What is the name of the bassist who joined Metallica in 2003?

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The bassist who joined Metallica in 2003 is Robert Trujillo. He officially joined the band on February 24, 2003, replacing Jason Newsted, who had resigned from Metallica in 2001.

Before Metallica, Trujillo had built a reputation through influential projects including Suicidal Tendencies and Infectious Grooves. He also played with Ozzy Osbourne, where he worked alongside guitarist Zakk Wylde. His broad experience made him a strong fit for Metallica’s demanding combination of precision, stamina, and showmanship.

His recruitment is featured in the documentary Metallica: Some Kind of Monster, which follows the band during the difficult period surrounding the recording of St. Anger. Trujillo is known for fingerstyle playing, slap technique, and extended bass features in concert. He became Metallica’s longest-serving bassist and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the band in 2009.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Aug. 2026

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