Robert Trujillo’s Journey to Joining Metallica
In 2003, Robert Trujillo joined Metallica, one of the most iconic heavy metal bands in history. Trujillo’s recruitment process was documented in the band’s documentary, Some Kind of Monster. In this article, we’ll delve into the story of how Trujillo joined Metallica and what it meant for his career.
The Background
Before joining Metallica, Trujillo had spent seven years playing with Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath. However, he had been approached by Metallica to replace Jason Newsted, the band’s previous bassist. Trujillo had auditioned for the role and had been impressed by the band’s dedication to their craft.
The Sign-On Payment
When Trujillo joined Metallica, he received a $1 million signing-on payment. However, he wasn’t too concerned about the money. In an interview with The Surfer’s Journal, Trujillo explained that his mind was focused on learning the band’s extensive catalog of music as quickly as possible.
Learning the Music
Trujillo faced a daunting task: learning the music of a band with a massive catalog of songs. He had to prioritize his learning process, and the signing-on payment was not a major consideration.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Call
Before Trujillo officially joined Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne called him to discuss the possibility of going on tour. This was unusual, as Ozzy rarely contacted Trujillo directly. Trujillo was torn between his loyalty to Ozzy and the opportunity to join Metallica.
Lars Ulrich’s Ultimatum
Trujillo received a call from Metallica’s drummer, Lars Ulrich, who delivered an ultimatum: join the band immediately, or miss out on the opportunity. Trujillo was faced with a difficult decision, but ultimately decided to join Metallica.
Meeting with Ozzy and Sharon
Trujillo flew back to California to meet with Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, where he informed them of his decision to leave the band. The meeting was emotional, but Trujillo emphasized that he was grateful for the experience he had gained playing with Ozzy.
Conclusion
Robert Trujillo’s journey to joining Metallica was marked by a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and loyalty. Despite the challenges he faced, Trujillo emerged as one of the most successful bassists in metal history. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of dedication, hard work, and perseverance in achieving success.
FAQs
Q: What was Robert Trujillo’s experience like playing with Ozzy Osbourne?
A: Trujillo spent seven years playing with Ozzy Osbourne, which was an incredible learning experience for him. He gained valuable insight into the music industry and developed his skills as a bassist.
Q: How did Trujillo’s experience with Ozzy prepare him for joining Metallica?
A: Trujillo’s experience with Ozzy Osbourne taught him the importance of discipline, hard work, and dedication. These skills were essential in helping him adjust to the demanding environment of Metallica.
Q: What was the most challenging part of Trujillo’s transition to Metallica?
A: Learning the band’s extensive catalog of music was the most challenging part of Trujillo’s transition to Metallica. He had to prioritize his learning process and dedicate himself to mastering the music.
Q: Did Trujillo’s decision to join Metallica affect his relationship with Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne?
A: Trujillo’s decision to join Metallica was difficult for him, but he maintained a positive relationship with Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne. He remained grateful for the experience he gained playing with them and continued to respect them as friends and colleagues.
