In a recent interview, Jason Newsted revealed a different reason for his departure from Metallica in 2001.
Previously, the bassist's version of events mentioned conflicts of interest due to his side project with the band Echobrain. Now, in an appearance on the podcast Let There Be Talk, Newsted revealed that, although Metallica members are discouraged from pursuing side projects, this was not the reason that led him to leave the band.
According to the bassist, leaving Metallica was a desperate measure to try and save his own life from a period of substance addiction. According to his version of events, even though he demonstrated intense dedication to the band, he didn't receive support from his colleagues when he asked for time to recover.
“The reason I left Metallica was because I was a terrible addict,” he confessed. “I was completely in conflict with myself and, if I didn’t get some kind of help, I was going to die. So I said, ‘Guys, can I have a minute? Please, give me a minute.’ And they said, ‘No.’”
“I said, ‘I’d rather live than be in your band. I love being in your band. I think that’s pretty obvious. I wear your shirt every night,’” he added. “‘I wear our shirt every night. I raise our flag every night. I meet every person who wants to meet me and represent us to all the fans every night. Don’t tell me I’m not committed. Don’t tell me I’m not loyal. Don’t tell me. I’m always the first to arrive and the last to leave. It’s not just words. It’s the fucking truth. It’s real. Can’t you give me this time to get my head straight again? Then I have to go. It’s not that I don’t love you, and it certainly isn’t that I’m not committed to the band.’ But it wasn’t because of Echobrain.”
Bassist recently battled throat cancer
In recent days, Jason Newsted also revealed that he underwent a procedure to treat throat cancer about a year ago. According to the musician, the diagnosis came early and he was discharged from treatment about three weeks ago.
“I promised myself I was going to rest, and this was the first time I’d ever done that in my life,” he commented. “Normally, I live on the edge. So, I promised myself I was going to relax and rest for the necessary time. And there was no way, with my arrogance and presumption, that I was going to stop smoking marijuana, stop drinking, stop doing all those things. But the great spirit called my attention and said, ‘This isn’t good right now, man.’ And then it helped me stop. Now I’m clearer than I’ve ever been in my entire adult life. There are blessings in everything. The lemonade I’m making this summer, man… mmm. Sweet. Wow.”
READ ALSO: Jason Newsted, former Metallica member, reveals battle against throat cancer.
