Original Metallica bassist Cliff Burton would have turned 64 this week, and current bassist Robert Trujillo is honoring his legacy by sharing stories about the late musician’s impact on some of the band’s most iconic songs — including Master of Puppets instrumental “Orion.”
Speaking on The Metallica Report podcast, Trujillo reflected on Burton’s musical genius and revealed a surprising detail about the legendary track from the band’s 1986 album Master of Puppets. According to Trujillo, the soaring solo section in “Orion” — widely celebrated as one of Burton’s defining bass moments — was originally intended to be a guitar solo by Kirk Hammett.
Cliff Burton Took Kirk Hammett’s Solo on “Orion”
“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.”
Trujillo said Hammett himself shared the story with him, underscoring Burton’s bold creativity in the studio during the recording of Master of Puppets.
“Not that Kirk doesn’t get enough solos, but Cliff took his solo, which I think is just so cool,” Trujillo added.
The revelation offers new insight into the collaborative — and sometimes spontaneous — dynamic that helped shape Metallica’s early sound, cementing Orion as one of the band’s most beloved instrumental tracks.
Why “Orion” Remains a Fan-Favorite Metallica Song
Metallica still performs “Orion” live on occasion, and Trujillo noted that the eight-minute instrumental remains a favorite not only among fans but within the band itself.
“This is a song that automatically brings us together and it has to do with the emotion and the personality of the song,” he said. “It’s so infectious that you have to be together and you also have to be together with the fans.”
For many in the Metallica community, Orion represents more than just a technical showcase — it stands as a powerful tribute to Cliff Burton’s spirit and musical vision.
Cliff Burton’s Enduring Legacy in Metallica
Burton, who tragically died in a bus accident in 1986 at age 24, played a pivotal role in shaping Metallica’s early thrash metal sound on albums like Kill ’Em All, Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets. His classical influences, melodic bass lines and fearless experimentation continue to inspire musicians decades later.
Trujillo believes “Orion” captures Burton’s essence more than perhaps any other Metallica song.
“Is it the spirit of Cliff? Absolutely,” he said. “The song is probably the closest thing to the spirit of Cliff, and that’s why you need to be together.”
As fans celebrate what would have been Cliff Burton’s 64th birthday, stories like this serve as a reminder of his lasting impact on Metallica — and on heavy metal history.
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