Photo: Distributed by Megaforce Records / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
My Take
Cliff Burton's playing still gives me chills. As Metallica's bassist from 1982 until his death, he brought a classically informed melodic sensibility that turned the bass from a background pulse into a lead voice; just listen to how his lines breathe and sing. That he died at only 24 in a tour bus accident is one of rock's genuine tragedies, a future cut brutally short. Yet in those few years he reshaped what a metal bassist could be and left an influence far larger than his time on stage. To me he is simply the man who elevated the instrument, and I say that with deep respect.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Cliff Burton
- Name (Japanese)
- クリフ・バートン
- Reading
- くりふ・ばーとん
- Born
- February 10, 1962 – September 27, 1986
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Aquarius / Tiger
- Origin
- Castro Valley, California, United States
- Blood type
- Private
- Height
- Private
- Agency
- Private
- Occupation
- bass guitarist / musician / guitarist
2. Background
- Elementary school
- Private
- Junior high
- Private
- High school
- Castro Valley High School
- University
- Chabot College
3. Relationships
- Spouse
- Private
- Children
- Private
- Parents
- Private
- Siblings
- Private
4. Personality
Motto
Private
6. Links
Frequently asked questions
When was Cliff Burton born?
February 10, 1962 – September 27, 1986.
Where is Cliff Burton from?
Cliff Burton is from Castro Valley, California, United States.
What does Cliff Burton do?
Cliff Burton works as bass guitarist, musician, guitarist.
Bass guitarist — see all → · Musician — see all → · More people from United States →
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-16
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public items are marked "Private / Unknown". English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.