Ron McGovney

Ron McGovney was Metallica's first bass player when they formed in 1981. He was replaced by Cliff Burton. After leaving/being dismissed from Metallica, McGovney was disillusioned with music and sold most of his equipment. However, several years later, he was enticed into another band called Phantasm with ex-Hirax singer Katon W. De Pena. McGovney found the label of "Metallica's first bassist" too difficult to handle, and he left Phantasm after a handful of shows.

Related Topics:
Metallica - Bass - 1981 - Cliff Burton - Hirax

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McGovney met James Hetfield in high school. They became friends through a mutual love of heavy rock, and alienation from their peers. Hetfield convinced McGovney to learn bass guitar, hired an instrument and an amplifier, and proceeded to teach McGovney. Soon, the pair moved into one of McGovney's parents' rental houses, which was due to be demolished.

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McGovney noted that his time in Metallica was not enjoyable. McGovney found himself being not only the bassist, but also the manager of the band, having to do promotion work (he was responsible for the "Power Metal" slogan that Metallica used in its early days) as well as drive the band to gigs. He believed that his efforts in the band were not appreciated, and felt insulted when the band began searching for a new bassist (Cliff Burton, later a legendary figure in heavy metal history) behind his back. McGovney eventually left Metallica after their first lead guitarist, Dave Mustaine, poured beer down the neck of his bass guitar. When McGovney turned on the amp (hooked to the bass) McGovney received an electric shock.

Related Topics:
Cliff Burton - Dave Mustaine

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McGovney recently sold most of his Metallica memorabilia on eBay, including the bass guitar he used while he played in Metallica. He was interviewed by Metallica fansite AllMetallica.com and is a member of its affiliate forum

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