A one million dollar advance accompanied Robert Trujillo when he officially joined Metallica on February 24, 2003. This transaction, captured in the documentary Metallica: Some Kind of Monster, solidified his position as the successor to Jason Newsted. Since then, he has served as the band's longest-tenured bassist, bridging a career that spans from Californian thrash beginnings to global stadium performances.
Early Development and Influences
Born in Santa Monica on October 23, 1964, Roberto Agustín Miguel Santiago Samuel Trujillo Veracruz grew up in Culver City. During his youth, his mother introduced him to soul music, while he personally identified with the jazz fusion style of Jaco Pastorius. Educated at Culver City High School, he later attended jazz school at age 19 with the goal of becoming a studio musician, though his primary focus remained on rock and metal genres.
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Trujillo rose to wider attention in 1989 when he replaced Bob Heathcote as the bassist for the crossover thrash outfit Suicidal Tendencies. He remained with the group until 1995. Throughout this period, he collaborated with frontman Mike Muir to form the funk metal supergroup Infectious Grooves. He also explored experimental sounds through the group Mass Mental, a project featuring Benji Webbe that produced material in Japan.
Hard Rock Tenure and Metallica
In the late 1990s, Trujillo performed with Ozzy Osbourne, contributing songwriting to the Down to Earth album and re-recording bass tracks for the reissued editions of Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman. He also played brief engagements with Black Label Society. In 2003, he joined Metallica, later earning an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 alongside the band's other members.
Technical Style and Equipment
While predominantly a finger-style player, Trujillo frequently incorporates slap bass techniques and uses a pick when required. He is noted for his use of chord-based harmonics. His gear includes Warwick Streamer and Zon Sonus RT signature basses, alongside a collection of Fender, Fernandes, and Tobias instruments. He is the custodian of the 1962 fretless Jazz Bass formerly owned by Jaco Pastorius, known as the Bass of Doom.
Fast facts
- Born: 23 October 1964, Santa Monica
- Education: Culver City High School
- Joined Metallica: 24 February 2003
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction: 2009
- Signature Bass: Warwick Streamer
- Producer: Jaco (2014 documentary)
- Citizenship: United States
Questions readers ask
Which bands has Robert Trujillo been a member of?
He has been a member of Metallica, Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves, and Black Label Society.
What is the significance of the Bass of Doom in his collection?
He acts as the custodian of the 1962 fretless Jazz Bass originally played by jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius.
Achievements
- Worked as bassist and musician
