March 26, 2009 23:01

Metallica to reunite with former bassist for Rock Hall induction Metallica Tickets

Jason Newsted will reportedly perform with the band at Cleveland ceremony

Photo Gallery: Metallica

Metallica's former bassist Jason Newsted will reportedly join Metallica on stage when the veteran rock band is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next month.

The band, who will be inducted by Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist Flea, said that they were inspired to reunite with their estranged bassist, who left the band in 2001, largely due to awkwardness they witnessed when Blondie were inducted in 2006.

"Jason Newsted will be there, and he will be playing with us at one point," guitarist Kirk Hammett said. "We went as a band when Black Sabbath was being inducted, and at that time Blondie was also being inducted that night. And there was so many politics and so much drama that, you know, we collectively said to each other, 'We don't want any of that,' because it kind of, it puts a really bad, sour note on the whole celebration itself."

The band are also expected to perform at the ceremony, which takes place in Cleveland on April 4, reports Blabbermouth. Metallica's current bassist, Robert Trujillo, is also expected to attend the ceremony.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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