Did You Know That James Hetflied Never Liked Jason Newsted When He Replaced Cliff Button:A Clash of Egos and Loyalty
The relationship between **James Hetfield** and **Jason Newsted** in Metallica was one filled with tension, respect, and ultimately, conflict. Newsted joined the band in 1986 after the tragic death of bassist Cliff Burton, but despite his dedication and talent, he was never fully accepted by Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich. Over the years, their tensions grew, leading to Newsted’s departure in 2001.
#### **The Early Struggles: The “New Kid” Treatment**
When Newsted replaced Cliff Burton, he faced a difficult transition. Hetfield, still grieving Burton’s loss, saw Newsted as an outsider. The band hazed him relentlessly, which included humiliating pranks and financial mistreatment. On the *...And Justice for All* album (1988), his bass parts were intentionally mixed so low that they were nearly inaudible. This was a direct result of Hetfield and Ulrich asserting dominance over the “new guy.”
#### **Musical and Personal Conflicts**
As Metallica evolved, so did Newsted’s frustrations. He was a skilled bassist and a creative force, but Hetfield and Ulrich often dismissed his contributions. Hetfield, as Metallica’s primary songwriter, maintained strict control over the band’s creative direction. When Newsted expressed his desire to have more input, especially after the *Black Album* era, his ideas were often shot down.
A breaking point came when Newsted started his own side project, **Echobrain**. Hetfield strongly opposed this, believing Metallica should be Newsted’s sole focus. In an interview, Hetfield admitted that he saw Echobrain as a betrayal, stating, **“When someone does something outside of what we’re doing, it dilutes the strength of Metallica.”** For Newsted, this was the final straw—he realized he would never have creative freedom in the band.
#### **Newsted’s Departure and Aftermath**
In 2001, Newsted officially left Metallica, citing “private and personal reasons.” However, it was clear that his departure was fueled by years of being treated as an outsider and Hetfield’s controlling nature. Interestingly, Hetfield himself took a hiatus soon after to deal with alcohol addiction, which led to Metallica’s infamous *Some Kind of Monster* documentary, showcasing the band’s internal struggles.
Looking back, Hetfield and Newsted have both expressed regret over how things ended. Hetfield later admitted that they could have handled Newsted’s exit differently, while Newsted has stated that he still respects Hetfield and the band. Their conflict was a mix of grief, ego, and creative differences, making it one of the most intense rivalries in metal history.
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