across the globe, the loss of Cliff Burton remained a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life. In interviews, the surviving band members often speak fondly of their time with Burton, with James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, and Lars Ulrich frequently acknowledging his lasting influence on their music.
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