The (un)Official Newsted Guide

Cheers. I used to be the self-proclaimed #1 Jason Newsted fan. I had a huge collection of information, links, and facts about the former Metallica bassist, and I had created this website to share them. Feel free to take a look around.

The Timeline

Newsted’s Time in Metallica
[1986-2001]

After Cliff Burton’s passing in 1986, Jason got the shot at joining the band of his dreams.

The full Playboy transcript is available here and will be used as a source throughout this section.He passed the first audition and was brought back for a second. The audio of some tracks from both auditions are available on the Master of Puppets Deluxe Box Set. At this second audition, Lars’ father and Cliff’s parents were there, and Newsted has recounted this moment.

This screenshot comes from here, but there are many articles that touch on Newsted recalling this audition.This was in late October, and by November, Jason would be playing with the band. In fact, Jason’s first show with the band would happen in Reseda, California, on November 8th, 1986. Audio linked here.
His second show was the night after, in Anaheim. Linked here.Jason’s first release with the band would actually come in the form of the $5.98 EP, covering songs. It wasn’t new music, it was songs that were already proven to be good, and a way to see if Newsted could cut it. It went well, and the band would go on to debut their first full-length album with Newsted in 1988.This album was entitled …And Justice For All. And although it’s widely considered one of the best thrash albums, quite possibly period, by many fans, it also quickly became infamous: for it’s complete lack of bass in the final mix.“I was fucking livid!,” Newsted said. “Are you kidding me? I was ready [to go] for throats, man!”
“No, I was out of my head, because I really thought I did well,” he elaborated. “And I thought I played how I was supposed to play.”…“Lars and James were the original garage band duo, as far as that goes,” he says. "They always made the records that way, from [the 1982 demo cassette] No Life ’Til Leather, it was Lars and James, guitar and drums. On the original No Life ’Til Leather cassette – if you happen to ever see a real copy or a photo of a real copy – in Lars’ handwriting, in ink pen, on the label of the cassette, [it reads] ‘Turn bass down on stereo’. On No Life ’Til Leather!”“…Lars didn’t want [that] because it messed with his drums somehow, so when he sends the demo out to fucking Combat Records and wherever, [his instruction is] ‘Turn the bass down before you even listen to this.’ Before you even get it going, just turn the bass down.
"Right from the get go. Before you even start. That’s where he’s been his whole goddamn life, so why would it be any different when it came to […And Justice For All]? They made Kill ’Em All that way, they made Ride… that way, they made Master… that way, all of them. Those two guys in a room [mimics drum beats and playing], that’s the way it always happened. [For] the most successful metal band of all time. So you argue with this shit? I’m not really sure.”See the full article on this here.Jason also talks about how this hurt the most of anything they did to him. His hazing lasted years; the band both physically and verbally harassing him, with incidents like the “wasabi prank” and trashing his hotel room, as well as calling him gay, and more. But turning his bass down? This was just plain disrespectful to him.For his exact words on this, please refer back to the Playboy interview.But still, Jason withstood it. He put up with the hazing because he had something to prove. He was filling the shoes of Cliff Burton, and you couldn’t just give up when you’re in a position like that. And coming from being a fan of the band, Jason put his heart and soul into it.

After the Damaged Justice tour, Metallica as a band were doing great. But they had no idea what was to come.In 1991, they released their biggest album, Metallica. This time in the band’s history is extremely well-documented, especially with the recent 30th anniversary of it’s release. It’s recording is documented in the Year And A Half in the Life of Metallica documentary, and in the more recent The Black Album in Black and White book. Even though it was made after Jason’s leave, it does include an interview with him, where he talks about how much Bob Rock helped him to better understand his role playing bass in the band. And in my humble opinion, some of his best work came from it!

