Ray Burton, Father Of Cliff Burton, Dies At 94

Ray Burton – father of late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton – has passed away aged 94.

The announcement was made on Sunday by Ray's daughter, and Cliff's sister, Connie Burton.

"To let you all know that my Dad died last Wednesday. Rest in peace 🙏❣️💔 Dad.," read the Facebook post.

Metallica each posted individual statements about Ray on the band website, along with a joint statement that said: "It is with incredible sorrow that we said farewell to Cliff’s dad Ray Burton last week. For 38 years, we were lucky enough to have the energy, wisdom and light of Ray in our lives. His eternal youth with his drive, positivity and relentless smile were both incredibly powerful and stirringly honest.

READ THIS: Why I will always love Cliff Burton

"From coast to coast and overseas too, Ray’s beaming face would regularly greet us, offering warmth and anchor to our travels, and when it came to the entire Metallica family, band, crew and fans, he viewed us all as his own. That he has passed away leaves an indefinable feeling of sadness and loss, but equally, we know Ray wouldn’t want us 'moping around on our darn keisters' for too long.

"So, in honor of him, and the kind of man he was, we also want to truly celebrate the 94 years of life Ray gave everyone, knowing in certainty that a glint of his light, wisdom and energy will always be with us all wherever we go."

Sharing a post on Instagram of himself with Ray, Kirk Hammett simply wrote: "Lots of love Ray, may you finally be with Cliff and Jan."

Following the death of his son in 1986, Ray remained involved with the Metallica family, giving his support to numerous events and honouring his son's legacy – from Cliff Burton Day to attending S&M2 in San Francisco, watching a symphony perform Cliff's iconic Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth).

Cliff also attended Metallica's epic headline show at Twickenham Stadium last year, and attended Kerrang!'s Hardwired… And Early Dayz exhibition during the summer.

Last year he paid tribute to Cliff and reminisce about his musical history, which you can watch below.

Kerrang! would like to send our condolences to Ray's family and friends at this sad time.

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