Which bassist left Metallica in 2001?

Which bassist left Metallica in 2001? Jason Newsted. He publicly announced his departure from the band on January 17, 2001, after more than a decade as Metallica’s bassist.

Newsted joined Metallica in 1986 after the death of Cliff Burton and made his studio debut with the band on …And Justice for All. He went on to play on Metallica, Load, Reload, Garage Inc., and S&M, while also contributing to the group’s live identity and songwriting.

His departure followed disagreements about his side project Echobrain, the demands of Metallica, and the physical toll of playing. Metallica’s next album, St. Anger, was recorded with producer Bob Rock handling bass parts. Robert Trujillo joined the band in 2003 and later played on Death Magnetic. The other options are former or later Metallica bassists, but none left the band in 2001.