Jason Newsted opened up about a recent battle with cancer, admitting it was the closest he had ever come to death and explaining that the experience strengthened his determination to return to touring as soon as possible.

Jason Newsted recently revealed that he has received the all-clear following a battle with throat cancer.

Jason Newsted has spoken publicly about his recent battle with throat cancer, sharing details of the difficult experience after privately undergoing treatment and later receiving the all-clear.

The former Metallica bassist, who performed with the band from 1986 to 2001, revealed that he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2025. To treat the illness, he underwent laser surgery last year that involved the removal of his tonsil and several lymph nodes.

Speaking on SiriusXM with Eddie Trunk, Newsted explained that he chose to keep the diagnosis private, sharing the news only with close family members and trusted friends until he understood the outcome of his treatment. He recently confirmed that doctors declared him cancer-free earlier this year.

During his recovery, Newsted made a return to the stage in November when he joined Blackberry Smoke in Ithaca, New York, for a performance of the Black Sabbath classic “Children of the Grave.”

Now focused on moving forward, Newsted is preparing to tour again with The Chophouse Band, which is scheduled to support Blackberry Smoke later this year. He explained that committing to live performances became a personal motivation during recovery, helping him stay focused on healing and regaining strength.

Reflecting on the experience, Newsted admitted that battling cancer brought him closer to death than ever before, changing his perspective on life and making him more appreciative of the opportunities he has had. He said performing live and connecting with audiences remains the part of music he values most, far more than fame or money.