Story perspectives

Metallica's Newsted Bass Restored, Fans React to Mix Scandal

3/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jason Newsted, Metallica bassist, expressed disappointment that the mix buried his bass.
Steve Thompson, mixing engineer, said Lars Ulrich, Metallica drummer, ordered the bass to be obscured.
James Hetfield, Metallica frontman, explained Newsted's bass overlapped with his guitar, complicating the mix.
Flemming Rasmussen, producer, recalled his shock at the bass's absence in the final mix.
EchoBass2 and irushforth (YouTube remasterers) restored Newsted's basslines, debunking the claim that he followed Hetfield's guitar.

History

Historical Context

Metallica's 1988 album "...And Justice for All" faced backlash for its nearly inaudible bass line, a decision influenced by drummer Lars Ulrich's insistence on minimizing bassist Jason Newsted's contributions. This controversy highlighted ongoing tensions in the music industry regarding artistic control, reflecting broader debates about producer influence and collaboration, which continue to resonate in music production today.

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Story summary

Jason Newsted, Metallica bassist, expressed disappointment that the mix buried his bass.
Steve Thompson, mixing engineer, said Lars Ulrich, Metallica drummer, ordered the bass to be obscured.
James Hetfield, Metallica frontman, explained Newsted's bass overlapped with his guitar, complicating the mix.
Flemming Rasmussen, producer, recalled his shock at the bass's absence in the final mix.
EchoBass2 and irushforth (YouTube remasterers) restored Newsted's basslines, debunking the claim that he followed Hetfield's guitar.

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