As I sat at my computer that day 1-18-01 (if I am wrong about the day sorry) trying to finish a paper that was due for my class that night everyone sent me an instant message asking me if I heard. They kept telling me I had to go to Metallica.com because it was important. At first I was like I can't I am busy. Finally they buged me to the point where I was like fine I will look. Unless you are a Jason Newsted fan you would not understand what I was going through. My heart sank to its lowest point. I wondered why Jason would give up what he loves the most. Needless to say it was devastateing for me. To most it may sound stupid but when you idle leaves it can be very hard. Jason is the whole reason I wanted to learn to play bass. His energy is something else. It is pure unbridled passion. If you have ever seen him on stage you would know what I mean. But then I sat back after a few days of thinking about it there had to be a reason. Who knows what it is. In all of this I now understand what my sister went through when Cliff died. I know Jason is still with us but the fact is they lost another bassist. If Jason never picks up another bass and plays he will always be number one in my heart. I still have all his music he has done and to be honest that is enough for me. In closeing I have one thing to say to him. Jason you gave us 14 awesome years of yourself, your talent, and passion for music like no other could. You will always be number one to me and your music will live on forever. Peace.

-ArmageddonOne@aol.com
Feb, 2001