Ron McGovney facts for kids

Ronald J. McGovney, born on November 2, 1963, is an American musician. He is best known as the very first bass guitarist for the famous band Metallica. He played with them from October 1981 to December 1982.

Before joining Metallica, Ron played with guitarist James Hetfield in a band called Leather Charm. Ron was a part of Metallica during their first year of performing live. He also appeared on their early demo recordings before he left the band in late 1982. After taking a break from music, he joined another band called Phantasm. Years later, he even played with Metallica again at their 30th anniversary concert.

Ron's Musical Journey

Starting with Leather Charm and Metallica

In June 1981, Ron McGovney started his first band, Leather Charm. He formed it with his childhood friend James Hetfield and guitarist Hugh Tanner. Tanner later left the band, and Troy James became the guitarist with Jim Mulligan on drums. The group practiced many songs, including some of their own. However, Jim Mulligan left, and the band ended.

James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich then started a new music project called Metallica in October 1981. Ron McGovney joined them, along with guitarist Dave Mustaine, in early 1982. This completed the first group of musicians for Metallica's live shows.

After their first performance on March 14, 1982, the band spent that year practicing a lot. They rehearsed in a property owned by Ron's parents near the 605 freeway. They also started to become popular in the heavy metal music scene in Los Angeles and Orange County. During this time, they recorded several early demo tapes. One of their songs, "Hit the Lights", which featured Ron playing bass, was included on an early album called Metal Massacre Vol. 1.

Ron's time in Metallica was sometimes difficult. He often had disagreements with Lars Ulrich and Dave Mustaine. He felt that he was mostly helping the band with money and transportation, rather than being seen as an important member. Because of these growing tensions, he decided to leave the band on December 10, 1982. He was then replaced by Cliff Burton. After leaving Metallica, Ron lost interest in playing music for a while and sold most of his instruments.

Playing with Phantasm

In 1986, a singer named Katon W. De Pena convinced Ron McGovney to start playing music again. They formed a thrash metal band called Phantasm. Other musicians joined them, including guitarist Rodney Nicholson. The band released a demo recording, but they never recorded a full album. Phantasm broke up in 1988 because the members had disagreements. Later, in 2001, a music label released a CD called Wreckage. It included a better-sounding version of the band's demo and a live performance from 1987.

Later Activities and Reunions

After Phantasm ended, Ron McGovney stopped his music career. However, he sometimes gave interviews and attended events related to Metallica. There was talk of Phantasm getting back together in 2007, but it did not happen.

Ron performed live for the first time in 23 years on December 10, 2011. He played two songs, "Hit the Lights" and "Seek & Destroy", with Metallica. Dave Mustaine and early studio guitarist Lloyd Grant also joined them on stage. This performance was part of Metallica's 30th-anniversary celebrations at The Fillmore. Two years later, on December 5, 2013, he joined Dave Mustaine's band Megadeth on stage in Charlotte, North Carolina. He sang lead vocals on a cover song called "Cold Sweat" by Thin Lizzy.

Ron McGovney has mentioned that even though his time in Metallica ended with some arguments, he now gets along well with his former bandmates. He believes that, given his personality and skills, he might have been more helpful to the band as a road manager instead of a bass guitarist.

See also

In Spanish: Ron McGovney para niños