Did you know Robert Trujillo was born on October 23, 1964? He has been with Metallica for over 20 years1. Trujillo didn’t just play with Metallica. He also rocked with Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves, and Ozzy Osbourne2. Before Metallica, he had a rich music career and got a million-dollar contract joining them3.
His full name is Roberto Agustín Miguel Santiago Samuel Trujillo Veracruz. He’s from Santa Monica. Trujillo has made a huge impact on rock music. Whether with Metallica or in projects like his Jaco Pastorius documentary, his mark is clear. His unique bass playing and skills shape heavy metal today3.
Key Takeaways
- Robert Trujillo has been a key member of Metallica for over 20 years1.
- He is renowned for his distinctive playing style and iconic bass skills2.
- Trujillo’s diverse music career includes stints with Suicidal Tendencies and Ozzy Osbourne2.
- He earned a million-dollar contract upon joining Metallica in 20033.
- Trujillo produced a documentary on jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius2.
Early Life
Robert Trujillo started his music path inspired by his family and culture. He grew up around different sounds that shaped his skills.
Growing Up in Santa Monica
He was born on October 23, 1964, in Santa Monica. His time there and in Culver City opened him to many music styles4. This mix of experiences helped him become the bass player he is today.
Influence of Family on His Music Taste
His mother loved soul music, sharing tunes from Marvin Gaye and James Brown with him4. His dad, a teacher and flamenco guitarist, introduced him to jazz and rock5. Together, they built the foundation for his wide-ranging music career.
His Love for Music
Robert Trujillo’s music journey started with many different kinds of music. As a child, he loved everything from soul to rock and roll. These tunes played a big role in his early musical beginnings.
Early Musical Influences
Trujillo was drawn to bands like Black Sabbath and Rush as he grew up. Their strong bass and energetic songs made him love rock and metal even more. At 19, he went to jazz school, aiming to be a studio musician but still loved metal. This mix of jazz and rock truly made his music unique. These experiences helped him become the musician he is today6.
First Musical Instrument
Trujillo’s music path changed when he got a Harmony bass from his dad’s friend. It was his first bass and it deeply shaped his style. This mix of soul, rock, and jazz pushed him to see what the bass could do. His love for rock, metal, and jazz can still be heard in his music today6.
Joining Suicidal Tendencies
Robert Trujillo became a part of Suicidal Tendencies in 1989, thanks to Rocky George. He soon became friends with Mike Muir, the band’s singer.
How He Got the Gig
Trujillo joined Suicidal Tendencies through Rocky George. They respected each other, leading to his joining. He filled Bob Heathcote’s spot with ease7. His bond with Muir also helped him in the band8.
Musical Style and Contributions
With Trujillo, Suicidal Tendencies explored new sounds. He mixed jazz, thrash, and funk brilliantly7. Playing bass, he greatly influenced albums like “Lights…Camera…Revolution!” and “The Art Of Rebellion”8.
Trujillo also performed at big events, like the 1989 tour with Anthrax8. Starting with Suicidal Tendencies, he showed his incredible talent.
Forming Infectious Grooves
In 1989, the formation of Infectious Grooves introduced a new side to Robert Trujillo’s music career. He dived into the funk metal scene. This project was a chance for him to be creative beyond his role in Suicidal Tendencies.
Collaboration with Mike Muir
Together with Mike Muir from Suicidal Tendencies, Trujillo started a new venture. This collaboration would greatly impact their music careers. The band is filled with talent. Members include Jay Weinberg on drums and Dean Pleasants on guitar. Dave Kushner, who once played for Velvet Revolver, is also part of the group9. Their first show in 2024 is already sold out, showing the band’s lasting popularity9.
Impact on His Career
The creation of Infectious Grooves greatly influenced Trujillo’s style. Venturing into funk metal gave him a new artistic path. The band plans to tour the U.S. and Australia in 2024. They will perform in many cities10119.
Talented drummers like Brooks Wackerman and Jay Weinberg have each added to the band’s sound9. Working with various artists has expanded Trujillo’s musical reach.
The band’s 2024 tour is highly awaited. Fans are excited for both classic hits and possibly new songs109. This tour proves Trujillo’s versatility and the enduring popularity of funk metal.
Playing with Ozzy Osbourne
In the late 1990s, Robert Trujillo joined the Ozzy Osbourne band. It was a big moment in heavy metal. Joining Osbourne let Trujillo dive deep into hard rock and metal, pushing his musical limits. He played with Osbourne for over seven years before joining Metallica in 200312.
While with Osbourne, Trujillo helped create the album “Down to Earth.” He co-wrote several songs, making the music lively and fresh. He also re-did bass parts for the albums “Blizzard of Ozz” and “Diary of a Madman.” There were some issues over money later on. His time with Osbourne shaped his unique style and how he performs on stage, which he carried over to Metallica.
For Trujillo, moving from a teenage fan to a member of Osbourne’s band was a dream come true13. Ozzy Osbourne liked loud, strong bass, which made Trujillo play more fiercely13. His famous “crab walk” move started when he played “Sweet Leaf” by Black Sabbath with Osbourne. He used this move later with Metallica to pump up his shows12.
