 |
| Ron McGovney |
Ron McGovney (born November 2, 1963 in Los Angeles, California) is a former American musician, best known as the original bassist in the heavy metal band Metallica.
n June 1981, McGovney formed his first band, Leather Charm, with his childhood friend and roommate James Hetfield and guitarist Hugh Tanner of Hetfield's previous band, Phantom Lord. Tanner left Leather Charm to pursue a career in music management, and the subsequent lineup of the group featured guitarist Troy James and drummer Jim Mulligan. The group rehearsed a set of New Wave of British Heavy Metal covers and original material for a period of months, but Mulligan's departure later that year led to the band's demise.
Hetfield next began Metallica, a new project with drummer Lars Ulrich, late in 1981. With the addition of McGovney and guitarist Dave Mustaine early the next year, the first gigging lineup of the band was complete. After their first performance on March 14th, the band spent 1982 accruing a local following in the Los Angeles heavy metal scene. In this time, the group recorded several demos, including one from his own garage, Power Metal, and most notably the live No Life 'Til Leather. Additionally, a recording of "Hit The Lights" with McGovney playing bass was featured on a repressing of the Metal Massacre Vol. 1 album.
McGovney's time with Metallica was reportedly tumultuous, as he often clashed with Ulrich and Mustaine. McGovney felt his role was that of monetary and transportation provider, rather than a respected member of the band. He ultimately quit on December 12, 1982 due to these growing tensions. He was replaced by Cliff Burton. After leaving Metallica, McGovney became disillusioned with playing music and sold most of his equipment.
In 1986, McGovney was persuaded to return to performing by Hirax vocalist Katon W. De Pena, and the two formed the thrash metal band Phantasm with guitarist Rodney Nicholson and several other musicians, briefly including Dark Angel drummer Gene Hoglan. Phantasm released a demo but never recorded a proper album, and disbanded in 1988 due to disagreements between members. In 2001, thrash label Deep Six Records released the Wreckage CD, packaging a remastered version of the band's demo of the same name with a live set from 1987.
McGovney is of Scottish descent. He has two sons, Justin and Tyler, who both share the same musical interest as Ron, and a daughter, Jordann. He currently resides in Marion, North Carolina.
| Birth name | Ronald McGovney |
|---|---|
| Born | November 2, 1963 Los Angeles, California |
| Genres | Heavy metal, thrash metal, speed metal |
| Occupations | Musician |
| Instruments | Bass, Guitar |
| Years active | 1981–1982, 1986–1988 |
| Associated acts | Leather Charm Metallica Phantas |
