Jason Newsted Recalls Metallica’s Dart Incident During Concert
During a recent episode of the Rolling Stone podcast “Nashville Now,” Jason Newsted, former bassist of Metallica, shared a memorable and rather unusual incident from his time with the legendary band. Joined by Blackberry Smoke’s frontman Charlie Starr, Newsted reflected on a concert experience that involved darts being thrown at the stage.
The Late ’80s Concert Experience
The story dates back to the late 1980s, around the time of Metallica’s rise to fame. Starr mentioned a Metallica show he attended with The Cult following the release of their 1989 album, *Sonic Temple*. Newsted recounted a specific concert in Canada where the band faced an unexpected challenge.
Adapting to the Venue
The concert took place in a rural arena that had not sold out, leading the venue to hang a curtain and move the stage closer to the audience. This adjustment meant that fans seated in the upper levels were positioned almost directly above the band, creating an unusual dynamic for the performance.
The Dart Incident
As Metallica played through their set, Newsted described how a dart suddenly whizzed past him. “I look over at James [Hetfield] and… another one. I go, ‘Dude,’ the no-words communication thing,” he recalled. The situation escalated as several darts flew onto the stage, with one nearly hitting Hetfield’s shoe.
Stopping the Show
In response to the dangerous situation, Hetfield made the decision to halt the concert. Newsted noted that this was only one of a few times the band had ever stopped a show, typically reserved for serious incidents involving crowd safety. As Hetfield paused the performance, the audience’s energy shifted; circle pits slowed down, and all eyes turned to the stage.
Confronting the Perpetrator
In a moment of frustration, Hetfield picked up one of the darts, held it aloft, and exclaimed, “What the fuck!” This prompted venue security and some fans to shine lights on the individual responsible for the darts. As tensions rose, several audience members even jumped on the perpetrator, leading to him being escorted out by the authorities.
A Lesson in Crowd Responsibility
Newsted expressed gratitude for the crowd’s “self-policing nature,” highlighting the camaraderie among fans that helped restore order during the chaotic moment. “Anyway, stuff does get thrown on the stage for sure,” he concluded, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of live performances.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable elements that can occur during live music events. While the vast majority of fans attend shows to enjoy the music and atmosphere, there are always exceptions. Newsted’s story not only illustrates a moment of danger but also the solidarity and responsibility that often prevails among concertgoers in times of chaos.
FAQs
What happened during the Metallica concert that Jason Newsted recalled?
Jason Newsted recounted an incident where darts were thrown at the band during a concert in Canada, prompting frontman James Hetfield to stop the show.
Why did Metallica stop the concert?
Hetfield halted the performance due to the safety risk posed by the darts being thrown from the audience.
What was the crowd’s reaction during the incident?
The crowd’s energy shifted, and many fans looked towards the stage, with some even assisting security in dealing with the individual responsible for throwing the darts.
How did Jason Newsted feel about the crowd’s response?
Newsted praised the crowd for their self-policing nature, highlighting their willingness to take action in ensuring the safety of the band and other fans.
