Clifford Lee Burton American musician, bass guitarist, member of the band 'Metallica' Date of Birth: 10.02.1962 Country: USA

Biography of Clifford Lee Burton

Clifford Lee Burton was born on February 10, 1962, in Castro Valley, California. From a young age, he displayed a passion for music and began playing the piano at the age of six. In 1976, at the age of fourteen, Burton started learning to play the bass guitar, with a local teacher as his mentor. Encouraged by his parents, Clifford dedicated at least six hours a day to his bass guitar practice, a habit he continued even after becoming a member of the band Metallica.

Before graduating high school in 1980, Burton attended a specialized music course at Napa Valley College in California. It was during this time that he became friends with Jim Martin, the leader and guitarist of the band Faith No More. In 1982, Burton caught the attention of Metallica. The band was in search of a new bassist, replacing Ron McGovney. After witnessing Burton's astounding performance at a Trauma concert, Metallica members James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich wasted no time in contacting him and inviting him to join the band as their bass guitarist. They were amazed by Burton's diverse playing style, which ranged from fast and technical parts to virtuosic and melodic solos.

Burton agreed to join Metallica on the condition that the band relocate from Los Angeles to San Francisco. He believed that the music scene in Los Angeles was not ideal and desired something better. On March 5, 1983, Burton made his debut with Metallica at the "The Stone" club in San Francisco, delivering an unforgettable performance. While touring with Metallica, Clifford introduced his bandmates to a wide range of musical influences, including The Misfits, Pink Floyd, Thin Lizzy, and the legendary pianist Glenn Gould, who masterfully performed Bach's compositions.

Burton recorded three albums with Metallica: "Kill 'Em All" (1983), "Ride the Lightning" (1984), and "Master of Puppets" (1986), arguably the band's best works. Unfortunately, tragedy struck on the early morning of September 27, 1986, during a European tour in support of their latest album, "Master of Puppets." The driver of the bus carrying the band lost control, causing the vehicle to crash and overturn. As the bus fell, Burton, who was sleeping at the time, was thrown out of the window and fatally crushed.

Although his life was cut short, Clifford Lee Burton's musical legacy continues to thrive.