Lars Ulrich: Jason Newsted Is an ‘Incredibly Talented Musician’

Bassist Jason Newsted's ears must be ringing, in a good way. Drummer Lars Ulrich -- Newsted's former partner in Metallica's rhythm section -- was extremely complimentary towards Newsted and recently told Australia's Triple M radio station that Metallica "did not take advantage of everything he had to give" after Newsted was summarily dismissed from the band in 2001 for wanting to branch out and do side bands when Metallica went off cycle.

Ulrich also called Newsted an "incredibly talented musician," which isn't surprising, given that he played with Metallica for two decades.