The first inkling appeared when at the highly anticipated "VH1 - My music awards" aired live. It was promoted in every way it possibly could, like in commercials, on the web, and it even let us fans choose the song to be played. As always, Metallica performed "Fade to Black" perfectly, outside in the parking lot. And no one was surprised when Metallica took home "Gods of Thunder", over new bands like Creed.I guess Jason didn't feel much like a god of thunder, considering he didn't show up for the pre-show, or the recption,and even sitting his own section, away from James, Lars, and Kirk. I was surprised, seeing the band like that, and even more surprised that not too many Met fans were aware of this. But it wasn't surprising when Jason left Metallica,in January. Joining Metallica, the band expected him to fill in Cliff's shoes decently, and play good. Joining Metallica for Jason was not only for that, but to contribute his all to Metallica in a different way than Cliff. Considering out of 4 original albums, (not including the cover album Garage Inc. or S&M) Jason only helped write 3 songs. Those three songs (My friend of Misery, Blackened, Where the wild things are) all happen to kick mad ass. Who knows what Metallica could have produced if they let Jason contribute to the albums more? It definately would have made Re-Load and Load much heavier. Even Kirk admitted it was bitchy of James to prohibit him from releasing his Echo Brain album. Now that he's not in Metallica, he's finally allowed to do whatever he wants, and Lars even claimed they were much closer as friends now. What more could you want from an ex member? I mean, they're in touch, still close friends, and who knows, maybe they'll do a show or two together(Keep those fingers crossed!). Sure, now Metallica can't cover songs like Of Wolf and Man and?Seek and Destroy very well now (We all love Jason's voice), but we all have to thank Jason for 14 years of heavy shit, head-banging, etc, etc. Rock on, Metallica (and Jason)!

- queenrozidala@aol.com
May, 2001