Cliff Burton would have been 50 today [2-10-1962]

For some off reasons, this one hit me today. Cliff died at 24 and he's officially been dead longer than he was alive. But his legacy and his music continue to thrive. You would be hard pressed to find an active rock band whose legacy touches as many continents as Metallica and much of it has to do with their first three records.

Despite barely being aware of music when he tragically passed, rarely has a day gone by in recent decades where I don't think about him or the music he contributed to. Master of Puppets is without question one of my most essential albums and my deep appreciation of Rise the Lightning grows every year. It's devastating to think of what he would have continued to bring to not just the world of music, but to the world at large.

I can't suspect what may or may not have happened, but all I can say is I am happy to live in a world where we've been fortunate enough to be graced with his presence and more importantly, where we can still revel in his music. God bless you Cliff wherever you are.

• Read my review of Joel McIver's superb bio on Cliff HERE
• Read my 25th anniversary review of Ride the Lightning HERE
• Read my review of Mick Wall's bio on Metallica, Enter Night, HERE
• Read my review of Bill Hale's photography book on Metallica's early days HERE
• Read my 2004 review of their Chicago stop HERE
• Read all Metallica pieces HERE