TEAR. RAY BURTON, FATHER OF METALLICA LEGEND CLIFF BURTON, DIES AT 94
Ray Burton, father of late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton, died at the age of 94. Ray was a cherished member of the Metallica family, helping to preserve his son’s legacy over the years.
Ray’s death was announced by his daughter – and Cliff’s sister – Connie, who wrote on social media on Sunday: “To let you know my father died last Wednesday. Rest in peace.”
Cliff Burton died on September 27, 1986, when the Metallica tourist bus crashed in Sweden. Cliff had played on Metallica’s first three albums – Kill ‘Em All, Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets – all considered metallic masterpieces.
Ray used part of the royalties he received from Cliff’s work at Metallica to fund an annual music scholarship to Cliff High School. In an interview with Alphabetallica in 2017 ((via Blabbermouth), he said: “One of the things that I collect royalties, I give a scholarship to the high school where he went, Castro Valley High School, for music. The kids who won, they write and thank me invariably. And I think Cliff probably would have done it with his money, because he was not against education by any means. He liked it a lot. “
In a promotional video for the 2016 book Metallica: Back to the Front, drummer Lars Ulrich said, “Ray survived all of these experiences with a smile on his face, and every time he walks into a room behind the scenes from Metallica or here (Metallica headquarters) or any other place where we are lucky to see it, it still has this incredible positive energy. “
Singer James Hetfield added, “When I grow up I want to be Ray Burton. He’s so inspiring. His energy, his love of life, it’s very attractive to me, because I’m mostly on the other side of the battery. But it makes me smile. “
Ray spoke on behalf of Cliff when Metallica was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. Just three weeks ago, Cliff posted a holiday video on Instagram, standing in front of a Christmas tree, and holding the book The ABCs of Metallica. This video, along with his introductory speech at Rock Hall, can be seen below.
Source:technoea.com
