Jason Newsted Sings Praise to Former Metallica Bandmates After 'Killer' Album Release

Jason Newsted has nothing but respect for his former Metallica bandmates.

Newsted spoke highly of Metallica and declared that he was a fan and will always be a fan of the band even after he left decades ago. To express what he feels even more, he shared his current relationship with his former bandmates in a new interview.

Jason Newsted Offers "Mad Respect" for Metallica

After Metallica released "72 Seasons," its former bassist appeared on the April 18 episode of SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" during which he was asked about the Metallica members.

According to the bassist, he had been talking to Lars Ulrich in the past few days since the drummer is interested in his art. He then revealed how much he respects Metallica and how the band sounds "killer" in its latest release.

"I'm a fan of them and they're fans of my stuff, and that's a cool thing. It's an incredible thing, actually. And I've got nothing but mad respect. That's it. That's what I've got. And I'm so fr*ckin' proud of those guys," he said.

The interviewer also asked him about his thoughts on playing Metallica's classic songs live, but he revealed they do not have a such conversation as of now.

Jason Newsted Does Not Regret Leaving Metallica

As a fan, Jason Newsted's dream came true when he became part of Metallica.

Although he had to leave Metallica years later, he said he had no regrets about it.

In 2009, Newsted told Rolling Stone that his departure was the "right thing for everyone" that he never told anyone he wanted to go back to that time.

Newsted joined the band in 1986 following Cliff Burton's death. From playing with Flotsam and Jetsam, he was tapped to become part of the band after he was recommended by Metal Blade president and CEO Brian Slagel to Metallica.

He played in six Metallica albums before he left - "...And Justice for All," "Load," "Re-Load," "S&M," "Metallica," and "Garage Inc" - and toured in over 1,000 shows.

Newsted will launch his Newsted project on May 20 at the Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He currently plays the bass and fronts the band.