Newsted [ 2012 - 2014 ]

Newsted was a band, fronted by Newsted, that ran from 2012-2014. It was compromised of Jason Newsted (bass + vocals), Jessie Farnsworth (guitar), Mike Mushok (guitar), and Jesus Mendez Jr. (drums). They released one EP, Metal, on January 8th, 2013, and one album, Heavy Metal Music, on August 6th, 2013.The Metal EP includes four tracks:
1. Soldierhead
2. King of the Underdogs
3. Godsnake
4. SkyscraperThis is the only Newsted music still available to download.The Heavy Metal Music album is comprised of eleven tracks:
1. Heroic Dose
2. Soldierhead
3. …As the Crow Flies
4. Ampossible
5. Long Time Dead
6. Above All
7. King of the Underdogs
8. Nocturnus
9. Twisted Tail Of The Comet
10. Kindevillusion
11. FuturealityThe deluxe version included the other two songs off the EP, as well as an extra track, Spiderbiter. The only other song they put out was an alleged iTunes exclusive titled The Differents, but the only version I can find is through YouTube.Part of the reason information on these songs is so hard to find is the removal of much of Newsted’s content off the internet. Everything but the Metal EP has been removed off every music streaming site. Newsted’s website was last updated in 2018, but has had everything but the (still functioning) merch link removed. The last time Newsted tweeted was back in November of 2014, to announce the …As the Crow Flies music video on YouTube. But even the Newsted YouTube channel has been removed. The music videos live on though, thanks to reuploads and Jessie’s channel.It’s unclear why most of the info, music, and Newsted accounts have been wiped clear or removed off the internet. However, Jason has talked about why the project itself was shut down. It cost him a lot of money to maintain, especially when they toured in 2013-2014. That, and the other issues he faced at the time, led to the band’s conclusion. (More details in the articles below.)One of the few remaining pieces of Newsted info I have is here:

I’ve done my best to accurately transcribe the lyrics for every song, and provided those here. I’ve also put the links to what remains of Newsted’s sites / account, so you can look through them yourself.Jason’s Old Twitter: Here
Newsted’s Old Site: Here
Newsted Merch: Here
Broken Heavy Metal Music Link: Here
Why He Shut It Down: Here
Heavy Metal Music (Including Spiderbiter) on YouTube: Here

