by David Ellefson recently shared his perspective on Metallica’s early sound, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of the band’s first bassist in a statement featured on Alternative Nation.
The former Megadeth bassist reflected on his first exposure to Metallica’s music through the No Life ’til Leather demo. The demo featured Ron McGovney on bass before Cliff Burton joined the band.
“Ron McGovney is the first bass player I heard with Metallica,” Ellefson said. “Because knowing Dave in June of 1983, he was literally six weeks out of Metallica. And the first Metallica music I heard was the No Life ’til Leather demo in his apartment. And when I heard it, it was so heavy and eerie and just daunting and yet vicious and had real teeth to it.”
Ellefson explained what made McGovney’s playing style particularly effective for the band’s early sound.
“Ron, to me, had this mentality like Ian Hill of Judas Priest, Cliff Williams of AC/DC – where he had these simple basslines, but they were effective because they really laid the floor and the groundwork for these big riffs and the vocals to come out on top of it,” he continued. “It’s almost like a self-sacrifice, right? You sort of sacrifice your own fingerboard acrobatics on the bass for the betterment of the song.”
The bassist emphasized his enduring appreciation for McGovney’s work on that early demo.
“I would argue it’s still some of my favorite Metallica music, probably because it’s the first one,” Ellefson said. “Ron McGovney has a special spot in my heart, because in my opinion, he is the original Metallica bass player, and he’s the OG. So, I have a real affinity for how he played and how he recorded those songs.”
Ellefson’s praise highlights McGovney’s foundational role during a critical period in Metallica’s history that often goes unrecognized in the band’s larger narrative.
Riff Life reported that Ron McGovney was Metallica’s original bassist during their formative year of 1982 and played on their foundational No Life ’til Leather demo. Though his tenure was brief, lasting only until late 1982, he contributed to early rehearsals, performances, and demos that shaped Metallica’s initial sound. His work helped them gain recognition in the underground metal scene.
McGovney’s contributions to the band extended far beyond his bass playing. Metalic Fury noted that McGovney provided essential support in Metallica’s early days by hosting rehearsals in his garage, supplying sound equipment, and financially supporting the band’s early activities. This backing helped Metallica survive and develop during their critical infancy period, adding a structural foundation to their music and growth.
The No Life ’til Leather demo that Ellefson praised proved to be a pivotal moment in metal history. Riff Life highlighted that the demo featuring McGovney’s bass work was pivotal in Metallica’s rise. It served as their first widely circulated recording that captured the raw energy and style that would define thrash metal. Though McGovney was not technically the most advanced bassist, his style and presence on the demo helped crystallize the band’s early sound. Future members and bassists built upon this foundation.
McGovney was replaced by Cliff Burton in late 1982, before Metallica recorded their debut album Kill ‘Em All in 1983. While Burton’s technical prowess and innovative playing style would become legendary, McGovney’s straightforward, foundational approach laid the groundwork for what Metallica would become.
