Metallica and Jason Newsted May Collaborate on New Project

Jason Newsted has hinted that he may collaborate with his former bandmates in Metallica on a new mystery project.

During a recent interview with Eddie Trunk, Newsted praised the band’s new single, “Hardwired,” and then dropped this little bomb:

“I’ve got a call with Lars coming up on Thursday here. I’ve been talking to him every couple of weeks.”

When Trunk asked Newsted if the call’s purpose was related to business, friendship, or a collaboration of some sort, Newsted replied,  “All those three.”

Needless to say, Newsted declined to elaborate. But with his recent declaration that he’s done making metal as a result of not being able to play “heavier and faster” than he once could, we have to assume that whatever the Newsted/Metallica project is, it will be on the more mellow side. Hey, as long it’s better than Lulu, it can be a hip-hop record for all I care.

Newsted left Metallica in 2001, after James Hetfield allegedly threatened to fire him if he pursued his then-side project, Echobrain. He and the other members of the band have since kissed and made up: Newsted appeared with the, at both their Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame induction (above) and thirtieth anniversary celebration.

More details on this new team-up if/when we ever get ’em.

[via]