Who Is Cliff Burton? Age, Biography and Wiki
Cliff Burton was born on February 10, 1962, in Castro Valley, California. He became renowned for his exceptional talent as the bassist for the heavy metal band Metallica, a position he held from 1982 until his untimely death in 1986. Though his life was tragically cut short at the age of 24, Burton's influence on metal music and bass playing techniques has continued to inspire musicians worldwide. He is celebrated not only for his virtuosity on the bass guitar but also for his contributions to Metallica’s early work, including albums such as Kill 'Em All, Ride the Lightning, and Master of Puppets.
| Occupation | Guitarist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 10, 1962 |
| Age | 24 Years |
| Birth Place | Castro Valley, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 27 September, 1986 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Cliff Burton's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Cliff Burton stood at a height of approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and weighed around 170 pounds (77 kg) during his career. Known for his long hair, he often sported a distinctive style that reflected the heavy metal culture of the 1980s. Burton had a lean build, complemented by his energetic stage presence, which contributed to his iconic status in the music scene.
When he joined Metallica in 1982, Burton's main bass was a red Rickenbacker 4001. Burton made several modifications to it, in particular removing the stock high-gain pickups, which did not suit his heavy use of effects pedals and aggressive finger-style playing.
The neck pickup was swapped with a Gibson "Mudbucker" and the bridge with a Seymour Duncan "Classic Stack Jazz Bass" pickup. Burton used this 4001 on Kill 'Em All and several tracks on Ride The Lightning before technical problems forced him to retire it. Burton then briefly played an Alembic Spoiler II before it was stolen from his car.
In 1985, Burton began endorsing Japanese manufacturer Aria. He initially played an SB1000 model before receiving his signature "SB Black n' Gold" bass, which he used on Master Of Puppets.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Cliff Burton was known to be private about his personal life, which has led to speculation regarding his relationships. There is little public information about any long-term girlfriend or boyfriend during his life, and he never married. His dedication to music often took precedence, leading to a focus on his career over romantic relationships at the time.
He had two elder siblings, Scott (1958–1975) and Connie. Burton's interest in music began when his father introduced him to classical music and began taking piano lessons.
Net Worth and Salary
Despite his brief life, Burton's contributions to Metallica and the music industry have ensured that his legacy remains profitable. While it’s difficult to ascertain his exact net worth at the time of his death, estimates suggest he would have accumulated a net worth exceeding $1 million through album sales, tours, and royalties from one of the biggest bands in the world. His posthumous influence continues to garner revenue through consistent album sales and merchandise.
On the “Hardwired… to Self Destruct Deluxe" bonus track “Fade to Black (Live at Rasputin Music)" James dedicates the song to Cliff, saying “For Cliff!” and “Can you hear us Cliff?”
Career, Business and Investments
Cliff Burton joined Metallica in 1982, solidifying his place in the band with his innovative playing style and songwriting abilities. He was instrumental in helping Metallica evolve their sound, blending heavy metal with elements of classical music. Burton's career was marked by significant achievements, including three studio albums and numerous international tours. His untimely passing in a tragic bus accident during a tour in Sweden in 1986 shocked the music world, yet his influence continues to resonate.
While Cliff did not engage in business ventures outside of his music career, his work with Metallica laid the foundation for their future successes, which have seen the band gross billions since his death.
Social Network
Though Cliff Burton did not use social media in the way we think of today, his legacy lives on through numerous fan clubs and music forums dedicated to his memory. Fans celebrate his life, share covers of his music, and discuss his impact on heavy metal culture on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit. These platforms keep the memory of Burton alive, fostering a community that respects and cherishes his contributions to music.
Metallica's debut album, Kill 'Em All, was originally intended to inherit the name of one of their earlier demo releases (predating Burton's participation), which was Metal Up Your Ass, but the record company did not like the title and insisted on changing it.
Burton said "We should just kill 'em all, man," which gave the band members an idea for the new title. The album was released on July 25, 1983, through Megaforce Records.
Education
Cliff Burton attended Castro Valley High School, where he developed a passion for music and performing. He later attended the College of San Mateo, where he studied music theory and composition, further honing the skills that would propel him to legendary status in the music world. His formative years laid the groundwork not only for his musical abilities but also for his unique approach to songwriting and bass playing.
In conclusion, Cliff Burton remains an iconic figure in rock and metal music, and as we look towards 2025, his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike. While he may no longer be with us, his spirit lives on through his music and the millions who admire his work.
Burton's early musical ventures include performing in bands such as EZ-Street and Agents of Misfortune, and frequently collaborating with guitarist Jim Martin. He was discovered by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich while performing in Los Angeles, who asked him to replace bassist Ron McGovney in Metallica.
After the release of their first two albums Kill 'Em All (1983) and Ride the Lightning (1984), Burton and Metallica achieved their worldwide breakthrough with Master of Puppets (1986), often cited as both the band's best work and one of the best metal albums.