TRANSCRIBED NEWSTED LYRICS

Please note, a lot of these are working off what was already given online. Spiderbiter and The Differents did not have any lyrics online. I did my best, but I am still only one guy, and I have audio processing issues. These are probably still not 100% correct1. Heroic DoseSo father if I wake up,
Hard to conceal.
What I need I take off,
What I want I steal.
Bring me directly,
Taste the poison.
Memories reappear,
From the lightning sun.Been a thief of liars.
True, to what is real.
Take a look in my eyes,
And see what you feel.
See what you feel.Eternity ain't over.
Till I can't make a sound.
The magic ends up broken.
So long, I've seen you around.
Trying lord I'm dying,
I won't wallow in what I've done.
Earth angel rising,
Swallow in the sun.I promise it ain't over.
Run life into the ground.
Change of sea unspoken.
So long, you'll see me around.You'll see me around.
You'll see me around.
I'll see you around. (x4)
So long, I'll see you around.I take a chance by letting you in.
I take a chance at getting poisoned again.
I take a chance.
At getting stabbed in the back again.
I take a chance by letting you in.
I take a chance at getting poisoned again.
I take a chance.
At getting stabbed in the back again.I wanna see that I want to stay.
Don't wanna make the same mistake.
Stoic the fake.
Heroic dose I take. (x3)Heroic does I take. (x4)2. SoldierheadBombs go off around me.
Bullets chase my head.
Demonscene hellscape.
Try to not get dead.
From the cradle I was in,
Straight for the firing line.
By the teeth of my skin.
Dragon and the serpent versus swine.Never quite ready,
It just becomes your turn.
Evertight steady.
No more light to burn.
A lie has no feet,
Cannot stand alone.
A cry in the street,
Who cast the first stone.
With dirt between my teeth,
I made the devil sell his soul.
I know that he can bleed.
Moon goes dark sun grows cold.Where my mind would take me.
Never coming near.
Scared my heart would break me.
Why am I here?
Where my mind would take me.
Never coming near.
Scared my heart would break me.
Why am I here?
Where my mind would take me.
Never coming near.
Scared my heart would break me
Why am I here?
Why am I here, why!
C'mon!Bombs go off around me.
Bullets chase my head.
Demonscene hellscape.
Try to not get dead.
From the cradle I was in,
Straight for the firing line.
By the teeth of my skin.
Dragon and the serpent versus swine.
With dirt between my teeth,
I made the devil sell his soul.
I know that he can bleed.
Moon goes dark sun grows cold.3. …As the Crow FliesI spin around the sun. I thank you may I have another.
I am an army of one. Honor and respect my brother.
When the night is young. Crowded hearts are nine to four.
If ever daylight comes. Save yourself and save your soul.As the crow flies. I will make my way.
As the day dies. I look back and say:
Well spent time today.
I make my own way. And I am not afraid.I went from the word go. I’ll bang those troubled thoughts out of your head.
What you live is what you know. Any day alive is better than dead.
Let’s stay out all night, and watch the shadows play in the light.
And just look at us now, I'm not afraid to fail and I'm not afraid to fight.As the crow flies. I will make my way.
As the day dies. I look back and say:
As the crow flies. I will make my way.
As the day dies. I look back and say:
Well spent time today.
I make my own way. And I am not afraid, no!Beautiful in life. Unforgettable in death.
Don't stop dreaming. Until the last breath.
Beautiful in life. Unforgettable in death.
Don't stop dreaming. Until the last breath.
The hunger to be. To think and feel.
Don't stop dreaming. Till it becomes real.
Becomes real. (x4)4. AmpossibleBreak of dawn. I raise my head.
Another night is gone. Another day is lead.
Face the lights, heed the stars, afraid of being scared.
Trace my life, read the scars, without you I am nowhere.Need you to embrace me. Hear my call.
Through the darkness you take me. Transcending all.
Face the lights, heed the stars. afraid of being scared.
Trace my life, read the scars, without you I am nowhere.Everybody, alright now.Live to remember. Not to regret. Fight till forever. I won't forget.
Live to remember. Keep no secret. Try to forever. After the stone is set.
Live to remember. Not to regret. Fight till forever. I won't forget.
Live to remember. Keep no secret. Try to forever. Long after the stone is set.Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, c’mon now!5. Long Time DeadRain twists shapes, and hisses fear.
I kiss my tears as the ground disappears.
White stones fall, down from the sky.
Black storm clouds groan and then they start to cry.
Rain twists shapes, and hisses fear.
I kiss my tears as the ground disappears.
White stones fall, down from the sky.
Black storm clouds groan and then they start to cry.
They start to cry.Live while you're living. Cause you're a long time dead.Rats in rhythm, and snakes in tongues.
Mud flakes and fungus are coating my lungs.
Squash the doubt, mankind washed out.
Without machines, without a prayer, we cannot prepare.
Fire on frost, tired and lost.
The city into the sea is tossed.
Liars cost, mired and scoffed.
Screaming pleas as mother earth breathes.
Throw away the trees. Blow away the breeze.Live while you're living. Cause you're a long time dead.
Give while you're living. Share with me, what's in your head.Sea to rising sea, grey solar light.
Wicked winds churning up the polar night.
All living things, under leaves gasp.
Water heaves fast, a feat a task, beliefs are smashed by the-
Rising sea, grey solar light.
Wicked winds churning up the polar night.
All living things, under leaves gasp.
Water heaves fast, a feat, a task.
Beliefs are smashed.
A patch of grass to feed I ask.Live while you're living. Cause you're a long time dead.
Give while you're living. Share with me, what's in your head.Codswallop, shattering the world at will.
Thinning the herd with a flush to spill.
All that matters scattered in the swill.
I see it still, scattered in the swill.Live while you're living. Cause you're a long time dead.
Live while you're living. Cause you're a long time dead.
Give while you're living. What’s in your head.
Live while you're living. Cause you're a long time dead.6. Above AllEnd of the world.
Trend of the system.
Bend of the cur.
Hell will never miss them.
Brains us to think.
Tiny trains of thoughts.
Time and time again,
Mind overwrought.Above all the people,
Above all the creeps.
Above all the steeples,
Above all the freaks.Weigh in, weigh out.
Time fleeting by.
Day in, day out,
Life speeding by.
Follow the same.
Unwanted blind.
Swallow your name, get left behind.Above all the people,
Above all the creeps.
Above all the steeples,
Above all the freaks.Above all the people,
Above all the creeps.
Above all the steeples,
Above all the freaks.You're freaking out. (x5)Seven million breathe all at once.
Heaven well-conceived experience.
Breed ignorance,
Feed ignorance.A simple meaning.
To a simple plan.
The temple gleaming,
Keep fooling man.
The question won.
That beat the answer.
Riddle come undone,
Fat lady dances.Above all the people,
Above all the creeps.
Above all the steeples,
Above all the freaks.Above all the people,
Above all the creeps.
Above all the steeples,
Above all the freaks.Above all the freaks. (x4)Above all the people. (x4)Come on people!7. King of the UnderdogsPick up the pieces that the puzzle made.
From scraps of dreams out of focus and frayed.
Make up the reasons for the words that were said.
From scraps of dreams, that trap the screams.Take my place leading the pack.
Back down from my razorback.
I dig deeper, to bury and find the track.I am the king!
I am the king!
I am the king of the underdogs,
You know that's my name!
King of the Underdogs!
King of the Underdogs!Running into the unknown,
Lonely yet I'm not alone.
I keep looking, to grind a stone.
Running into the unknown,
Lonely yet I'm not alone.
I keep looking, to grind a stone.I am the king!
Underdogs rise.
