Anesthesia
Metallica
Victor (
Aruba
)
The Bass Solo in ‘Anesthesia’ by Metallica – Victor’s goosebump moment
“Hello! I’m Victor from Aruba, and my goosebump moment is the first time I heard a bass guitar solo. I’ve always liked music, and rock, heavy metal, funk, all that stuff. I really liked it, but I had never really paid attention to the bass until I heard ‘Anesthesia’ by Metallica. That is just an amazing bass solo, I heard it for the first time and I was just enchanted by it. So much so that I decided, right when I listened to the song, I decided that I wanted to learn how to play it even though I didn’t have a bass guitar. I didn’t have a lot of money at the time so I had to save up money for it, and I eventually bought a bass guitar, and that is the first song that I started practicing. I started learning how to play it, and after countless hours of practice, I managed to learn how to play that song and many other songs, also. But it all started with the song ‘Anesthesia’ by Metallica.”
Metallica’s ‘Anesthesia’: A Timeless Classic
Metallica’s classic song ‘Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)’ has been a fan favorite since its release in 1983. Written by bassist Cliff Burton, the song is an instrumental piece that serves as the opening track for Metallica’s debut album, ‘Kill ‘Em All’.
The song is known for its complex basslines and intense drumming, which makes it a unique stand-alone track in Metallica’s catalog. It was actually the first Metallica song to feature Burton on lead bass.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, guitarist Kirk Hammett recalled how Burton came up with the title of the song: “He said he wanted it to be called ‘Anesthesia’ because he felt like he was being numbed by all of us,” Hammett said.
A Song That Resonates with Fans Around the World
‘Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)’ has become one of Metallica’s most iconic songs and one of the most recognizable metal instrumentals ever recorded. The song has been covered by numerous bands and featured in films, television shows, and video games. It even made its way into Broadway musicals such as ‘Rock of Ages’ and ‘Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark’.
In a 2018 interview with Rolling Stone, drummer Lars Ulrich described ‘Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)’ as “the ultimate Cliff Burton moment” and explained why it remains so beloved among fans decades later: “It’s just got this amazing presence — a little sinister but also kind of beautiful at the same time.”
The legacy of ‘Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)’ continues to grow each year, making it one of Metallica’s timeless classics that will never go out of style. With its unforgettable riffs and powerful basslines, this song stands as a testament to Burton’s genius and influence on heavy metal music forevermore.
Metallica’s ‘Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)’ remains one of their most beloved songs 33 years after its release due to its unique blend of hard rock energy and progressive musicianship. Its place in music history is solidified as both an influence on modern metal bands and as an enduring classic that stands the test of time.
More about Metallica’s ‘Anesthesia’ song:
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