Ron McGovney

Ron McGovney was Metallica's first bass player when they formed in 1981. He was replaced by Cliff Burton. After leaving/being dismissed from Metallica, McGovney was di

Ron McGovney was Metallica's first bass player when they formed in 1981. He was replaced by Cliff Burton. After leaving/being dismissed from Metallica, McGovney was disillusioned with music and sold most of his equipment. However, several years later, he was enticed into another band called Phantasm with ex-Hirax singer Katon W. De Pena. McGovney found the label of "Metallica's first bassist" too difficult to handle, and he left Phantasm after a handful of shows.

McGovney met James Hetfield in high school. They became friends through a mutual love of heavy rock, and alienation from their peers. Hetfield convinced McGovney to learn bass guitar, bought an instrument and an amplifier, and proceeded to teach McGovney. Soon, the pair moved into one of McGovney's parents' rental houses, which was due to be demolished.