I am the king!
From the flames.
I am the king!
Underdogs prize.
I am the king of the underdogs,
You know that's my name!
King of the Underdogs!
King of the Underdogs!Sworn to fun discovery.
I still dream imagining.
Beyond the edge recovering.
Sworn to fun discovery.
I still dream imagining.
Beyond the edge recovering.Underdogs rise, from the flame,
Feel the sound feet to ground
Hellhound unchained.
And they rise, from the flame,
Feel the sound feet to ground
Hellhound unchained.
Yeah!
Underdogs rise!
Underdogs rise!
Unleash the hellhounds!I am the king!
(King of the Underdogs!) (x12)8. NocturnusI want to stay below the streets.
I want to play behind the scenes.
I shy away from surface freaks.
I stay below.Thirty stories below daylight.
In the channels its always night.
Between the flush of the rush hours,
When the surface dwellers are away from their showers.
In the tunnels that slake the cities thirst.
So full of shit sometime they're gonna break or bust.
The stench of it would send you reelin'.
Cold concrete ceiling, a safe warm feeling.Nocturnus!Six thousand four rail leads me to home.
My piece of the world where no other man goes.
I don't need a torch anymore to see.
Satan on his porch, this ain't for the weak.
On the street I see you all stressed and screaming.
In my place while I lay dreaming.
Fight for the space on the terra dwell.
I'm keepin' to my heaven, under your hell.Without the underworld there would be no above.
Without the otherworld there would be no above.
Without the underworld there would be no above.I want to stay below the streets.
I want to play behind the scenes.
I shy away from surface freaks.
I stay below.Without the underworld there would be no above.
Your precious topsoil would be one big flood.
The creepy crawler Nocturnus.
They try to drive us out and burn us.
But they are the invaders.
Not we of the underbelly.
Life above left me no room,
I laugh and slither down forty flights to my womb.Without the underworld there would be no above.
Without the otherworld there would be no above.
Without the underworld there would be no above.I want to stay below the streets.
I want to play beneath your feet.
I shy away from the surface freaks.
I stay below. I pray below.
I want to stay below the streets.
I want to play beneath your feet.
I shy away from the surface freaks.
I stay below. I pray below.
I pray below. I stay below.
Just lay me low.
I stay below. (x3)9. Twisted Tail Of The CometTwisted tail of the comet!
Let me tell you a twisted tale.This is for my friend no longer here.
Pick up signal in the atmosphere.
Look away above stargazer.
From where you're sent to me unclear.A comet with a twisted tail.
From on high resounding wail.
Logical constant truth.
Cosmic master slight of hoof.Look away above stargazer.
From where you're sent to me unclear.
Books of plays discover amazer.
Your vision lives eternal here.Yeah yeah! (x6)
Twisted tail of the comet!Woah-oh-oh-oh. (x4)Turn up guitar, start to play, and I cheer.
Sounds so much better when we're up here.
With your hands, you shine back light.
I see you in the stars at night.D'amour (French — “Of love”) in my heart to stay, to stay.
Up until, my last day.
Too soon my friend, taken away, away.
Adieu my friend, taken away.
Taken, taken, taken, taken, away. Away. (x6)Taken, taken, don't take my friend away.10. KindevillusionRevolution!
I speak truth in the face of lies.
A burst of sun that shatters the sky.
Finish end begin to start.
Rise together or fall apart, follow my heart.
Right from the start.
I'm going to follow my heart.
Light from the stars.
That's why I follow my heart.We feel the kind and illusion.
There is no place like hell.
Spending more on confusion.
I give away what they're trying to sell.
Many called and few are chosen.
I see clearly through the clouds.
Ideas crawl when lights are frozen.
From the depths I bring the love.
I follow my heart.
Right from the start,
I'm going to follow my heart.
Light from the stars.
That’s why I follow my heart.
Right from the start,
I'm going to follow my heart.
Light from the stars.
C’mon follow!
Searching for the kind of illusion, deceive to believe.
Welcome to my revolution, we bleed to believe.
The ones who make us wonder are the wondrous ones.
The music keeps me young and lets me see beyond.I speak truth in the face of lies.
A burst of sun that shatters the sky.
Finish end, begin to start.
Rise together or fall apart,
follow my heart.
Right from the start,
I'm going to follow my heart.
Light from the stars.
That’s why I follow my heart.
Right from the start,
I'm going to follow my heart.
Light from the stars.
I'm going to follow my heart.Rise up!
We fly!
Light 'em up now!
Get high!
Wise up!
We fly now!
Light 'em up!11. FuturealityBegin the day,
Dive in the waves. Smile in the sun.
Laugh in the light,
Loud is the sound. Live in the night,
Can’t bring me down.
No you won’t bring me down.Ancients walk on the land, rising out of the sea.
Planting seeds in the sand, growing you and me.
Before and after be.Into the blue,
Bright yellow spies. Surroundings new.
Flash the horizon,
Lightning strikes leap.
Passionate rising,
Fighting to keep.
Yeah, fighting to keep.Ancients walk on the land, rising out of the sea.
Planting seeds in the sand, growing you and me.
Ancients walk on the land, rising out of the sea.
Planting seeds in the sand, growing you and me.Hold the future in our hands.
Pray the future has a chance.
Hold the future in our hands.
Pray for the future!Ancients walk on the land, rising out of the sea.
Planting seeds in the sand, growing you and me.
Ancients walk on the land, rising out of the sea.
Planting seeds in the sand, growing you and me.Hold the future in our hands. Pray for the future. (x3)Never too late.
Pray for the future.
Weight of the future is in our hands. (x5)Yeah c’mon.12. SpiderbiterLet the spider run alive.
Wicked web weaver creeping ‘round inside.
Let the spider run alive.
Wicked web weaver.Crawl in place between the flesh and skin.
In the smallest space, creepy crawler.
Spider face welcomes you in.
Let the spider run alive again.Let the spider run alive.
Widow death dealer will turn the tide.
Let the spider run alive.
Let the spider run alive.
Widow death dealer will turn the tide.
Let the spider run alive.
Widow death dealer.Crawl in place between the flesh and skin.
In the smallest space, creepy crawler.
Spider face welcomes you in.
Let the spider run alive again.Let the spider run alive.
When she’s through, you’re all worn and wide.(?)
Let the spider run alive.
A crooked-legged deceiver gonna drain you dry.Crawl in place between the flesh and skin.
In the smallest space, creepy crawler.
Spider face welcomes you for a case.
You can never leave this place.You can never leave this place. (x3)13. GodsnakeSay god came down as a snake,
How long you think it would take?
'Til someone cut off his head,
And left him lying for dead?Took his skin for their boots,
And cook his flesh for their soup.
His spine a necklace to fight,
Shake rattle dance all night.Shake rattle dance all night.Say the devil came as a child,
One who always smiles.
How long would we stand by?
Young one that never cried.Read to see don't judge this book,
I need to be uncovered for a closer look,
Discover with a closer look now.No time for apology, rename reality.
First glance it seems to be,
The wrong way to for you judge me.
First glance seems to be,
The wrong way-
Don’t judge me.Say the devil came as a child,
Free and running wild.
Demon eyes are casting a spell,
Charming all the way to hell.Read to see don't judge this book,
I need to be uncovered for a closer look,
Discover with a closer look now.No time for apology, rename reality.
First glance it seems to be,
The wrong way to for you judge me.
Dont you judge me.Say the devil came as a child,
Innocent and running wild.
Demon eyes are casting a spell,
Charming all the way to hell.Knowing nothing,
Believing anything.
Forgetting everything,
I want to stand for something.For God's sake. (x3)

