Who wrote the main riff that became the basis of Metallica's “My Friend of Misery”?

Jason Newsted wrote the main riff that became the basis of Metallica's “My Friend of Misery.”

Newsted originally intended his idea to become an instrumental, continuing a tradition that had appeared on each of Metallica's previous studio albums. The bass-driven concept eventually became the eleventh track on The Black Album after lyrics and additional sections were developed.

The finished song credits James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Jason Newsted as writers. Newsted played bass on the recording, while Hetfield provided vocals and rhythm guitar, Kirk Hammett played lead guitar, and Ulrich played drums.

The songwriting detail is often overlooked because Hetfield and Ulrich wrote most of Metallica's material during this period. Newsted's contribution was especially notable within the band's catalog: “My Friend of Misery” was his main songwriting contribution to the album and grew from his original bass-riff idea.