Newsted Rock New York City Fans With New Songs and a Metallica Classic

There was no shortage of Metallica t-shirts at New York City's Highline Ballroom last night (May 21) as the band's former bassist Jason Newsted made a stop in the Big Apple with his latest project, the aptly titled Newsted. From debuting brand new music to playing some fan favorites, Newsted rocked the city and set high expectations for his band's first studio album, set to be released sometime this fall.

Being very humble and appreciative to the crowd, it was apparent that Newsted was on cloud nine as he and the band tore through metal tune after metal tune. Having only released four songs to the public in the form of an EP, it was amazing to see how engaged the audience was with the show. Newsted's performance proves the power of metal: you don't have to know the song or the lyrics to still feel the urge to throw the horns up in the air and bang your head.

Even though the bulk of the set consisted of unreleased songs, Newsted did play a few things every single person in attendance recognized, including a 'Creeping Death' breakdown between tunes as well as the beautiful, yet eerie intro of 'My Friend of Misery.' The highlight of the night came when Newsted and crew exploded into their rendition of Metallica's classic thrash anthem 'Whiplash.' About halfway through, an over-energetic fan found his way onstage. In an attempt to jump back into the crowd, the fan shoved Newsted out into the crowd, bass and all. As Newsted climbed back onto the stage, he stopped his band and asked the crowd if they got a good look at the guy who pushed him. Assured that his fans would "take care of it," the band tore right back into 'Whiplash' without missing a single beat.

The energy onstage was extremely high, no doubt thanks to new guitarist Mike Mushok of Staind. Having only been with the band for a few months, it felt as though he was proving to the crowd that this was anything but a hobby or side-project. The chemistry was concrete and the intensity was brutal.

With some more club shows left on his tour schedule, as well as a string of European dates and a run with the Gigantour tour this summer, don't miss out on seeing Newsted live. If you're looking for genuine, authentic metal in its purest form, look no further.

Pictures of Newsted at the Highline Ballroom in New York City - May 21, 2013