Photo: Distributed by Megaforce Records / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Born on February 10, 1962, Cliff Burton was from Castro Valley, California, United States. Cliff Burton was a bass guitarist and musician. Death is recorded on September 27, 1986, at the age of 24. Schooling on record includes Castro Valley High School and Chabot College.
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
- Occupation
- bass guitarist / musician / guitarist
2. Background
- High school
- Castro Valley High School
- University
- Chabot College
3. Links
4. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-16
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Cliff Burton born?
Born February 10, 1962.
When did Cliff Burton die?
Died September 27, 1986, aged 24.
Where was Cliff Burton from?
Cliff Burton was from Castro Valley, California, United States.
What did Cliff Burton do?
Cliff Burton worked as bass guitarist, musician, guitarist.
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