Robert Trujillo recently revealed that the iconic bass solo in Metallica’s “Orion” was originally intended for Kirk Hammett’s guitar. Trujillo shared this story during an interview to honor Cliff Burton on what would have been his 64th birthday, February 10.
“He was originally supposed to play the solo there, Kirk was,” Trujillo explained. “But he was away from the studio. When he returned the next day, Cliff had already laid down the track. He played the solo, and there was no solo left for Kirk.”
Trujillo learned this directly from Hammett after joining the band. The incident happened during the recording sessions for *Master of Puppets* in 1986. “Not that Kirk doesn’t get enough solos, but Cliff took his solo, which I think is just so cool,” Trujillo added.
*Master of Puppets*, released in 1986, features the eight-minute instrumental “Orion.” Tragically, Burton passed away just months later in a bus accident on September 27, 1986.
Trujillo emphasized how “Orion” brings the band together on stage. “This song automatically unites us, and it’s all about the emotion and personality of the music,” he said. “It’s so infectious that you have to be together, and you also have to connect with the fans.”
For Trujillo, “Orion” is a tribute to Burton. “Is it the spirit of Cliff? Absolutely,” he stated. “The song captures who he was, and that’s why we need to be together.”
Metallica’s M72 world tour will continue in May, starting in Athens. They will return to the UK in late June, performing in Glasgow, Cardiff, and London. A portion of each ticket sale goes to local charities through the All Within My Hands foundation, which has raised over $20 million since 2017.