Robert Trujillo also learned a lot from other bass legends while playing with Osbourne. He admired jazz fusion bassists like Stanley Clarke and Jaco Pastorius. They inspired him to push his bass playing further. This influence showed in his melodic style and how he stood out in the music scene13.
Joining Metallica
In February 2003, Robert Trujillo’s life changed greatly when he tried out for Metallica, replacing Jason Newsted. His skills and style shone during the audition, detailed in the “Metallica: Some Kind Of Monster” film. Despite challenges, Trujillo impressed everyone with his bass playing.
The Audition Process
Robert Trujillo’s tryout for Metallica was not typical. Though unprepared, he impressed Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield with his skill. He got help setting up from bass tech Zach Harmon, making sure everything was just right14.
He played tough songs like “Battery,” even with a hangover14. His commitment showed his potential to help Metallica shine on stage again15.
First Impressions of the Band
Trujillo had a great first impression of Metallica. Despite their struggles, like Hetfield’s rehab, the band stayed strong15. He admired their unity and was excited to join them14.
Metallica welcomed him with a big financial offer and a million-dollar advance15. This showed how much they valued him.
Joining Metallica wasn’t just about money. It was the start of a new chapter for Trujillo and the band161514. Together, they faced new challenges and celebrated victories, keeping Metallica at the top of the metal world.
| Album | Release Year | Robert Trujillo’s Role |
|---|---|---|
| Death Magnetic | 2008 | Bassist |
| Lulu | 2011 | Bassist |
| Hardwired… to Self-Destruct | 2016 | Bassist |
Robert Trujillo
Robert Trujillo is famed for bass playing that changed the game. In the beginning, his powerful finger-style and slap bass added to Metallica’s dynamic sound. With over 40 years in music and a history with Suicidal Tendencies before Metallica in 200345, his skill stands out.
Distinctive Playing Style
His unique style combines aggressive finger-picking with rhythmic slaps. Influenced by jazz and funk, especially Jaco Pastorius, it shows in his music. He switches between finger-style and pick-style, proving his wide-ranging skill17.
Signature Warwick Bass Models
Trujillo loves Warwick basses, notably the Streamer, for their durability under his intense play. These basses produce a deep sound that matches Metallica’s vibe. His custom five-string Warwick basses, strung with Dunlop Icon Series, define his sound on stage5.
| Bass Model | Description | Strings used |
|---|---|---|
| Warwick Streamer | Custom five-string with robust build for aggressive playing | Dunlop Icon Series |
| Fernandes Gravity | Preferred for its strong performance and versatility | Errand |
| Zon Sonus RT | Signature model reflecting Trujillo’s personal style | Ampeg Strings |
Personal Life
Off the stage, Robert Trujillo is a true family man. He juggles music with his personal life and hobbies. His family is his world, with his wife, Chloé, and their two kids.
Family and Children
Family is everything to Trujillo. He met Chloé in the early ’90s, starting their life together18. Chloé was wary at first, focused on her career and wary of past heartbreaks18. Yet, Trujillo won her over, even calling her from his surf trips in Tahiti18. Their son, Tye, plays bass for Suicidal Tendencies, keeping the music tradition alive. Through this, Trujillo shows how well he balances life and music, inspiring his family’s creativity.
Creative Projects
Trujillo’s family is deeply creative. Chloé brings art into the mix, designing a unique Aztec calendar on one of Robert’s basses19. Growing up in Paris, her artistic side was nurtured by fashion talents and an opera-singing grandad18.
Robert’s creativity isn’t just in music. He produced “Jaco” in 2012, a film about jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius19. This film highlights his admiration for musical legends. Their family embraces creativity, showing in their diverse projects.
Read more about Robert Trujillo’s life and achievements20.
Jaco Documentary
The Jaco Pastorius film springs from Robert Trujillo’s deep respect for the legendary bassist. Directed by Stephen Kijak and Paul Marchand, it was released on November 22, 2014. The film, lasting 110 minutes21, is Trujillo’s passionate homage to a major musical influence.
The Inspiration Behind the Film
Trujillo aimed to celebrate Jaco Pastorius because of his groundbreaking work with the bass guitar22. Jaco changed music with his unique bass playing. His story is told through engaging interviews with stars like Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Sting21. These interviews, along with details of Jaco’s life, show Trujillo’s commitment to his hero.
Response and Reviews
The Jaco Pastorius film received high praise. The New York Times called it “compassionate and illuminating”21. On IMDb, it scored 7.6/1023.
Decider found it “engaging and interesting,” making it a hit with music fans21. The film’s emotional depth and insight touched many, with an 8/10 review rating23.
Bassist Billy Sheehan admired the documentary but wished for more on Jaco’s unique aspects21. This feedback shows the film’s profound effect as a tribute to an extraordinary artist.
