When you talk about legendary bassists in metal, Cliff Burton’s name isn’t just somewhere on the list — it defines the list.
Cliff wasn’t just technically brilliant. He was fearless, experimental, and totally unique. While other metal bassists were buried in the mix, Cliff stepped up and made bass a lead instrument — something you could feel in your chest and hear screaming from the stage.
Though his time with Metallica was tragically short — just three studio albums and a handful of live tours — Cliff left a legacy that still influences musicians today. So let’s dive deep into the top 7 performances that showcase Cliff Burton at his absolute best — moments that still leave jaws on the floor.
#7. “Whiplash” – Live at the Lyceum Theatre, London (1984)
This is pure, unfiltered Metallica energy, and Cliff is right in the middle of the storm.
The Lyceum gig was early in Metallica’s rise, back when they were still earning their stripes in the UK and Europe. But even in this chaotic setting, Cliff comes through with razor-sharp playing. His tone is gritty, his rhythm is locked-in, and his stage presence? Utterly magnetic.
What stands out here isn’t just Cliff’s technique — it’s his ability to command the stage without ever needing to be front and center. Whether it’s the subtle slides during the verse or the punch of his downpicking, Cliff was the glue between James’s rhythm guitar and Lars’s ever-chaotic drumming.
Why it matters: This performance proves Cliff wasn’t just a studio genius. He was a live powerhouse who knew how to bring thunder to the stage.
#6. “Creeping Death” – Ride the Lightning (1984)
If you’re listening on a decent set of headphones, focus on the bass during the verses and bridge — it’s Cliff Burton holding the entire beast together.
“Creeping Death” is already a fan-favorite for its biblical themes and crushing riffs, but listen closely, and you’ll hear Burton subtly doing things that elevate the whole song: descending runs under the chorus, chromatic transitions between sections, and a growling tone that keeps the song grounded.
And let’s not forget the "Die! Die! Die!" bridge — that section is pure Cliff. It locks into a menacing groove that hits like a war march. It’s not flashy, it’s not overly complicated — it’s just perfect metal bass work.
Why it matters: Cliff’s brilliance wasn’t always about solos or technical flexing — sometimes, it was about knowing when not to play, and when to lay the perfect foundation.
#5. “(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth” – Kill ‘Em All (1983)
This is where the legend really began.
Let’s be honest: a bass solo on a debut thrash album? That’s not just rare — that’s unheard of. But Cliff didn’t care about fitting the mold. “(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth” is his moment, and he turns what could’ve been a throwaway solo track into a full-blown statement of purpose.
The use of distortion and wah pedals? Ahead of its time. The classical phrasing mixed with headbanging aggression? Nobody was doing it like this. When the drums kick in and Cliff goes full beast mode, you realize: this isn’t just a cool solo — this is a declaration. The bass can be a lead instrument in metal, and Cliff Burton just proved it.
Why it matters: This track flipped the metal world upside down. It made people rethink what the bass could do, and set the tone for everything Cliff would do after.
#4. “For Whom the Bell Tolls” – Live at Day on the Green (1985)
If you ever doubted that Cliff could own a live crowd, watch this.
That opening line — which many still mistake for a guitar — is all bass, heavily distorted and dripping with menace. It’s haunting, it’s apocalyptic, and it’s 100% Cliff. At the Day on the Green show, Cliff steps into the spotlight and unleashes it like a god calling thunder from the sky.
But it’s not just the intro. Throughout the song, Cliff adds small flourishes and variations that show he wasn’t just playing the part — he was feeling it. The way he sways with the music, headbanging in time, almost trance-like — he’s not just playing a gig; he’s channeling something.
Why it matters: This live version became iconic — not just for Cliff’s playing, but for the visual of a bassist leading the charge at one of the biggest shows of the band’s early career.
#3. “Orion” – Master of Puppets (1986)
No performance better encapsulates Cliff’s mind as a composer than this 8-minute instrumental masterpiece.
Co-written primarily by Burton, “Orion” was designed to give the band space to experiment, and Cliff took full advantage of it. From the heavy opening riffs to the elegant, almost sorrowful middle section — it’s a journey. And that middle section? That’s all Cliff. His melodic solo floats over clean guitars like something out of a dream — emotional, haunting, unforgettable.
Cliff recorded parts of “Orion” on a 12-string bass and layered multiple harmonies, giving it a unique texture rarely heard in metal to this day. Even decades later, musicians are still analyzing this song, trying to figure out exactly how he pulled it off.
Why it matters: “Orion” was Cliff Burton’s soul in audio form — elegant, powerful, tragic, and eternal.
#2. “The Call of Ktulu” – Ride the Lightning (1984)
This song is often overshadowed by its more aggressive counterparts, but make no mistake — this is one of the most mature, cinematic moments in Metallica’s early catalog, thanks largely to Cliff’s influence.
Inspired by Lovecraftian horror and co-written by Burton, “The Call of Ktulu” is rich with atmosphere and tension. Cliff’s bass playing shifts from growling undercurrents to melodic accents that rise above the mix. You can hear him shaping the mood of the song — not just keeping time, but painting with sound.
The classical influence is clear here. Cliff knew when to hold back and when to push forward, giving this instrumental the dynamic structure of a symphony rather than a standard metal track.
Why it matters: This performance showcases Cliff as a composer and visionary, proving that metal could be intelligent, layered, and expressive.
#1. “Damage, Inc.” – Master of Puppets (1986)
Cliff’s final recorded performance with Metallica — and what a way to go out.
It opens with a slow, almost mournful ambient section, performed by Cliff on a 12-string bass. Yes, a 12-string. The intro feels like a lullaby from another dimension — peaceful, eerie, mysterious. And then, out of nowhere, it explodes into one of the fastest, most aggressive songs Metallica ever recorded.
The contrast is breathtaking, and it’s all Cliff. That intro was written and performed by him, and it perfectly captures everything he brought to Metallica: sensitivity, heaviness, and the element of surprise.
From that point on, the song is a full-speed assault, and Cliff never falters. His bass is tight, aggressive, and relentless, just like his spirit. “Damage, Inc.” feels like both a war cry and a farewell — and in hindsight, it’s heartbreaking.
Why it matters: It’s the perfect Cliff Burton performance — soft, brutal, emotional, and unforgettable. A final bow from a musician who gave everything he had, every time.
Final Thoughts
Cliff Burton was more than just a bass player. He was a force of nature — a musical brain wrapped in denim and leather, with his feet planted in both classical music and thrash metal. He didn’t just play bass — he redefined it for an entire genre.
His performances continue to inspire new generations of musicians, proving that even a short life can cast a long shadow.
So whether you’re listening to “Orion” at midnight with the lights off, or watching old footage of “For Whom the Bell Tolls” with your jaw on the floor — take a second to appreciate the artistry of a man who changed the game forever.
