Metallica Song's Bass Solo Was Supposed to Be Hammett Guitar Solo

A pivotal moment in the creation of Metallica’s iconic song “Orion” involved a last-minute shift in musical direction, revealing a fascinating dynamic within the band during the recording of their 1986 album, Master of Puppets. The story, recently recounted by current bassist Robert Trujillo, highlights the creative contributions of the band’s late bassist, Cliff Burton.

How a Solo Was Reclaimed

Robert Trujillo shared the story during an appearance on The Metallica Report podcast, while honoring Burton, who tragically died in a tour bus accident in 1986 and would have turned 64 on February 10th. Trujillo revealed that the now-famous bass solo in “Orion” was originally intended for guitarist Kirk Hammett.

According to Trujillo, Hammett had stepped away from the studio, and upon his return, Burton had already recorded the solo on bass. “He was originally supposed to play the solo there, Kirk was,” Trujillo explained. “And he was away from the studio, came back the next day and Cliff had laid the track. He played the solo there and there was no solo for Kirk.” Hammett himself apparently acknowledged the story, with Trujillo noting, “Not that Kirk doesn’t get enough solos, but Cliff took his solo, which I think is just so cool.”

Did You Know? Metallica’s Master of Puppets album was released on March 3, 1986, and would prove to be a turning point for the band.

The Enduring Legacy of “Orion”

Beyond the story of its creation, “Orion” holds a special place within Metallica’s repertoire. Trujillo emphasized the song’s ability to connect the band with both its audience and with each other. He described how the track “automatically brings us together” due to its emotional resonance.

Trujillo believes this unifying effect is directly tied to the spirit of Cliff Burton. “Is it the spirit of Cliff? absolutely,” he stated. “The song is probably the closest thing to the spirit of Cliff and that’s why you need to be together.” This suggests that performing “Orion” is not merely a musical act, but a way for the band to honor and remember their former bandmate.

Expert Insight: The story of “Orion” illustrates how spontaneous creative shifts can sometimes yield unexpected and powerful results. The willingness to embrace Burton’s contribution, even if it meant altering initial plans, ultimately enriched the song and cemented its place in Metallica’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What song is this story about?

The story centers around the song “Orion” from Metallica’s 1986 album, Master of Puppets.

Who originally was supposed to play the solo in “Orion”?

Kirk Hammett was originally slated to play the solo in “Orion,” but Cliff Burton recorded the bass solo while Hammett was away from the studio.

How does Robert Trujillo describe the impact of “Orion” on Metallica?

Robert Trujillo says “Orion” automatically brings the band together, connecting them with each other and with their fans, and believes the song embodies the spirit of Cliff Burton.

How do you think unexpected changes in the creative process can impact the final result of a work of art?

Metallica Song’s Bass Solo Was Supposed to Be Hammett Guitar Solo