Technique and Playing Style
Robert Trujillo is known for his amazing skills on the bass. He’s dedicated to mastering bass techniques. He mainly uses his fingers to play, which suits the complex tunes he’s famous for. Trujillo can also use a pick, adding a different sound to his music. He stands out in Metallica with his unique style. He plays big chords and uses chord-based harmonics.
Finger-Style Versus Pick-Style
Trujillo’s skill in both finger-style and pick-style playing adds a lot to his sound. Using his fingers, he connects deeply with his bass, adding intricate touches to songs. This can be heard in “Moth Into Flame” and “Atlas, Rise!” from Metallica’s “Hardwired” album24. When he uses a pick, his music has a sharper, aggressive tone, showing his range.
Use of Slap Bass Technique
Trujillo also uses slap bass, adding a special touch to his style. He’s known for this technique from his time with Suicidal Tendencies and Infectious Grooves. His slap bass brought a funky feel to the bands. He occasionally brings this style to Metallica’s live shows, pleasing the fans4. His ability to mix slap bass with rock and metal shows his skill and creativity.
Trujillo looks up to bass legends like Jaco Pastorius and Geezer Butler. They’ve influenced his music career24. His respect for these musicians shows in his own bass playing. He merges their influences with his talent, making his style unique in metal music.
Learn more about boosting your music skills with this detailed guide on music techniques and tools.
To sum up, Robert Trujillo mixes finger-style and pick-style playing with slap bass techniques. This mix makes him a versatile and skilled bassist in rock and metal. He inspires musicians worldwide with his talent.
Gear and Equipment
Robert Trujillo knows his professional bass gear well. This gear shapes his sound and performance quality. He chooses his bass guitars and amplifiers with care to ensure great onstage sound.
Bass Guitars
Trujillo’s gear includes many bass guitars. He often plays the Fender Jazz Bass and the Fender Precision Bass254. A famous one is Jaco Pastorius’s “Bass of Doom”25. He also plays the Warwick Robert Trujillo Streamer Signature Bass, Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Bass, and the Nash Flamethrower Bass. This was seen during “The Call of Ktulu”25. His diverse guitars help him get different sounds onstage.
Amplification Systems
Trujillo uses Ampeg amplifiers for his sound. He likes the Ampeg SVT-CL Classic and the Ampeg SVT-2 Pro Head25. These amplifiers help him produce clear and strong sound during live shows. He chooses Ampeg for its quality sound, which is important for his performances4.
Effects and Pedal Board
Trujillo’s pedal board is filled with effects pedals. He uses the Dunlop Cry Baby 105Q Bass Wah Pedal, MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive, and Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI4. These effects let him change his sound in many ways. He also uses the Electro Harmonix Q-Tron and Boss OC-2 Octave Pedal. This makes his sound dynamic and versatile during shows4.
Notable Discography
Robert Trujillo has worked with many artists and bands. His music has touched various genres. Here are some top points in his discography with Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves, and Metallica.
With Suicidal Tendencies
Trujillo’s time with Suicidal Tendencies was a key part of his career. He was part of successful albums that got critical praise. The band released fourteen albums. Their sixth album, The Art of Rebellion (1992), hit number 52 on the Billboard 20026.
Albums like Controlled by Hatred/Feel Like Shit… Déjà Vu (1989) and Lights…Camera…Revolution! (1990) went gold. This showed their big impact26. They kept making influential songs, like the EP Get Your Fight On! and Still Cyco Punk After All These Years in 201826.
With Infectious Grooves
Trujillo helped start Infectious Grooves with Mike Muir. This let him dive into a funk metal style. He played on many albums that showed off his varied bass skills. The band blended funk, metal, and rock. This made Trujillo known for his wide-reaching talents.
With Metallica
Joining Metallica, Trujillo was part of big album releases. Metallica has sold more than 125 million albums globally27. Their eleventh album, Hardwired… to Self-Destruct (2016), hit number one on the Billboard 20027.
Trujillo’s bass lines were key to these albums’ success. The band’s fifth album is the top-selling album of the SoundScan era. It sold over 16 million in the US27.
Trujillo’s work with Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves, and Metallica shows his major impact on music. His discography highlights his skill and creativity. He stands out in rock and metal music.
Live Performances
Robert Trujillo shines on stage, captivating audiences no matter the venue size. His energy and stage presence are undeniable when he performs with Metallica. He brings each concert to life with electric and raw energy. Fans remember these shows fondly. On October 26, 2023, Trujillo joined Suicidal Tendencies for a memorable show in Mexico City. This highlights his lasting impact and love for thrilling live shows28.
Memorable Concerts
Since joining Metallica in 2003, Trujillo has boosted the band’s stage energy. His powerful bass playing and lively performances have become essential. A major career milestone was getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Metallica in 2009. This event showcased his significant contribution to music4.
Stage Presence and Interaction
Trujillo’s interaction with audiences and band members enhances Metallica’s concerts. His experience with Ozzy Osbourne and Suicidal Tendencies adds depth to his performances4. His son, Tye, also tours with Suicidal Tendencies, continuing the family’s musical legacy28. Trujillo’s talent in engaging the crowd makes every show unforgettable and full of energy.
