Jason Newsted Bets on Himself After Throat Cancer, Taking the Chophouse Band on Tour

Jason Newsted embraces his musical journey post-throat cancer, bringing the heartfelt vibes of the Chophouse Band to life on the road.

A Journey Marked by Resilience and Rock ‘n’ Roll Spirit

When Jason Newsted stepped into the colossal shoes of Metallica’s late bassist Cliff Burton 40 years ago, few could have predicted the winding road his career would take. I remember hearing stories early on about Jason’s quiet kindness, even when charming fans who hoped for a bit more than just a polite nod. One friend once met him through author Steffan Chirazi—close with the band—and despite her allure, Jason’s gentle but reserved demeanor left a lasting impression. It was clear there was more beneath the surface of this metal titan.

Jason has always struck me as the kind of guy you'd grab a beer with—if I were a beer drinker—and someone reliable enough to call when you need help moving, if your timing’s right. He surprised me when I told him about that encounter, saying, “I remember these things. But more importantly, are you still friends?” That question said it all—Jason is the sort of person who cherishes lasting connections, even if, in this case, they’d drifted apart.

Jason Newsted. (Credit: Michael Newsted)

Celebrating 40 Years of Metallica and Beyond

This year marks a bittersweet milestone: four decades since Jason joined Metallica and 25 years since he parted ways with the legendary group. Yet, his bond with the band remains strong and visible. In a touching moment on Loudwire Nights, he was visibly moved when shown a Metallica commemorative ring engraved with “Newsted” alongside “Burton.”

Fans cherish his role as Metallica’s unofficial unboxer for their remastered box sets, with his detailed videos for ReLoad and The Black Album becoming essential viewing. It’s a testament to how he honors the legacy while carving out his own path.

Metallica in concert at the Monsters of Rock Festival, England, 1987. Newsted (left) with James Hetfield. (Credit: Mike Cameron/Redferns/Getty Images)

The Chophouse Band: A Lifelong Passion Project

Since founding the Chophouse Band in 1992, Jason has nurtured this fluid collective with the heart of a true craftsman. Starting as casual gigs—keg parties, barbecues, backyard jams—the group gradually evolved, adding an original catalog and a charitable mission that’s endured for decades. Now, Jason is taking this beloved band on tour, opening for Blackberry Smoke starting July 1.

This tour is especially courageous, considering Jason’s recent battle with throat cancer. Just months after completing radiation treatment, he’s back on stage as the band’s lead vocalist. His determination is clear: “I bet on myself. I’m not making any money, but it’s not about that. It’s about the immeasurable reward of joy.”

Their setlist features mostly original songs, with the occasional nod to Metallica’s “Turn the Page.” They always close out shows with Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.” Jason’s subtle humor shines through as he says their covers are “more obscure… but you would probably know them.”

The Chophouse Band’s Charitable Heart

Jason’s commitment to music extends beyond the stage. The Chophouse Band has been a vehicle for giving back, supporting charities like Little Kids Rock, Veterans Associations, and youth art programs. He recalls performing alongside legends like Tom Waits and Bonnie Raitt during an early 2000s benefit in San Francisco, sharing stories that connected with kids starting their own musical journeys.

“We donate all the money to causes,” Jason emphasizes. “I make sure my players are paid and fed, and they donate their talents.” His partnership with Blackberry Smoke has reinvigorated this mission, blending Southern rock’s warmth with his own Michigan roots and Florida’s Southern charm.

(L-R) James Hetfield, Jason Newsted, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett at Neil Young’s Annual Bridge School benefit, 1997. (Credit: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

Southern Gentleman Meets Metal Legacy

Though born in Michigan, Jason’s nearly three decades in Florida have infused him with a Southern gentleman’s vibe—polite, respectful, and grounded. This demeanor, he believes, has helped him navigate the often competitive world of rock and metal with grace.

