September 27 remains a painful day etched in the hearts of many, marking the tragic loss of the late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton in 1986. Thirty-seven years later, Metallica honors his enduring legacy by including songs like “Orion” in their live performances as a heartfelt tribute to his memory. Today, they shared a live rendition of the track with a simple yet poignant message: “We miss you, Cliff.” These few words cut straight to the heart, reminding us of the tragic story behind his untimely passing.
In a flashback to 1986, Metallica was on an exhilarating ascent to success following the release of their third full-length album, Master of Puppets. During a two-month European tour alongside Anthrax, they reached a pinnacle with a headline show at London’s Hammersmith Odeon on September 21. The post-concert festivities were a wild night of revelry, filled with drinks, youthful exuberance, and celebration.
Little did anyone know this would be the last time they would share a drink with Cliff Burton. Tragedy struck less than a week later. In a life-altering card game between Burton and guitarist Kirk Hammett, where they playfully argued over bunk arrangements, they settled the matter with a deck of cards. Fate dealt Burton the ace of spades, resulting in Hammett sleeping at the front of the bus. Little did they realize that tragedy loomed as their tour bus skidded on an icy road between Stockholm and Copenhagen, ultimately overturning and claiming Burton’s life.
This heart-wrenching accident still feels like a fresh wound, a memory that has persisted for thirty-seven years. Yet, the legacy of Cliff Burton lives on through video clips, memorabilia, and as a symbol of enduring immortality. Today, we mark the thirty-seventh anniversary of his passing, a day when we continue to remember the legend.
