There are many reasons why Jason Newsted is one of the greatest bassists of all time.  Beyond his talent, there’s his honesty.  Newsted is someone who is going to shoot straight, no matter what the question may be.  For instance, in 2002, Newsted was asked if, as a heavy metal fan, he would have bought Metallica’s 1997 album, Reload.

Newsted, who had left Metallica the previous year, replied, “Not if I heard ‘The Memory Remains‘ first.”

The Memory Remains might not be Metallica’s song.  Newsted was definitely right about that.  But it does have a memorable video, one that shows that, once the band broke their previous “no videos” stance, they quickly figured out how to use the format to their advantage.

This video was shot at the Van Nuys Airport and it had a budget of $400,000.  The room that they are performing in was actually a constructed box.  The room moved while the band remained stationary on a platform, which created the impression of the band playing while on a giant swing.  Marianne Faithfull adds her vocals as well.

Enjoy!