He contrasts the brotherhood and occasional rivalry in metal festivals with the camaraderie he’s found among Americana and Southern rock artists like Jason Isbell and John Prine. “Not that they don’t have egos, but it’s a different approach,” he reflects, appreciating the authenticity and humility of his Southern rock peers.

Wisdom from Experience: Navigating Fame and Ego

Jason’s journey through rock stardom has been a masterclass in humility and self-awareness. “Everybody goes through their time,” he admits. The egos, the narcissism, the posturing—they’re all part of the game. But how long those traits stick depends on what you’re made of at your core.

He’s seen what he doesn’t want to be through the years, steering clear of arrogance or disdain for fans. That respect for others shines through, making him a fan favorite long after his Metallica days.

Metallica in Tokyo, November 1986. (Credit: Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/Getty Images)

Creating Art Beyond Music

Pain and setbacks have fueled new creative outlets for Jason. Between 2004 and 2008, multiple shoulder surgeries left him unable to play guitar as he wished, so he turned to painting—a talent encouraged by his wife, Nicole.

Unexpectedly, this new passion caught attention, leading to gallery shows and even a representative in Paris. Jason’s art became another way to express himself beyond music, with no prior knowledge of the art world, just pure passion.

Opening Up: Memoirs and Hard Truths

Jason is also working on his memoirs, a deeply personal project capturing 130 chapters of his life, from the highs of stardom to the lows of addiction and health battles. He’s determined to tell his story honestly—“No mudslinging or stupid drug stories—just factual things about painkiller addiction.”

His struggle with painkillers began in the ’90s after serious neck and spine injuries, a dark chapter lasting over a decade. But like many artists who turn their pain into art, Jason emerged with renewed strength, celebrating 16 years clean at his first art exhibit in 2010.

(L-R) Robert Trujillo, Kirk Hammett, Jason Newsted, Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 2009. (Credit: Kevin Kane/WireImage)

Facing Cancer with Grace and Privacy

Jason kept his 2023 throat cancer diagnosis private until he was sure of a positive outcome. “I didn’t want people worrying or creating that energy,” he explains. The delicate balance of sharing enough for support but not overburdening loved ones is a tricky dance.

He’s aware how friends and family sometimes struggle to accept illness, wanting to protect themselves from the pain. Jason’s approach highlights a mature, thoughtful perspective on vulnerability and human connection.

Reflecting on Metallica’s Early Pain and Brotherhood

Jason recalls the raw grief the band endured after Cliff Burton’s death—“They never got to process it.” The young members, aged 23, had to rush forward without time to heal, caught in a whirlwind of expectations.

“We got this ball rolling, this motherfucker’s going downhill in the snow, and we can’t stop,” he says, painting a vivid picture of relentless drive mixed with unspoken pain. After 25 years, the band has finally found space to embrace their shared history with genuine brotherhood: “They are finally able to go, ‘Yeah, it’s our boy,’ and I go, ‘That’s my boys.’”

FAQ

• How did Jason Newsted first form the Chophouse Band?
  The Chophouse Band started in January 1992 around the Chophouse studio. It was a casual collective with a rotating roster of musicians playing small gigs like barbecues and keg parties, gradually evolving to include original songs and charitable performances.
• What kind of charitable work does the Chophouse Band support?
  The band donates all proceeds from shows to causes such as Little Kids Rock, Veterans Association, and various youth art and music programs, while ensuring musicians are paid and cared for.
• How did Jason cope with his throat cancer diagnosis?
  He kept it private until certain of a positive prognosis, to avoid unnecessary worry and emotional burden on friends and family, showing a thoughtful approach to vulnerability.
• What inspired Jason’s pivot to painting?
  Shoulder surgeries limited his ability to play guitar, leading him to channel his creativity into painting, encouraged by his artist wife. This new outlet gained unexpected acclaim and international exposure.
• How does Jason view his past with Metallica now?
  He sees it with deep respect and brotherhood, acknowledging the pain and loss they endured together and cherishing the lasting bond forged through decades of music and shared history.

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