14. SkyscraperSo come on!
Everybody come on!
All my friends come on!In the darkness I can hear them.
Rising, scratching, dig and scrape.
This is the mauling of the universe.
What will it cost to escape?No war is good!
No war is holy!In the starkness I won't fear them.
As the sky begins to break.
All the powers of the universe.
There's no end to what they'll take.No war is good!
No war is holy!As the giant chokes in the mud,
Ash in the street soaks up the blood.
Disappears, it never was.
World spinning just as it does.
As the giant chokes in the mud,
Ash in the street soaks up the blood.
Disappears, or it never was.
World spinning and spinning beginning again.As the giant chokes in the mud,
Ash in the street soaks up the blood.
Disappears, it never was
World spinning just as it does.
As the giant chokes in the mud,
Ash in the street soaks up the blood.
Disappears, it never was.
World spinning and spinning and spinning away.Huh!Ride out the storm, block out the sun.
Beacon glow shine oh ray of light.
A new plane of insane dimension.
Alive in the day and still at night.No war! Is good!
No war! Is holy!
No war! Is good!
No war! (4x)
I can't take no more!
No war!
I can't take no more!
No war! Is good! No war! Is holy! (x4)
No war!Bonus - The DifferentsAlright!I know I’m right, no I ain’t getting left out,
A future from the past.
Let me go free, you don’t have to know me,
It all happened so fast.
Flock of voices, leave me no choices,
Sweet victory mine.
In a place where, I am not scared,
Locked in my own mind, you know I’m locked in.Shake and twist it, then I missed it,
You were there too.
Got run by, falling sky,
I had no more room.
Meet in the things, another chance brings,
I passed away the bloom.
New day breaks, wide awake,
A full heart full moon.I choose how to live my life,
I choose where to spend my time.
All the differents in the world,
All the differents in the world.
I choose how to live my life,
I choose where to spend my time.
All the differents in the world,
All the differents in the world.I found my paradise.
You found your paradise.
I found my paradise.
We found our paradise.And it’s nice.
It’s so very nice.
Yes it’s so fucking nice.
Yeah it’s so very nice, yeah.Live to live free.
To live to live free.
I live to live free.
To live to live free.
(To live free.) (x8)Let me live free!
Everybody live free!
Everybody with me.I know I’m right, no I ain’t getting left out,
A future from the past.
Let me go free, you don’t have to know me,
It all happened so fast.
Flock of voices, leave me no choices,
Sweet victory mine.
In a place where, I am not scared,
Locked in my own mind.I choose how to live my life,
I choose where to spend my time.
All the differents in the world,
All the differents.
I choose how to live my life,
I choose where to spend my time.
All the differents in the world,
All the differents in the world.
In the world. (x6)

