Today (September 27th) marks 27 years since Metallica bassist Cliff Burton was killed in a bus accident while the band was on tour. One year after his death, the band paid tribute to Burton by releasing their first video 'Cliff 'Em All' which you can watch in it's entirety.

In my opinion, there has been no better bassist for Metallica. Don't get me wrong, Jason Newsted and Robert Trujillo are great bassists as well. But, it was Cliff Burton that really gave Metallica that sound that us longtime fans know and love. He played a huge part in the success of the (now classic) albums 'Kill 'Em All', 'Master of Puppets', and 'Ride The Lightning'. And, without his writing skills and drive, it's safe to say that Metallica might not be the band they are today without him.

Sadly, like many musicians before and after him, Cliff Burton was gone at way too early of an age. But, instead of reflecting on his death, let's reflect on the life he breathed into one of the greatest metal bands of our time.

RIP Cliff Burton (February 10, 1962 - September 27, 1986)

More From Rock 108