Jason Newsted Celebrates ‘Free and Clear’ Cancer Update, Reveals New ‘Clear-Headed’ Lifestyle
Last year, former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted underwent a medical procedure for throat cancer. In a recent appearance on Dean Delray’s Let There Be Talk podcast, Newsted shared the encouraging news that he is now “free and clear” of the disease, while also opening up about the profound lifestyle changes he has embraced during his recovery.
A New Chapter of Clarity
Reflecting on the timeline of his diagnosis, Newsted noted that the anniversary of his procedure is approaching. “May 8th of 2025, I underwent a procedure for throat cancer,” he explained. “They took a bunch of stuff out, and they went in with lasers. The cavern inside my head is different than it was, but we got it early. I got my ‘free and clear’ about three weeks ago. So, I beat it.”
Beyond the physical recovery, Newsted emphasized the mental and spiritual shift he has experienced. He made a conscious decision to prioritize rest—a concept he admits was foreign to him throughout his career. “I’m usually just on or off,” he said. “I promised myself I was going to take the gravity off and lay down for the right amount of hours.”
I’m usually just on or off. And so I promised myself I was gonna take the gravity off and lay down for the right amount of hours. And there’s no way, with my arrogant, spoiled ass that I would’ve stopped smoking weed, that I would’ve stopped drinking, that I would’ve stopped doing all the things. But the great spirit got my attention and said, ‘That’s not good right now, man.’ And so it pulled me off it. And so now I’m more clear-headed than I’ve been in my entire adult life. And so there’s blessings within everything. The lemonade I’m making this summer, bro — mm. Sweet. Ooh.
Returning to the Stage
With his health on the mend, Newsted is turning his attention back to music. He and the Chophouse Band—featuring Robert John-Tucker, Jesse Farnsworth, Humberto Perez, and Jimbo Hart—are preparing for their first-ever U.S. headlining tour this summer. The run, which includes both headlining dates and supporting slots for Blackberry Smoke, is a testament to his renewed energy.
“I’ve realized that this is where I can place my energy effectively now,” Newsted remarked. “The Chophouse is the continuation of my ambassadorship of American music. TCB plays everything from bluegrass to fucking slabs of metal. We’re covering a lot of ground. There could be country flavor to a song, but it’ll still have sharp teeth. We are looking forward to an exciting summer!”
The tour is set to span the month of July, bringing his diverse musical vision to audiences across the country. For fans of the legendary bassist, seeing him back in action with a clear head and a clean bill of health is the best news of the season.