Links & Sources & Misc!

Since I am working on the free version of carrd, I unfortunately have a limit to the number of text boxes, images, and other items I can put on the site.This section is for all the full interviews, websites, and videos I wish I could have elaborated on, or I used to gather information! I hope this helps, and I hope you guys enjoyed reading!ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWSJason Gets Jan Burton’s Blessing: Here
Jason Pissed Over AJFA Mix: Here
Jason’s Leaving: Here
Jason Made Fun of For Time w/ Fans: Here
Jason Deserves Credit For Helping Stabilize Metallica: Here
Another Article on Jason Quitting: Here
Jason Shown No Respect: Here
How Jason Leaving Saved Metallica: Here
Jason Broke Down After the First Side Project Incident: Here
The Day Jason Decided to Leave / The Original My Friend of Misery Riff Video: Here
The Playboy Interview Transcript: HereNEWSTED RELATED & DEFUNCT PAGESJason Shutting Down Newsted (Loudwire): Here
Jason’s Old Twitter: Here
Newsted’s Old Site: Here
Newsted Merch: Here
Broken Heavy Metal Music Link: Here
Heavy Metal Music on YouTube: HereJASON’S EQUIPMENTJason’s Bass Rig Listing: Here
Jason’s Equipboard: HereThis section is all sourced off a fan-page last updated in 2004, and only a few pages of it work.Jason’s Alembics: Here
Jason’s Guitars: Here
Jason’s Spector NS used on The Black Album: Here