Cliff Burton

Clifford Lee Burton (February 10, 1962 – September 27, 1986) was the second bassist in the band Metallica, joining the band in late 1982 replacing Ron McGovney. He wa

Clifford Lee Burton (February 10, 1962 – September 27, 1986) was the second bassist in the band Metallica, joining the band in late 1982 replacing Ron McGovney. He was, and still is, considered to be one of the best bassists in heavy metal history. His life and tragic death have inspired at least two songs.

Burton was born in Castro Valley, California. He started playing the piano at age six. In 1976 at the age of 14, Burton picked up the bass guitar and started playing in local bands, while taking lessons with a local music teacher. According to his parents, Cliff would spend four to six hours a day perfecting his bass guitar skills; even after he joined Metallica. Upon finishing high school, he took a music course at junior college.