Over the weekend, Metallica played at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York. Their first concert in Syracuse in nearly two decades broke an attendance record, drawing more than 47,000 fans. Many may be shocked to find that a metal band founded in the early 1980s could pull tens of thousands of fans. However, former bassist Jason Newsted is not surprised.
Videos by American Songwriter
Before the concert took place, Newsted spoke to WSYR about Metallica’s return to Syracuse and his upcoming benefit shows in the city. During the conversation, he revealed why the band still draws so many fans.
Jason Newsted on the Quality of Metallica’s Concerts
Interviewer Jeff Kulikowsky asked Jason Newsted, “What’s a Metallica concert like for someone that’s never been before? They don’t play here much.” His response proved that there is no bad blood between him and his former band. “Yeah, it’s been a while since Metallica played in Syracuse. I was with them there, I think it was ’96 the last time we did it,” he recalled.
“They’ve been together for 44 years, they have thousands of shows under their belt. I think, probably, the number one live act from America currently is Metallica,” Newsted said. “They bring it all every time. And I know the production this time around is the most fantastical one to date,” he added. He also had advice for those who planned to attend the show. “Get your dancin’ shoes on,” he said.
Newsted on Playing Benefit Shows
Jason Newsted & Friends will play at the Everson Museum in Syracuse for two nights this summer. Jeff Kulikowsky wanted to know what made him say yes to the benefit shows.
“I’ve been playing benefit shows for the last 20 years or so,” Newsted said. “I choose six or eight a year, and they’re usually affiliated with youth art and music programs,” he explained. “So, I started out with a thing called Little Kids Rock back in the early 2000s. They now call it Music Will. And we have been responsible for putting thousands of instruments in kids’ hands,” he added.
Newsted said his goal with these benefit shows is to “Make [kids] aware of art and make them aware of music and get instruments and paintbrushes in their hands.”
Featured Image by Brandon Marshall/Shutterstock
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.