Robert Trujillo American musician, bass guitarist Date of Birth: 23.10.1964 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Influences
2. Jazz and Heavy Metal Intersect
3. Suicidal Tendencies and Infectious Grooves
4. Ozzy Osbourne and Down to Earth
5. Metallica Legacy
6. Unique Style and "Crab Walk"
7. Personal Life
8. Current Status and Future Endeavors

Early Life and Influences

Robert Agustín Miguel Santiago Samuel Trujillo Veracruz, better known as Robert Trujillo, was born on October 23, 1964, in Santa Monica, California. His diverse background includes Mexican and American heritage. Trujillo's childhood in Culver City exposed him to gang violence and unrest.

Music provided a refuge amidst the chaos. Trujillo's mother nurtured his love for soul and funk, while his father ignited his passion for rock and roll. It was his cousins who introduced him to Black Sabbath, sparking his fascination with Ozzy Osbourne's enigmatic talent.

Jazz and Heavy Metal Intersect

A pivotal moment in Trujillo's musical journey came with his discovery of jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius. Pastorius's groundbreaking style expanded Trujillo's perception of the bass guitar and inspired him to pursue jazz at the age of 19. However, his heart remained firmly rooted in metal and hard rock.

Suicidal Tendencies and Infectious Grooves

Trujillo gained his first professional recognition as the bassist for Suicidal Tendencies, replacing Bob Heathcote in 1989. He also joined Infectious Grooves, a genre-bending group that caught the attention of Ozzy Osbourne.

Ozzy Osbourne and Down to Earth

In the late 1990s, Trujillo joined Ozzy Osbourne's band, sharing songwriting credits on the album "Down to Earth." Their partnership spanned seven years, culminating in Trujillo becoming a key contributor to Osbourne's legacy.

Metallica Legacy

Trujillo's career took a momentous turn in 2003 when he joined Metallica, replacing Jason Newsted. Despite initial hesitation due to Osbourne's impending tour, Trujillo embraced the challenge, knowing that Metallica was the "rollercoaster" of his dreams.

Unique Style and "Crab Walk"

Trujillo's distinctive style has become an integral part of Metallica's live performances. His virtuoso bass solos and exaggerated facial expressions captivate audiences, while his signature "crab walk" has become a fan favorite. This peculiar movement originated during his time with Osbourne, who encouraged his musicians to animate their stage presence.

Personal Life

Robert Trujillo has a close-knit family. His wife, Chloe Trujillo, is a renowned pyrography artist who specializes in decorating bass guitars. They have two children: son Tye, a talented bass player who has performed with Korn, and daughter Lula.

Current Status and Future Endeavors

Trujillo continues to play a pivotal role in Metallica, serving as the band's primary backing vocalist and contributing to recent albums like "Death Magnetic" and "Hardwired...To Self-Destruct." The band's future plans remain uncertain, but their enduring legacy and Trujillo's unwavering passion for music ensure that their impact will continue to be felt for years to come.