Follow (me) @epicliveperformances to tune into the most iconic moments in live music history …. Cliff Burton was Metallica’s legendary bassist from 1982 until his tragic death in 1986 — and even in that short time, he completely redefined what a bass could do in metal. With his classically inspired melodies and wild distortion, he treated the bass like a lead instrument. His work on tracks like “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth),” and “Orion” showed off his haunting tone and