Among non-metal fans and hard rockers alike, Metallica is undeniably a household name. But few know that their style developed much of its sophistication under the guidance of their original bassist, Cliff Burton. Born and raised in San Francisco, Burton pushed the band to new musical levels with his training, songwriting, and exceptional skills on the bass. When Cliff was killed in 1986 — the band's tour bus overturned on a Swedish mountain road — Metallica plummeted into despair and, by their own admission, never pushed the creative envelope as radically as they had done with Burton. This biography explores Cliff's background, talent, and influence — one acknowledged by musicians of all kinds.