On September 26, 1986, Metallica played at Solnahallen in Stockholm, Sweden. Little did they know it would be the final concert with their bassist, Cliff Burton.
The band’s next stop was supposed to be Copenhagen, so Metallica took the E4 highway heading toward Denmark. Just before 7 a.m., north of Ljungby, tragedy struck. According to the driver, the road was icy, which caused the bus to skid off into the shoulder. He claimed to have corrected the steering before the bus suddenly tipped over. There were no safety restraints in the sleeping compartments, so Cliff Burton was thrown out of a window, and the bus landed on top of him. He died instantly — only 24 years old. James Hetfield, however, has stated that he believes the driver was either intoxicated or fell asleep at the wheel. We will likely never know the full truth.
At the crash site in Dörarp, a memorial stone was erected in 2006 — twenty years after the accident. Since then, Metallica fans from near and far have travelled there to pay tribute to the legendary bassist. Visitors leave guitar picks, beer cans, and other small tokens. The story of what happened is told on an informational sign, and there’s even a dedicated bus stop here — even though the memorial stone is the only thing on site.
More information on where to find the memorial stone here.
Not far from the crash site, in the town of Lagan, you’ll find the Cliff Burton Museum — a small, fan-funded museum endorsed by Cliff’s father Ray Burton and the current members of Metallica. The museum has taken on the responsibility of preserving Cliff’s legacy and telling his story — from his early bands EZ-Street, Agents of Misfortune, and Trauma, to his four years with Metallica, and his death in 1986. Signed albums, rare photographs, eyewitness accounts, and the original drum kit from 1986 are among the many things on display.
More information on where to find the museum here.
After the accident, the surviving band members were first taken to the hospital before receiving a police escort to Hotel Terraza in Ljungby. There, support band Anthrax was already waiting for them. Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and James Hetfield were given rooms 401, 402, and 403. I was given room 104. I couldn’t find any physical trace of Metallica in the hotel, though I know they’ve hosted tribute bands outside in the past. Apart from missing a bit of Metallica nostalgia, my stay at Hotel Terraza was pleasant.
More information to find the hotel here.
Cliff Burton left an unforgettable mark with his truly unique bass playing, and the first three Metallica albums stand tall as pillars of metal history. Though small and for the particularly devoted, the memorial stone and museum made a deep impression. So I would recommend a visit for any Metallica fan that wants to pay their respect to Cliff Burton and his legacy.
Official webpage at www.cliffburtonmuseum.se.
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