Reasons of leaving Metallica by Jason Newsted AtV January 15, 2014 News Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted, now with his new project Newsted, was recently interviewed by Scuzz TV in the UK and was asked about his exit from the band more than ten years ago. He finally opened up and revealed previously untold details surrounding his departure. While the band was filming a retrospective for The Black Album, Newsted offered copies of the new Echobrain record to everybody in the band and friends. James then reprimanded Newsted and he decided it was time to move on. Newsted announced that he was leaving Metallica in 2001. At the time, he vaguely cited “private and personal reasons and the physical damage I have done to myself over the years while playing the music that I love.” The Metallica part begins around the 30-minute mark.